In our latest Q&A, self-confessed ‘data geek’ Andy Bridges talks about the variety of working in data compliance
What is your full job title?
Data Governance Manager
Which industry do you work in? (data protection/security/privacy)
My role encompasses several areas, focusing on the governance and protection of data which in turn covers privacy, compliance, security, and data ethics.
How long have you worked in the industry?
I have worked in the Industry for over 20 years.
How long have you worked in your current role?
I have been in my current role for approximately five years.
How did you get into your current role?
I had been working for more than 10 years for a well-known loyalty card programme in a similar role. Leading up to the release of the GDPR I was presented with a fantastic opportunity to join my current employer with a remit to re-shape their product and service offering to ensure it was aligned to the new data protection standards.
What does a typical day look like?
It’s never the same due to the fact that my role covers several areas and it changes from day to day. I could be conducting a security audit, or completing Information security due diligence, or presenting to a client, or looking at privacy and ethical matters.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
One of my greatest achievements has been in my current role, creating a comprehensive Compliance and Data Protection Management system – which covers all areas of security, compliance, data protection and privacy by design. In addition being recognised and asked to vice-chair an external trade associations privacy group.
What is the most challenging thing about your role?
The current landscape of data protection, compliance and security of information can bring many challenges and with new technologies and security standards changing at an alarming rate, it can be a challenge to ensure you are up-to-date with all these changes and advancements and alignment to UK data protection laws.
What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
I’m a data geek at heart and passionate about data. I always say you must be passionate about your job role and the industry you work in to achieve your goals. I love the variety of data compliance as it touches so many interesting areas. I also enjoy working with a talented team of individuals who also have many years’ experience in this industry.
How do you see your role/industry changing in the next few years?
You only have to look at the advancements in data and how data is used to drive decisions we make every day, consciously or subconsciously. Stats suggest that 2.5 quintillion bytes of data is generated every single day and it’s growing all the time. This in turn will only bring more challenges in protecting that information, ethical debates on using that information and affording that information the data protection and compliance it requires.
Would you recommend working in this role? Please give your reasons.
Yes. Compliance is multi-disciplinary, challenging, complex, constantly evolving and dynamic. And let’s not forget how rewarding it is when you know the work you conduct contributes to fair and ethical relationships between business and the customer.
Do you work in privacy, security or data protection? Don’t miss the chance to feature in one of PrivSec Report’s regular job focus Q&As.
We are looking for people who work in privacy, security and data protection roles and those who work in related legal and regulatory fields across a range of industries to tell us about their everyday job.
Just fill in our short Q&A (see questions below) and submit a photograph to be considered for inclusion. We want to feature people of all levels of seniority.
If you want to take part, email Carl Brown at carl@grcworldforums.com
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