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, where he became Head of Pentesting. At Zenzero, he led the creation of a CREST-accredited penetration testing capability and built the cyber function as Head of Cyber. Now as Head of Cyber Presales, he helps clients implement tailored security solutions.
Alex Sykes
Senior Auditor at Information Commissioner's Office
Alex Sykes is a Senior Auditor at the Information Commissioner's Office, conducting audits to ensure compliance with information rights and data protection regulations.
Arati Patel-Mistry
Cyber Education Lead at Department for Education
Arati Patel-Mistry has over 25 years in senior education roles, including Director of a Multi Academy Trust and Trustee in the Northwest. Since 2018, she has worked at the Department for Education, leading national cyber security engagement to strengthen cyber resilience in education and drive cross-government collaboration on cyber initiatives.
Catherine Halaas
Group Manager, Assurance at Information Commissioner's Office
Catherine Halaas is the Group Manager for Assurance at the Information Commissioner's Office, overseeing assurance activities to uphold information rights in the public interest.
Chris Everard
Chief Operating Officer at Active Learning Trust
Chris Everard has extensive experience in data-focused roles, including Data Manager within a school. He holds an MBA, a Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership, and an MSc. As COO of the Active Learning Trust, he oversees strategic direction and has led key projects, gaining experience in strategic management.
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, and was named the European PICASSO Champion in 2024 for her advocacy in the education sector.
Emma Martins
Chief Commissioner at Data and Marketing Commission
Emma Martins 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 Guernsey, overseeing GDPR-standard legal frameworks. In January 2024, she became Chief Commissioner for the Data and Marketing Commission, advocating for high standards of ethical and legal data handling.
James England
Director at Data Protection Education
James England founded and leads the Data Protection Education team, developing services and platform tools to support clients. With extensive experience in GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, he holds Master's degrees in Law and Information Systems, blending legal and technical insight to help schools and multi-academy trusts build resilient data governance frameworks.
Joe Tidy
Cyber Correspondent and Author at BBC
Joe Tidy is the BBC’s first Cyber Correspondent and author of 'Ctrl+Alt+Chaos: How Teenage Hackers Hijack the Internet.' He has covered major cyber-attacks for the BBC and previously at Sky News, working across TV, radio, social media, and news websites. He has made documentaries about cyber security, traveling internationally to track down stories and characters.
Matt Woodruffe
Founder and CEO 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 technology investments and, through his work with Microsoft, 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 leads The Cyber Resilience Centre for the West Midlands, providing free resources and guidance to improve online safety and resilience for the SME community, helping businesses stay 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).