FOI & EIRs Training Courses

The UK’s leading provider of Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) training courses, delivering expert-led learning that equips organisations with the practical skills needed to achieve and maintain compliance.

Our Upcoming FOI & EIRs Training Courses

FOI Practical Training – Level 1 (Essential Knowledge)

FOI Practical Training – Level 2 (Applying the Exemptions)

FOI & Data Protection – How They Work Together

Understanding the Environmental Information Regulations

How Can I Become a Qualified FOI Practitioner?

PDP Training offers a structured Qualification Programme designed for professionals responsible for Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) compliance. The programme equips learners with the practical knowledge and confidence to manage information requests effectively, apply exemptions and exceptions appropriately, advise stakeholders, and support organisational transparency and compliance.

Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (PC.foi.)

The PC.foi. is a practical qualification for professionals responsible for managing FOI and EIR compliance within their organisation. The programme equips candidates with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to handle information requests effectively, apply exemptions and exceptions appropriately, conduct internal reviews, and support a culture of transparency and accountability.

Designed for FOI Officers, Information Governance professionals, Compliance Managers, Records Managers, Risk professionals, legal advisers, and others with responsibility for information rights compliance, the qualification combines a detailed understanding of FOIA and EIR legislation with practical guidance on applying the law in real-world situations.

Through the qualification, candidates develop the expertise required to navigate complex disclosure decisions, manage regulatory expectations, and ensure information requests are handled consistently and lawfully. Achieving the widely-recognised FOI qualification can help professionals strengthen their credibility, demonstrate practitioner-level competence, support career progression within Information Governance, Compliance, Risk, and Public Sector roles, and provide employers with confidence that they possess the knowledge required to manage information rights obligations effectively.

Practical Learning That Can be Applied Immediately

This unique combination of subject matter expertise, practical experience, and engaging delivery ensures that every training session provides meaningful value beyond the classroom, equipping delegates with knowledge and skills that can be applied confidently within their professional roles.

Through practical exercises, current regulatory developments, and real-life information rights scenarios, delegates gain valuable insights from experienced practitioners who understand both the legal framework and the operational challenges of managing information requests effectively.

About Our FOI & EIRs Training Courses

Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) compliance requires more than an understanding of legislation. It requires the ability to apply information access rights effectively, manage requests efficiently, and promote transparency across an organisation.

PDP is the UK’s leading provider of practical FOI and EIR training courses and qualifications, covering request handling, exemptions and exceptions, internal reviews, publication schemes, records management, compliance, governance, and information rights.

Delivered by specialist legal professionals, including FOI and information rights experts, PDP’s training focuses on the practical application of legislation rather than theory alone. Learners gain the knowledge and confidence needed to respond to requests, manage compliance risks, and meet statutory obligations in real-world situations.

Training courses are delivered through 4-5 hours of interactive face-to-face teaching when attended via Classroom or Virtual-LIVE (Microsoft Teams). Each training course also includes interactive group work and discussions to reinforce the topics covered during the session. Classroom delegates also benefit from a fully inclusive learning experience, including breakfast pastries on arrival, a sit-down lunch, and refreshments available throughout the day.

Training is available through Classroom, Virtual-LIVE (Microsoft Teams), and eLearning formats, providing flexible learning options for individuals and organisations. Interactive teaching, practical exercises, and real-world case studies ensure delegates can apply their learning immediately within the workplace.

From Freedom of Information Essentials and FOI Request Handling to Environmental Information Regulations, Exemptions and Exceptions, Internal Reviews, Publication Schemes, and Records Management, PDP Training provides learning solutions that support every stage of an organisation’s FOI and EIR compliance journey.

Why Is FOI & EIR Training Important?

Every organisation subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) or Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR) has a responsibility to provide access to information lawfully, transparently, and within statutory timescales. With growing public expectations of transparency and increasing regulatory scrutiny, organisations cannot afford to overlook FOI and EIR training.

Effective FOI and EIR training helps employees understand their responsibilities when handling information requests and reduces the risk of non-compliance. It enables staff to recognise valid requests, apply exemptions and exceptions appropriately, manage disclosure decisions, and respond confidently to complex information rights issues.

Failure to educate employees on FOI and EIR obligations can result in complaints, regulatory intervention, reputational damage, and a loss of public confidence. By investing in ongoing FOI and EIR training, organisations create a culture of openness, accountability, and compliance while ensuring information requests are managed efficiently and in accordance with legal requirements.

Dedicated In-House Training For Organisations

For organisations seeking a closed training environment, PDP Training delivers dedicated In-House FOI and EIR programmes aligned to your operational, regulatory, and compliance requirements. Every Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations course can be delivered as an off-the-shelf solution for your team, either at your premises, at a venue of your choice, or virtually via Microsoft Teams. Where organisations have specific learning objectives, existing courses can be tailored to create a bespoke training solution that reflects your policies, procedures, sector challenges, and information governance priorities.

In-House Training provides a cost-effective way to train multiple employees whilst giving your team dedicated access to a specialist trainer who can confidentially address organisation-specific questions and provide practical guidance on handling FOI requests, applying exemptions and exceptions, managing internal reviews, and meeting statutory obligations under FOIA and EIR.

Who Are These Courses Suitable For?

PDP Training’s Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) courses are designed for professionals at every stage of their information rights and compliance journey, from those requiring a basic understanding of FOI and EIR obligations through to experienced practitioners responsible for managing complex information requests and compliance programmes.

Training is suitable for employees, managers, specialists, and senior decision-makers alike, including FOI Officers, Information Governance professionals, Compliance Managers, Records Managers, Risk and Governance professionals, legal teams, customer service teams, policy officers, NHS staff, housing professionals, education sector personnel, environmental specialists, and organisational leaders responsible for responding to information requests.

Whether your objective is to develop a foundational understanding of Freedom of Information and Environmental Information Regulations, improve your organisation’s compliance capability, or advance your expertise in information rights management, PDP Training provides a structured range of courses and Qualification Programmes to support professional development at every stage.

From introductory awareness training to advanced FOI request handling, exemptions and exceptions, internal reviews, and EIR compliance, learners gain practical knowledge that can be applied immediately to support transparency, accountability, and effective information governance within their organisation.

Why Choose PDP Training For FOI & EIR Training?

As the UK’s leading provider of Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) training courses and qualifications, PDP Training helps professionals and organisations develop the practical knowledge, confidence, and expertise needed to meet their information rights obligations and promote transparency, accountability, and compliance.

The UK's Most Comprehensive FOI & EIR Training Portfolio

From Freedom of Information Essential Knowledge courses through to specialist topics such as Freedom of Information and Data Protection, Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), FOI Request Handling, Exemptions and Exceptions, Internal Reviews, Records Management, Information Governance, and Publication Schemes, PDP Training offers one of the UK’s most comprehensive portfolios of FOI, EIR, information governance, and records management training courses.

Qualifications That Support Professional Growth

Through the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (PC.foi.), learners develop recognised expertise in information rights legislation and demonstrate their commitment to professional development. The qualification helps individuals strengthen their professional credibility, support career progression, and contribute more effectively to organisational compliance and transparency objectives.

Practical Learning, Applied Immediately

Training is designed to bridge the gap between legislation and practice. Through practical examples, case studies, and real-world scenarios, delegates develop a clear understanding of how FOI and EIR requirements apply within day-to-day organisational environments, helping to improve request handling, reduce compliance risks, and support sound decision-making.

Do I Need Any Prior Legal Knowledge To Take These Courses?

There are no formal entry requirements for PDP Training courses, making them accessible to professionals at all stages of their careers.

While most courses do not require any prior knowledge or experience, some specialist and advanced courses may recommend a basic understanding of relevant subject areas. Where this applies, the course description will clearly identify any recommended prerequisite training to help delegates choose the most appropriate learning pathway.

In many cases, PDP offers a corresponding Fundamentals or Essential Knowledge course that can be attended first, providing the foundation needed to gain maximum benefit from more advanced or specialist training. This approach ensures delegates can progress their knowledge and skills with confidence, regardless of their starting point.

What’s The Difference Between FOI and EIR Training

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) both give people rights to access information held by public authorities. However, they apply to different types of information and have different rules for disclosure.

FOI covers most recorded information held by public authorities, from policies and contracts to spending and decision-making records. PDP’s FOI Practical Training Level 1 introduces the fundamentals of FOI compliance, while FOI Practical Training Level 2 focuses on applying exemptions and making disclosure decisions.

EIR applies specifically to environmental information, including topics such as planning, land use, pollution, waste, energy, transport, sustainability, and climate change. Although similar to FOI, EIR has its own exceptions and a stronger presumption in favour of disclosure.

Do I Need Both FOI and EIR Training?

If you handle information requests, understanding FOI is essential. However, if your organisation deals with environmental matters, planning, property, infrastructure, sustainability, or environmental health, EIR training is also highly recommended.

You may be interested in:

FOI Practical Training – Level 1 (Essential Knowledge)
FOI Practical Training – Level 2 (Applying the Exemptions)
Understanding the Environmental Information Regulations
Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (PC.foi.)

Will I Learn How To Refuse A Request?

Yes. Refusing a request lawfully is a key part of both FOI and EIR compliance. FOI Practical Training Level 1 introduces the circumstances in which a request may be refused and provides an overview of the main exemptions.

For a more detailed understanding, FOI Practical Training Level 2: Applying the Exemptions is dedicated to this topic. The course explores how to apply exemptions correctly, carry out public interest tests, justify disclosure decisions, and draft compliant refusal notices.

PDP’s EIR training covers the equivalent exceptions under the Environmental Information Regulations and explains how they differ from FOI exemptions.

Together, these courses provide the knowledge and confidence to determine when information can be withheld, when it must be disclosed, and how to communicate your decisions clearly and lawfully.

Do the Courses Cover How To Handle Excessively Large Requests?

Yes. Both FOI Practical Training Level 1 and FOI Practical Training Level 2: Applying the Exemptions cover situations where a request is particularly large, complex, or resource-intensive.

You’ll learn about the provisions available under FOI for dealing with requests that would exceed the appropriate cost limit, as well as how to provide advice and assistance to help applicants refine their requests where appropriate.

FOI Practical Training Level 2 explores these issues in greater depth, including the practical application of exemptions and other mechanisms available when responding to burdensome or complex requests.

PDP’s EIR training also examines how excessively large environmental information requests can be managed under the Environmental Information Regulations, including the different legal considerations that apply.

By the end of the training, you’ll understand how to assess large requests, apply the relevant provisions correctly, and respond in a way that is both lawful and proportionate.

What’s the Difference Between Classroom, Virtual, and eLearning?

PDP Training offers flexible learning options to suit different learning styles, locations, and schedules.

Classroom Training is delivered face-to-face at professional training venues, providing the opportunity to learn directly from the trainer, participate in group discussions, ask questions, and network with other delegates.

Virtual Classroom Training mirrors the classroom experience and is delivered live via Microsoft Teams. Using technology such as breakout rooms, polls, shared whiteboards, and interactive discussions, delegates can engage with the trainer and fellow attendees in real time while learning from the convenience of their home or workplace.

eLearning allows delegates to learn at their own pace, at a time and place that suits them. This flexible format is ideal for those who prefer self-directed learning or need to fit training around work and other commitments.

Whichever format you choose, PDP’s training is highly practical, regularly updated to reflect the latest legislation, guidance, and industry developments, and designed to provide knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Can We Book Training For A Private Group or Team?

For organisations seeking a closed training environment, PDP Training delivers dedicated In-House Programmes aligned to your operational, regulatory, and compliance requirements. FOI and EIRs training courses can be delivered as an off-the-shelf solution for your team, either at your premises, at a venue of your choice, or virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Where organisations have specific learning objectives, existing courses can also be tailored to create a bespoke training solution that reflects your policies, procedures, industry challenges, and compliance priorities. In-House Programmes provide a cost-effective way to train multiple employees whilst giving your team dedicated access to a PDP trainer who can confidentially address organisation-specific questions and deliver practical guidance that supports meaningful compliance outcomes.