Join senior leaders for strategic insights on AI, cyber risk, data governance, and legal compliance in education. This inaugural conference empowers Multi-Academy Trusts to navigate modern challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
This conference is specifically designed for senior leaders within Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) who are dedicated to fostering robust strategic governance, ensuring compliance, and actively mitigating risks in an ever-evolving technological landscape.1
Empowering leaders to build scalable data governance frameworks and maintain UK GDPR compliance.
Exploring the legal and ethical dimensions of AI adoption in schools to avoid unforeseen complexities.
Strengthening IT infrastructure against emerging cyber threats and fostering a security-conscious culture.
Learn to implement robust frameworks that ensure transparent oversight of operations and consistent, long-term compliance across your MAT.
Understand strategic corporate cyber risks, develop effective mitigation strategies, and establish resilient response planning for crises, even without a technical background.
Gain expert views on the future of AI in education, understand intricate legal and data risks, and navigate ethical dimensions to avoid unforeseen regulatory complexities.
Learn how to embed a truly proactive and risk-aware culture throughout your Senior Leadership Team, extending beyond just end-users.
This event is not merely about meeting regulatory requirements; it's about equipping leaders with the actionable knowledge and tools to confidently steer their MATs through emerging technological and regulatory challenges.
Enjoy plenty of networking opportunities, delicious food, and refreshments throughout the day, including a post- conference drinks reception!
Group and DPE customer discounts available.
| #Registrants | Rate/Person (£) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 185.00 |
| 3 | 170.00 |
| 4 | 160.00 |
| 5 | 150.00 |
A premier conference venue known for its excellent facilities, comfortable ambiance, and professional service. Nestled in the picturesque countryside, it provides an ideal backdrop for deep dives into strategic discussions.
Explore the Venue
Director, Data Protection Education
James England founded and has led the Data Protection Education team since its inception and developed the mix of services and platform tools that support all Data Protection Education clients. With extensive experience navigating the complexities of GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and now the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 James has built a team at Data Protection Education that customers trust with their data protection programme. With Masters Degrees in Law and Information Systems, he brings a unique blend of legal and technical insight, as well as years of practical educational experience, ensuring schools and multi-academy trusts build resilient and compliant data governance frameworks.
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Cyber Education Lead: Department of Education
Arati Patel-Mistry is a seasoned education leader with over 25 years of senior
leadership experience across the education sector. She is the former Director of a
Multi Academy Trust (MAT) in Greater Manchester and currently serves as Vice
Chair of a MAT in the Northwest. She has also held the role of Chair of Governors at
a local primary school for two decades.
Since 2018, Arati has worked at the Department for Education (DfE), where she
currently leads national engagement on cyber security within the Cyber Information
Security Division. In her role as Cyber Security Engagement Lead, she is
responsible for enhancing cyber resilience across the education sector and fostering
collaboration across government to promote best practices and support sector-wide
initiatives.
Her previous roles at the DfE include serving as a safeguarding case lead at the
Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and as the Schools Commercial
Engagement Lead, where she coordinated a national network of school business
professionals.
Earlier in her career, Arati was Director of Operations, leading school conversions to
academy status under the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme
providing leadership governance and compliance support during transitions.
Arati brings to all her roles a deep commitment to improving communities and
transforming the lives of children and young people through education.
BBC Cyber Correspondent and author
Joe Tidy is a reporter, presenter and author. His book of Ctrl+Alt+Chaos: How Teenage Hacker Hijack the Internet is out now and investigates the dark side of teen hacking culture and why we are repeatedly failing as a society to address the growing issue of teen cybercrime. Joe is the BBC’s first ever Cyber Correspondent and the foremost voice in the corporation on cybercrime and hacking. Over the past ten years he has covered all major cyber-attacks for BBC and before that at Sky News working across TV, Radio, social media and news websites. He has made documentaries about cyber security travelling to the US, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Germany and Ukraine to track down stories and characters.
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Chief Commissioner - Data and Marketing Commission (UK)
Emma has worked in data protection for over 25 years. Starting her career as a data protection officer in the public sector, she moved to work in the regulatory office for Jersey, Channel Islands, in 2002.Since then, she has been Commissioner for Jersey and, from 2018 to 2023, for the Bailiwick of Guernsey where she worked with a team responsible for implementation, oversight, and adequacy assessment for the new GDPR-standard legal framework for the Islands. In January 2024, Emma was appointed as Chief Commissioner for the Data and Marketing Commission. She also has a small portfolio of work acting in an advisory role and is a charity trustee. Throughout her career, Emma has been committed to driving high standards of ethical and legal data handling and encouraging more inclusive and accessible conversations around the role of data in our lives. She is a strong advocate of cultural engagement and has spearheaded a number of community-wide initiatives to support social and economic benefits that come with effective data protection.
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Legal Director, Browne Jacobson
Claire Archibald is a Legal Director at Browne Jacobson LLP, advising UK schools on data protection and information law. As a former DPO for schools, she deeply understands the practical challenges faced by education sector DPOs.
Claire is a leading voice in data protection and AI governance, providing practical strategies and guidance for schools. She champions DPOs as a strategic partner, helping them navigate emerging risks and ensure compliance.
With her unique legal and DPO background, Claire supports schools and DPOs with their most complex matters. Her work empowers the education sector to develop robust governance and effective compliance strategies.
Claire was named the European PICASSO Champion in 2024 for her work advocating for the education sector.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) upholds information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.ICO is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
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Chief Operating Officer, Active Learning Trust
Before joining The Active Learning Trust, Chris had worked for The Wensum Trust since 2016, most recently as Director of Operations and Finance. In this role he lead successfully on a number of key strategic projects and has gained extensive experience overseeing the strategic direction of the central team.
Chris previously worked in a number of data focused roles, including Data Manager within a school. He was awarded a MBA in 2021 to add to his Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and a MSc.
Harry the Hacker is everywhere you don't want him to be - even at our MAT Conference.
You'll get to see what havoc he can cause as well as see how ready you are to handle decisions in the middle of a crisis.
The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands
Providing free resources and guidance to improve online safety and resilience to the SME community, helping you keep your business more secure.
As a police-led not-for-profit organisation, the West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre (WMCRC) is a trusted nexus of information and guidance. By working in partnership with industry and academia via our Cyber Path programme, we also support and develop a talent pipeline throughout the UK.