DPE MAT Conference: Managing Modern Risks | Strategic Data, AI and Cyber
DPE MAT Conference: Managing Modern Risks | Strategic Data Protection, AI and Cyber
26th February 2026
9:30am - 4:30pm
Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa
Early-bird discount (20% until 30 September 2025)!
This inaugural conference has been designed for senior leaders within Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) who are committed to robust strategic governance, compliance and risk mitigation in an era of accelerating use of AI, regulatory changes and the persistent rise of cyber threats - the demands on leadership are considerable.
Who is it for?
Aimed at senior leaders in Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), our conference will feature speakers and topics addressing the challenges and changes facing MATs as technology and new data and cyber risks evolve.
Importantly, you will gain strategic insight into establishing scalable data governance frameworks, maintaining compliance with UK GDPR and associated laws, strengthening your IT infrastructure against emerging cyber threats, and fostering a security-conscious culture throughout your organisation.
We will also explore the legal and ethical dimensions of using AI in schools
What you will gain
The DPE MAT conference provides critical strategic insights into:
- Implementing effective data governance frameworks that allow transparent oversight of operations and ensure consistent, long-term compliance.
- Deciphering the intricate legal, data risks and ethical dimensions of AI adoption | Hear our experts views on the future of AI in education and avoid unforeseen regulatory complexities.
- Cyber for non-cyber managers | Understand your strategic corporate cyber risks, gain control over mitigation strategies and establish resilient response planning - even in a crisis.
- Cultivate a truly proactive, risk-conscious culture | Know how to ensure amongst your SLT - not just in end users.
There will be plenty of opportunities for networking with your colleagues, with all food (it's really good!) and refreshments provided throughout the day (and afterwards at our drinks reception if you can stay!).
Early-bird (20% until 30 September 2025), group and DPE customer discounts available.
Event Information
| Event Date | 26-02-2026 9:00 am |
| Event End Date | 26-02-2026 4:30 pm |
| Available Place | 118 |
| Individual Price | £195.00 |
| Location | Woodland Grange: Leamington Spa, CV32 6RN |
Group Rate
| #Registrants | Rate/Person (£) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 185.00 |
| 3 | 170.00 |
| 4 | 160.00 |
| 5 | 150.00 |
Venue Information - Woodland Grange: Leamington Spa, CV32 6RN
Speakers
Chris Everard
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.
Claire Archibald
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.
Emma Martins
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.
Harry the Hacker
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.
James England
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.
The Department for Education
TBC
The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.
The UK Information Commissioner's Office
TBC
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.