Digital Innovation and Transformation

Data Classification and Information Handling

Organisations cannot protect information they have not identified. This course shows how to design and roll out a practical data classification scheme, label documents and data, define handling rules for each level, apply technical controls such as data loss prevention, and build staff habits that keep sensitive information safe.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Most data leaks come from everyday handling mistakes. You will learn to put simple, well-understood rules in place across the organisation.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Scheme design workshops, labelling exercises, tool demonstrations and awareness campaign planning.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the purpose of data classification
Design a classification scheme and handling rules
Identify and inventory sensitive information
Apply labelling and data loss prevention controls
Align classification with privacy and regulatory requirements
Train staff and monitor compliance

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Information security and risk professionals
Data protection officers
IT managers
Records and information managers
Compliance and audit staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Information protection
Policy design
Control implementation
Awareness building
Compliance monitoring

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Why Classify Data

09:00–10:08Information as an asset
10:08–11:00Common leak scenarios
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Common leak scenarios (continued)
11:45–12:53Regulatory drivers
12:53–14:00Exercise: information inventory

Day 2Designing the Scheme

09:00–10:08Classification levels
10:08–11:00Handling rules for each level
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Handling rules for each level (continued)
11:45–12:53Roles and ownership
12:53–14:00Workshop: drafting a scheme

Day 3Labelling and Tools

09:00–10:08Manual and automatic labelling
10:08–11:00Data loss prevention
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Data loss prevention (continued)
11:45–12:53Encryption and access rules
12:53–14:00Demonstration: labelling tools

Day 4Privacy and Compliance

09:00–10:08Personal data handling
10:08–11:00Retention and disposal
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Retention and disposal (continued)
11:45–12:53Third-party sharing
12:53–14:00Case study: classification gaps

Day 5Embedding the Habit

09:00–10:08Awareness and training
10:08–11:00Monitoring and reporting
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Monitoring and reporting (continued)
11:45–12:53Continuous improvement
12:53–14:00Rollout plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

Keep exploring

Your next horizon awaits.

All courses

The full course agenda and dates are available above. Use the session links in Dates & venues to choose a session. Registration and quotation forms require JavaScript; you can also contact our learning team directly.