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 | 08-12-2026 10:00 am |
| Individual Price | From £449 plus VAT |
| Location | Online (live) |
09-11-2026
Online (live)
10-11-2026 10:00 am
Online (live)
10-11-2026 12:00 pm
Online (live)
12-11-2026 12:00 pm
Online (live)
16-11-2026
Online (live)
16-11-2026 9:00 am
Online (live)
17-11-2026
Online (live)
17-11-2026
Online (live)
17-11-2026 10:00 am
Online (live)
17-11-2026 12:00 pm
Online (live)
Children's Rights Conference 2026 - Falling Through the Cracks: Promoting Universal Children’s Rights - LAG
18-11-2026
London
18-11-2026
London
18-11-2026 11:00 am
Online (live)
Register for event alerts
On demand webinars
Complex Possession Claims: Equality Act defences
Iris Ferber KC and Stefan Liberadzki discuss possession claims defended under the Equality Act 2010.
Conduct: What? When? How?
Justin Tadros and Catrin Howells discuss conduct in financial remedies proceedings including what counts, when to pursue it, and how to do it well.
FortyTwo Talks: Future Risk & Proportionality in Public Law Children Proceedings
Harry Simons and Alice Needell discuss a key case and share what it tells us about the concept of ‘future risk’ in public law proceedings.
The A to Z of Housing Discrimination Case Law: Asiimwe v Lambeth
Iris Ferber KC and Martin Horne cover a case which answers some fundamental questions on the application of the Equality Act burden of proof.
Complex Possession Claims: Hoarding
Martin Horne and Karolina Zielinska deliver a pre-recorded webinar considering best practice in dealing with hoarding issues in litigation.
Sharpe Five Podcast - Episode 1: Understanding Access Injunctions
In this episode, Sharpe Pritchard and Five Paper explore what access injunctions are, why they are used, and the circumstances in which courts may grant them.
The A to Z of Housing Discrimination Case Law: R (FG) v Kensington and Chelsea
Iris Ferber KC and Carolina Bax cover a case which answers some fundamental questions in reasonable adjustments claims relating to housing.
Placements of children in Scotland – implementation of the new law
Justin Gray delivers a pre-recorded webinar covering the latest position in cross-border placements of children in Scotland.








