RIPA (& RIPSA) Authorising Officer Training
Face-To-Face or Live Virtual Training
Introduction To Our RIPA (& RIPSA) Authorising Officer Training
Our RIPA (& RIPSA) Authorising Officer Training ensures that managers fully understand their responsibilities under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act (RIPSA).
Authorising officers play a pivotal role in approving covert activity, and incorrect authorisations can undermine cases and lead to legal challenges.
Our training covers the six legal tests required for lawful authorisations, ensuring delegates can confidently authorise covert operations in line with current legislation, best practice, and guidance from the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO).
As one of the UK’s leading RIPA/RIPSA training providers, we bring extensive practical experience. Our trainers are former RIPA practitioners, so they understand the real-world challenges you face and provide practical solutions to make the authorising officer role more effective.
Who Should Attend
Our training is designed for managers and officers responsible for authorising covert operations under RIPA and RIPSA, including:
- Local Authority Authorising Officers
- Police and Law Enforcement Authorising Officers
- Government Department Authorising Officers
- Investigative Body Authorising Officers
Course Levels
We offer flexible training to suit different experience levels:
Core Skills Course - 1 Day
Our Core Skills RIPA/RIPSA Authorising Officer Course provides a practical introduction to the key responsibilities and legal requirements for authorising officers. This one-day training is ideal for managers and officers who are new to authorising covert activity or require a refresher in RIPA/RIPSA compliance.
Delegates will gain confidence in applying the law, understanding their role, and recognising common errors and safeguards. The course can be tailored to focus on either Directed Surveillance or Covert Human Intelligence (CHIS) authorisations, ensuring participants develop the skills most relevant to their operational responsibilities.
This course equips authorising officers to confidently authorise covert activity in line with current legislation, IPCO guidance, and good practice, helping organisations reduce risk and maintain compliance.
Intermediate Skills Course – 2 days
Our Intermediate Skills RIPA/RIPSA Authorising Officer Course provides a deeper, practical understanding of the authorising officer role. Delivered over two days, this course enables delegates to develop their skills in authorising covert activity effectively and defensibly.
Delegates gain hands-on experience by writing a full authorisation themselves, with expert guidance to ensure compliance with legislation, IPCO guidance, and organisational policies. Participants are also provided with a model authorisation to take back to the workplace as a practical exemplar, helping them apply best practice in real operational scenarios.
This course can be tailored to focus on either Directed Surveillance or Covert Human Intelligence (CHIS) operations, giving attendees the confidence and skills to authorise activity accurately, safely, and defensibly.
Advanced Skills Course – 3 days
3 days, aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and College of Policing standards for police forces.
Our Advanced Skills RIPA/RIPSA Authorising Officer Course provides in-depth, practical training for managers and officers responsible for authorising covert activity under RIPA and RIPSA. Delivered over three days, the course equips delegates with the skills to confidently authorise Directed Surveillance, Intrusive Surveillance, and Property Interference, ensuring compliance with legislation, IPCO guidance, and good practice.
Participants gain extensive hands-on experience, including writing authorisations, applying case studies, understanding the role of the defence lawyer, and participating in court exercises. Optional modules, such as communications data, can be included if required.
This course is designed to transfer skills directly to the workplace, giving authorising officers the confidence to make defensible decisions and maintain compliance in complex operational scenarios.
CHIS Authorising Officer Training
We also offer a CHIS Authorising Officer module to complement any of the above courses or stand alone CHIS Authorising Officer training.
Completing the Intermediate or Advanced Skills course can lead to a formal qualification as an Authorising Officer, demonstrating your competency in court or tribunal proceedings.
Why Choose Us
- Practical, reality-based RIPA/RIPSA training for UK organisations of all sizes
- Experienced trainers with firsthand RIPA practitioner knowledge
- Comprehensive coverage of legal requirements, IPCO guidance, and practical solutions
- Courses tailored to your sector, including local authorities, police, government departments, and investigative bodies
We also offer training aimed specifically at Senior Authorising Officers
Discover Courses Tailored to Your Needs
We provide RIPSA training to organisations in Scotland and RIPL training to organisations in the Channel Islands, with all courses fully customisable to your operational requirements.
In addition, we offer a RIPA (& RIPSA) advice service, including drafting or reviewing applications, authorities, or providing quality assurance prior to signing.