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RIPA and Covert Surveillance

Part 2 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) regulates designated public authorities in the way they conduct covert surveillance.

This workshop provides a thorough examination of RIPA requirements, processes and documentation to ensure compliance.

Particular attention is paid to the application of RIPA to the use of social media in investigations, and best practice guidance. The workshop also addresses covert surveillance that does not require RIPA authorisation and is suitable for experienced and new personnel, providing practical guidance in relation to all roles, from applicant to Senior responsible Officer.

This workshop is suitable for investigators, managers as well as those preparing for an inspection.

Key Topics

  • Explain the relationship between RIPA and Human Rights
  • Describe the definition of Directed Surveillance and Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS)
  • Identify when RIPA authorisation is or is not required
  • Determine when RIPA applies to work related functions and activities
  • Explain the terms necessity, proportionality and collateral intrusion
  • Apply RIPA considerations to research of social media
  • Describe the roles within the RIPA process
  • Identify and understand the forms to be used in the RIPA process
  • Discuss policy, procedure and keeping of records
  • Prepare for an inspection by Investigatory Powers Commissioner Office (IPCO)
  • Identify the role of the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and the consequences of non-compliance

Dates & Cost

Online

£399 plus VAT

Classroom

£449 plus VAT

Timings: 10am to 4pm

 
Date: 24 Mar 2025
Location: Online
Date: 18 Jun 2025
Location: Online
Date: 16 Sep 2025
Location: Online
Date: 24 Nov 2025
Location: Online

Course tutors

All our associates are experienced information governance professionals who have been training and advising in this field for many years.

  • Lynn Wyeth

    Course Tutor


    Lynn is the Head of Information Governance for a large local authority and has over 20 years of experience as a practitioner. She holds a post graduate diploma in Information Rights, the CISMP certificate and is an accredited HSCIPP privacy practitioner. She is the author of two books and is currently undertaking a PhD. Her experience is across GDPR, FOI and RIPA.

  • Naomi Matthews

    Course Tutor


    Naomi is a local authority lawyer and holds a judicial position as a Fee Paid Member of the Upper Tribunal (Information Rights). She has extensive experience in all areas of information compliance and RIPA. Her training has been commended by RIPA inspectors and her advice has helped many local authorities understand the law and practicalities of covert surveillance.

What our clients say about us

    I would highly recommend the GDPR Practitioner Course. The Tutor was extremely knowledgeable and gave plenty of chance for group conversation or individual questions. A great course for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of GDPR and understand putting the principles into practise.
    SL, BCH

    I would highly recommend the GDPR Practitioner Course. The Tutor was extremely knowledgeable and gave plenty of chance for group conversation or individual questions. A great course for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of GDPR and understand putting the principles into practise.
    SL, BCH

    I learned so much! The course was just the right balance of theory and practical, and was very well delivered.
    CB, CHAS

    The course was very useful as an IG Officer. The trainer was knowledgeable and explained some complex aspects of the legislation using interesting examples and real life scenarios. As a refresher, even with lots of work experience behind me, it was very useful to undertake the Practitioner course. The course materials and handbook are invaluable and I know I will re-use them in conjunction with my usual resources.
    NC, Lincolnshire County Council

    A very practical and all-encompassing coverage of the UK GDPR provided over 4 days. Although 4 days is not enough time to cover this whole subject in depth, there was just enough covered with further resources and links provided within the sessions to cover all aspects of the GDPR to a level at which I now feel a lot more confident in my role. Thank you, Kirsty!
    SW, Norwich University of the Arts