Government Information Policy Seminar Series

View the 2010 programme and download a form to subscribe

What is the series?

The Constitution Unit has run this seminar series on government information policy issues since 2001. Although the focus of the series is freedom of information and data protection, other information rights topics, such as the re-use of public sector information, the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), and records management, are also addressed. The aim of each seminar is to generate well informed and lively discussion between the speaker and participants. We also include in each season of seminars the viewpoint and experience of at least one speaker from overseas.

The seminars began as an invitation only discussion group for policy makers and practitioners. Although the series is now open to the general public, it is still run on a subscription basis. All sessions take place under the Chatham House Rule in order to facilitate open and frank policy discussion between officials, academics and practitioners. Those on the seminar series list are key players in information policy from:

• Whitehall departments;
• the Information Commissioners Office;
• local government;
• NDPBs;
• academia;
• and lawyers.

The seminar series is CPD (Bar Council and Law Society) accredited; each seminar is accredited with 1 CPD hour.

When and where do the seminars take place?

The seminars are held at the Constitution Unit and usually take place on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening, starting at 6.15pm and finishing by 7.30pm . The seminars involve a 20-25 minute presentation by the speaker, followed by 30-40 minutes of discussion. After the close of the seminar participants and the speaker gather in the adjoining room for a glass of wine and buffet snacks where discussion continues informally.

Where possible we keep presentations and relevant resources available online for reference. Click on the links below to browse.

2009 Seminar Series

2008 Seminar Series

2007 Seminar Series

[Resources from other previous years are currently being archived and will appear here soon]

This page last modified 18 May, 2010 by v.spence@ucl.ac.uk