Complying with Information Legislation: Principles and Practice module (RM50011)

You will learn about the requirements of information legislation. You will also cover the techniques that can be used to meet the requirements of the law.

The first part looks at legislation governing public access to, and use of, information. The second part covers legislation relating to privacy and personal information.

Both parts explore the background of information legislation in the UK. They will then move on to look at specific pieces of legislation.

Throughout the module, certain key themes re-occur. These include:

• the importance of information legislation to the role of the records professional
• the need to refer to the actual text of the legislation to satisfy yourself of its requirements
• the way the secondary legislation, the rulings of the courts, tribunals and Commissioners can change the way that aspects of the law are interpreted
• the importance of keeping up with those changes

What will you learn

In this module you will

• understand the wider context and fundamental principles governing information legislation. This will cover how it is currently applicable in the United Kingdom. There will be an emphasis on:
  • freedom of information
  • data protection
  • environmental information regulations
• be familiar with key case law for interpreting this legislation
• get practical instruction on techniques. These may be employed to manage the application of information legislation within a corporate body
• understand the context for and the impact upon, the work of:
  • archivists
  • records managers of information legislation
• have an ability to unite theory and practice in this field

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• explain the key concepts and requirements of information legislation
• understand challenges and issues. These are associated with managing the requirements of this legislation in a corporate environment
• know to advise senior colleagues about the requirements and impact of information legislation. You will also be able to suggest techniques and practices to cope with these impacts
• formulate policies and procedures. These will be required in the management of the requirements of information legislation.
• develop your critical analysis skills. This will be necessary to keep your knowledge up-to-date in future practice

Assignments / assessment

Coursework (100%) consisting of: 

• essay (30%)
• report (30%) 
• assessed tasks (30%) 
• discussion board participation (10%) 

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• independent study (100%)