This is a profile from the 2020 version of the DataIQ 100.
The 2021 list is available here
I’ve spent 20 years working with data in the charity sector. I cut my teeth at Cancer Research UK and became interested in data, rather than the systems that housed it, moving into data governance. While I was at there, I’d worked on a big CRM change project and I joined Unicef UK as it was considering a similar project; I was able to bring my knowledge and experience to firstly create a case for change and then deliver on key project outcomes. I now head up a team with responsibility for Unicef UK’s data, ensuring we have the data, systems and processes we need to fundraise and increase our influence; effectively managing data as a strategic asset.
The work I did on GDPR; this helped catalyse our thinking about data and data management.
Max Roser and Our World In Data are hugely inspirational, making data accessible and measuring our shared accountabilities through the Sustainable Development Goals Tracker.
I’d expected it to be a challenging year, and that turned out to be the case. At Unicef UK, we’ve worked hard to put the foundations in place for further growth, and at times that has been difficult to prioritise among other activities.
I’d thought we’d see GDPR enforcement decisions sooner and that would lead to adaptations to working practice; instead we’re still waiting to see the outcomes of significant decisions in this area.
I think it’s going to be a fascinating year. There are some interesting areas with a regulatory focus - age appropriate design and adtech are just two – that have the potential to disrupt business models. Also, there are fewer barriers to entry for some important technologies, which means more is possible, and with this comes a responsibility for organisations to work out if, just because something is possible, that should become part of their working practice. I think it’s difficult to work in data presently without a perspective on ethics.
There is a huge opportunity for organisations and citizens in data rights. I don’t think this has been fully grasped yet on either side and as a result the opportunity hasn’t been explored well enough to discover the benefits.
Data integration: bringing data together at the right speed and quality for the business to make the best decisions and for our supporters to have an inspiring experience.
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