The British Computer Society (BCS) is to issue a Certificate in Freedom of Information (FoI) in response to concerns that the public sector is poorly prepared for the legislation.
The certificate will be the UK's first and only qualification in the subject area and was created following demands from public sector IT professionals, the BCS stated on 3 December 2004. It said there are worries that necessary IT will not be in place before the act's new year deadline and that the time limit for FoI responses is too short.
"The public sector has had four years to ensure compliance of the act and to ensure adequate IT systems are in place to store and recall data, yet it is feared many will not be ready for the January deadline," the BCS said. "Furthermore, there are concerns that 20 days is not long enough to obtain historical information at a customer's request, especially if the correct IT requirements have not been considered."
The society's Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB) is confronting these concerns with the qualification in FoI. It has set up a five day course divided into six modules which covers the origins and background of the legislation, officials' responsibilities and obligations, and information on enforcing the act. The qualification is aimed at data protection/FoI officers, information security specialists, IT professionals and human resources staff.
David Clarke, chief executive of the BCS, said: "With the date for compliance looming and with the threat of fines and possible prison sentences being imposed the need for certified IT professionals responsible for enforcing the act has never been greater."
Holding a certificate in FoI, he added, "can provide the assurance that the reputation and credibility of a public sector body is maintained and enhanced through relevant information and records management policies and procedures."
