WHAT DO YOU DO?

I have worked for over 20 years in the world of compliance in a variety of sectors, both private and public, with a focus on data protection. I help organisations to identify their compliance position, deliver ad hoc work and advice to help them meet UK and worldwide legislation and act as the Data Protection Officer (vDPO) for a number of different organisations of all types and sizes.  

WHY DO YOU DO IT?

I originally trained as a civil engineer specialising in the computer modelling of sewerage systems and while working for a consultant for a utility company, I became involved in a huge change project as a programme manager to design new information management systems and processes, focussing on compliance.  That was more years ago than I’m willing to admit, but I still do it because the part I love is meeting people from interesting organisations to share what I’ve learned and helping them to get to where they want to be. And although sewers still hold an unhealthy fascination for me, it’s nice to come home clean after work… 

WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS HAVE YTOU BEEN INVOLVED IN?

I get involved in identifying gaps in compliance and offering practical advice to ensure organisations achieve and maintain compliance. The bespoke and practical nature of this work is at the heart of the URM service, because what works for a multi-national might not work for a small charity. Clients get workable and practical solutions which don’t interfere with their core purpose, they get to a compliant position and reduce business risk. If I can make data protection clearer for people and dispel a few myths along the way, so much the better. 

WHAT’S ON TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST?

I’m not one for maintaining a bucket list, because I’m a believer in seizing opportunities when they arrive, which often results in short term goals and not targets for life. My current example of foolhardiness is to try to restore and prepare a veteran motorcycle to complete the annual Pioneer Run for pre-1915 motorcycles which runs from Tattenham Corner in Epsom to Brighton and passes through my town every October. My chances? Slim, if I’m honest, and I probably won’t make the 2026 event, but the fun is in trying, surely?