Today, on our ASPIRE Professional Development Day, we welcomed three distinguished guest speakers: Elizabeth Smith, Nigel Gooding, and Jaana Pinnick, as well as hearing from our CEO and Founder Bev McGowan, who shared their invaluable insights with our apprentices.
Bev McGowan: Paving the Way for Aspiring Professionals
Bev McGowan, our CEO and Founder, kicked off the day by sharing her journey, which began as an apprentice at Citibank in 1996. With 27 years of experience in IT, Data Protection, Governance, Risk and Compliance, Cyber Security, and Leadership and Management, Bev’s insights were broad and informative.
Bev’s talk began by telling us about her background as an apprentice, emphasising the importance of ambition, support, and personal and professional development in achieving your career goals. Her journey served as a source of inspiration for our apprentices, illustrating the opportunities that arise from dedication and determination.Â
Bev also delved into career pathways and occupational standards for both Cyber Security and Data Protection and Information Governance.
Elizabeth Smith: Fostering a Culture of Compliance and Communication
Elizabeth Smith, with her background in training, compliance, and management in financial institutions, offered a fresh perspective on Data Protection. She highlighted the significance of integrating compliance into an organisation’s culture and stressed that it should not be a mere checkbox exercise. Elizabeth’s talk focused on the important Cs of DPIG such as, culture, communication, and community.
Elizabeth emphasised the importance of effective communication within the professional community, both internally and externally such as clear understanding of privacy acronyms and terminologies across your organisation.Â
Elizabeth’s insights encouraged our apprentices to view compliance not just as a work requirement but as an integral part of life.
Nigel Gooding: Navigating the Intersection of AI and Data Protection
Nigel Gooding, the Founder of Data Privacy Advisory Service (DPAS), brought his expertise in Data Strategy, Data Protection, and AI to the forefront. Recognised as a Fellow by the British Computer Society and the European Policy Risk Institute, Nigel delved into the complex world of Artificial Intelligence and its implications for Data Protection.
Nigel’s talk was a deep dive into the terminology of AI and Machine Learning, identifying the different ML processes and the associated risks in machine learning. His insights equipped our apprentices with the knowledge to support risk assessments in AI implementation and delivery.Â
This was a thought-provoking session that left our apprentices with a better understanding of the evolving landscape of data protection in the age of AI.
Jaana Pinnick: Mastering Information Governance and Professional Development
Jaana Pinnick, the Data and Information Governance Manager at the British Geological Survey, shared her extensive experience in information governance. With roles ranging from Geoscience Grants Data Manager to Digital Preservation Manager, Jaana’s career trajectory was nothing short of inspiring.
Her talk centred on the Information and Records Management Society (IRMS), emphasising the significance of professional development and the Information Governance Skills Matrix. Jaana’s insights encouraged our apprentices to actively engage in their own professional development and leverage the resources available through organisations like IRMS.
Jaana’s talk not only emphasised the significance of professional development and the Information Governance Skills Matrix but also provided practical guidance on how we can effectively harness these resources to accelerate our careers in information governance.
In conclusion, the ASPIRE Professional Development Day was a resounding success, thanks to our guest speakers and the enthusiastic participation of our learners. The positive impact of these industry leaders’ insights on our apprentices is great to see. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our speakers for sharing their knowledge and inspiring our apprentices to reach new heights. If you are interested in participating in one of our upcoming PrivacyPRO® Talks, contact us to express your interest in speaking at a future event and to contribute to the dialogue that matters most in today’s digital age.Â
