In information governance, there is no substitute for learning from those who have walked the path before us. Experienced IG leaders bring a wealth of knowledge from years at the frontline of data protection and information rights. By sharing their stories, lessons learned and practical advice, they help both new starters and seasoned professionals grow in confidence, strengthen their practice and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

In this episode we are joined by Raz Edwards, Head of Data Security and Protection and DPO at Wolverhampton NHS Trust. Raz has over 17 years of experience as a Data Protection Officer, including more than a decade in the NHS. She is also Chair of the National Strategic Information Governance Network and serves as a member of the Upper Tribunal and First-Tier Tribunal in the Information Rights Jurisdiction.

In our conversation, Raz shares her journey into Information Governance, the challenges she’s faced and overcome as an IG leader, her advice for both new starters and seasoned professionals and her perspective on the future of the profession. She also reflects on what she’s learned through her tribunal role and what it takes to succeed as an IG leader.

Useful Links

Raz Edwards Biography

National Strategic Information Governance Network

Every week we read about organisations being hacked, held to ransom or their data being stolen. And the breakout of war in the Middle East has significantly increased the risk of cyber-attack.

In this podcast we talk about cyber security through the lens of the recent cyberattacks on major UK retailers. In just the past few months, household names like, Jaguar Land Rover, Gucci, Marks & Spencer and Co-op have suffered significant disruptions from ransomware and other cyber incidents. These didn’t just impact IT systems; they caused empty shelves, disrupted online orders and shook customer trust.

Our guest is Olu Odeniyi who is a Cyber Security expert and trusted advisor with more than 30 years’ experience guiding organisations across the public and private sectors. In our conversation, we explore:

· What went wrong in the recent cyberattacks

· How businesses can build resilience and trust in the face of growing threats

· The future of cybersecurity

· And practical tips for all of us to stay ahead of the hackers

Useful Links

National Cyber Security Centre

Cyber Security Breaches Survey

Information Commissioner’s Office

Chartered Institute of Information Security

Welcome to episode 3 of the Guardians of Data podcast. This is a show where we explore the world of information law and information governance - from privacy and AI to cybersecurity and freedom of information.

In the past few weeks, we have had a stark reminder of why transparency in public life is a democratic necessity. The US Government’s release of millions of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation has triggered, amongst other things, the arrest of the King’s brother, the sacking and subsequent arrest of a former Government minister, political jeopardy for the Prime Minister and questions about the future of the British monarchy.

In Episode 3, our guest is Maurice Frenkel OBE, Director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information. We discuss the recent events through a transparency lense, the history and impact of the UK Freedom of Information Act (20 years on) and the case for FOI reform. Maurice also leans on his decades of experience to share his top tips for FOI professionals dealing with information requests.

Useful Links

Campaign for Freedom of Information

Information Commissioner’s Office

Welcome to episode 2 of the Guardians of Data podcast. This is a show where we explore the world of information law and information governance - from privacy and AI to cybersecurity and freedom of information. In each episode we will be speaking with experts and practitioners to unpack the big issues shaping the IG profession.

Over the past few weeks, one AI tool has become the centre of an international controversy. Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI and integrated into the social media platform X, has caught the attention of governments and regulators across the world after it was used to edit pictures of real women to show them in revealing clothes and suggestive poses. This controversy raises fundamental questions about how AI systems are designed and overseen and about whether existing laws, regulatory models, and board-level oversight are keeping pace.

In this episode, we discuss these issued with Lynn Wyeth who is an expert in AI, data protection and responsible technology.

Useful Links

Ofcom

Information Commissioner’s Office

The Guardian

Welcome to the first episode of Guardians of Data, brought to you by Act Now Training. This is the show where we explore the world of information law and information governance - from privacy and AI to cybersecurity and freedom of information. We also talk to experienced IG leaders who have spent years at the frontline of data protection and information rights.

In this first episode we are joined by Jon Baines, a Senior Data Protection Specialist at Mishcon de Reya LLP where he advises on complex data protection and FOI matters. Jon isn’t a lawyer in the traditional sense yet is listed in Legal 500 as a "Rising Star" in the Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity category. Jon is the long-standing chair of the National Association of Data Protection and Freedom of Information Officers (NADPO). He is regularly sought for comment by specialist and national media and writes extensively on data protection matters.

In our conversation, Jon shares his journey into IG, his advice for both new starters and seasoned professionals and his perspective on the future of the profession.

Useful Links

Mischcon de Reya

Jon's Personal Blog

NADPO

Act Now Blog