Correctly identifying and applying the exemptions to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act is one of the main legal and practical challenges that public authorities face on a daily basis.
This interactive workshop focuses entirely on the FOI exemptions in Part 2 of the Act. Using case studies, recent cases and ICO guidance, the course tutor examines each exemption in turn, with particular emphasis on the most widely used exemptions including Section 21, 36, 40, 41 and 43. We will also examine what makes a good Refusal Notice.This is an intermediate workshop primarily aimed at people who have some experience of handling FOI requests but wish to enhance and develop their knowledge of the exemptions and how to apply them in practice.
Alongside the tutor's expert knowledge of the FOI, the case studies and exercises will enhance your knowledge of the FOI exemptions.
Key Topics
- The types of exemption; absolute and qualified
- Prejudice based exemptions-how do they work in practice?
- Qualified exemptions- how to do a Public Interest Test
- Requests involving personal data
- Administrative exemptions
- National Security, Public Safety exemptions
- Justice exemptions
- Communications within and between institutions
- Commercial Confidentiality exemptions
- The EIR exemption
- Neither confirm nor deny responses
- Drafting a Refusal Notice
- Internal Reviews and Enforcement
Event Information
| Event Date | 07-08-2026 10:00 am |
| Individual Price | From £449 plus VAT |
| Location | Online (live) |
07-05-2026 10:00 am
Online (live)
08-05-2026
London
11-05-2026
London
11-05-2026 10:00 am
Online (live)
14-05-2026
Online (live)
14-05-2026
London
14-05-2026 4:00 pm
Online (live)
18-05-2026 9:00 am
Online (live)
19-05-2026
Online (live)
21-05-2026
Online (live)
Register for event alerts
On demand webinars
Animal Welfare and Wildlife Protection in Planning Law
Marcia Hyde & Carol Day of Leigh Day discuss planning case law and impact on animal welfare.
Family Law Week Webinar - Financial Remedies Update
In this webinar for Family Law Week, Siân Smith explores the most recent developments in financial remedies case law and procedure over the last 12 months.
Putting Children First: the Evolving Role of the Family Law Professional
In our latest webinar Sian Smith & Anne Dillon of 42BR, who were joined by Helen Adam of Wells Family Mediation explore the survey results and recommendations set out in the Family Solutions Group’s latest report, ‘Putting Children First’.
Lessons learned in 2025 - a public law update
To continue our current family law webinar series, Anne-Marie provides an overview of the key case law arising in 2025 which will inform practice in 2026.
The A to Z of Housing Discrimination Case Law - Akerman-Livingstone v Aster
Iris Ferber KC and Karolina Zielinska start at “A”: Akerman-Livingstone v Aster Communities, heard by the Supreme Court in 2015.
The A to Z of Housing Discrimination Case Law: Paragon Housing v Neville
Iris Ferber KC and Peter Jolley discuss Paragon Asra Housing v Neville, heard by the Court of Appeal in 2018.
The A to Z of Housing Discrimination Case Law: Nightingale v Bromford Housing
Iris Ferber KC and Natalie Foster discuss Nightingale v Bromford Housing, heard by the High Court in 2024.
The A to Z of Housing Discrimination Case Law: Laidley v Metropolitan Housing Trust
Iris Ferber KC and Matthew Timm discuss Laidley v Metropolitan Housing Trust, heard by the Court of Appeal in 2025: an important case about Equality Act assessors.










