The DPE MAT Conference: Managing Modern Risks is an inaugural event organized by Data Protection Education, focusing on strategic data protection, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity within the education sector. Scheduled for February 26, 2026, at Woodland Grange in Leamington Spa, this conference aims to equip Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate modern challenges and seize opportunities effectively.
Key topics include building scalable data governance frameworks to ensure UK GDPR compliance, exploring the legal and ethical dimensions of AI adoption in schools, and strengthening IT infrastructure against emerging cyber threats. Sessions such as "Why the Why Matters" by Emma Martins, "Ethical AI in Education" by Matt Woodruffe, and "Breach Alert! Effective Incident Management" by Chris Everard provide actionable insights for attendees.
The conference offers ample networking opportunities, including a post-event drinks reception, allowing participants to connect with peers and industry experts. Notable speakers include Claire Archibald, Legal Director at Browne Jacobson, and representatives from the Information Commissioner's Office, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape.
Designed for senior leaders, governance, and data professionals within MATs, this event is essential for those dedicated to fostering robust strategic governance, ensuring compliance, and actively mitigating risks in an evolving technological environment.
Speakers(11)
Abdul Ikbal
Head of Cyber Presales at Zenzero
Abdul Ikbal has over 14 years of experience in cyber security, starting in IT support before moving into penetration testing. At Zenzero, he led the creation of a CREST-accredited penetration testing capability and oversaw the broader cyber function as Head of Cyber.
Alex Sykes
Senior Auditor at Information Commissioner's Office
Alex Sykes is a Senior Auditor at the Information Commissioner's Office, responsible for promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals.
Arati Patel-Mistry
Cyber Education Lead at Department for Education
Arati Patel-Mistry is an experienced education leader with over 25 years in senior roles across the sector. Since 2018, she has worked at the Department for Education, leading national cyber security engagement and focusing on strengthening cyber resilience in education.
Catherine Halaas
Group Manager, Assurance at Information Commissioner's Office
Catherine Halaas serves as Group Manager, Assurance at the Information Commissioner's Office, upholding information rights in the public interest and promoting data privacy for individuals.
Chris Everard
Chief Operating Officer at Active Learning Trust
Chris Everard has extensive experience overseeing the strategic direction of central teams in education trusts. He has worked in data-focused roles, including Data Manager within a school, and holds an MBA, a Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, and an MSc.
Claire Archibald
Legal Director at Browne Jacobson
Claire Archibald advises UK schools on data protection and information law. As a former DPO for schools, she understands the practical challenges faced by education sector DPOs. She is a leading voice in data protection and AI governance, providing practical strategies and guidance for schools.
Emma Martins
Chief Commissioner at Data and Marketing Commission
Emma has over 25 years of experience in data protection, starting as a data protection officer in the public sector. She has served as Commissioner for Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, overseeing GDPR-standard legal frameworks. In January 2024, she was appointed Chief Commissioner for the Data and Marketing Commission.
James England
Director at Data Protection Education
James England founded and leads the Data Protection Education team, developing services and platform tools that support clients. With master's degrees in Law and Information Systems, he brings a unique blend of legal and technical insight, ensuring schools and multi-academy trusts build resilient and compliant data governance frameworks.
Joe Tidy
Cyber Correspondent and Author at BBC
Joe Tidy is the BBC’s first Cyber Correspondent and a leading voice on cybercrime and hacking. He has covered major cyber-attacks and authored 'Ctrl+Alt+Chaos: How Teenage Hackers Hijack the Internet,' investigating the dark side of teen hacking culture.
Matt Woodruffe
Founder at Open Education AI
Matt Woodruffe is a data professional and PhD candidate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Education. He has helped education institutions leverage value from their technology investments and understands that schooling systems are often data-rich but information-poor.
Michelle Ohren
Detective Inspector at The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands
Detective Inspector Michelle Ohren provides free resources and guidance to improve online safety and resilience to the SME community, helping businesses stay more secure.
Event Details
- Date
- February 26, 2026
- Location
- 🇬🇧 Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
- Woodland Grange
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Senior leaders, governance, and data professionals within Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs).