Navigating the complex area of information governance is no easy task

We’re here to support you in managing it effectively and following the law.

Information is an essential resource for most organisations but managing it poorly can have serious consequences. You need to be sure that you’re fulfilling your legal obligations while meeting the expectations of your customers, employees and other stakeholders.

What is information governance?

Good governance protects the privacy of the people you provide services to, your employees and other stakeholders. And it reduces the risk of financial and reputational harm to your organisation.

Information governance is a framework which includes:

  • Records management
  • Information security
  • Data protection and GDPR compliance
  • Data breach management
  • Business intelligence

Managing information well is essential to supporting service delivery and your organisation’s overall efficiency

Since the introduction of the Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018, information governance has received much attention. Recent high-profile data breaches remind us of what can happen when information is poorly managed and processes are weak.

But good governance doesn’t need to be a complicated issue. We support public sector organisations to protect personal data, implement effective governance frameworks, and manage information successfully.

Veritau acts as data protection officer for over 600 schools and other public sector organisations.

Information governance goes further than this, and involves looking at your wider approach to the management of information. Our clients include national sports governing bodies and police and crime bodies.

We provide constructive advice and support you to make improvements.

Case study

Providing GDPR support and advice to Basketball England

Our information governance experts were asked to provide GDPR support and advice to Basketball England, the national sporting body.

Read this case study

Our services

We help you to manage information legally, safely, and efficiently. Our services are tailored to meet your specific needs. We can support you with a range of areas:

Information access

  • Freedom of Information Act requests
  • Data Protection Act requests (including Subject Access Requests)
  • Freedom of Information Act internal reviews
  • Information Commissioner’s Office investigations

Data protection

Information governance framework

  • Policy development
  • Compliance audits
  • Email and records management
  • Training and advice

Information risk management

  • Information asset registers
  • Risk mitigation strategies
  • Security classification

20+ years of experience in information governance

Our officers will guide you through the practical challenges of information governance and steer you away from the common pitfalls.

We offer a comprehensive assurance service, allowing you to monitor the effectiveness of your data systems and the management of information risks. Themed audits help to assess compliance and the effectiveness of your information governance frameworks.

Helen Swan - Assistant Director – Information Governance

Helen Swan

Assistant Director – Information Governance

Helen is a professionally qualified information governance practitioner with experience in delivering services across the public sector. She oversees Veritau’s schools, councils and access teams, focusing on business development and client relationship management.

Andy Nutting - Information Governance Manager

Andy Nutting

Information Governance Manager

Andy has over 25 years’ experience working in information governance within local government. He specialises in the development and implementation of bespoke information strategy, policy and processes. Andy has a professional interest in making information open and transparent, and enhancing ethical considerations around data.

Robert Beane - Senior Information Governance Officer

Robert Beane

Senior Information Governance Officer

Robert brings his wealth of experience in local government management to the delivery of information governance. He supports our schools and corporate clients with the development of assurance frameworks to embed good information governance practice throughout their business. Robert is also Veritau’s own Data Protection Officer.

James Sheard - Senior Information Governance Officer

James Sheard

Senior Information Governance Officer

James holds qualifications in FOI, Data Protection (both pre and post GDPR), and Information Security Principles. He specialises in issues relating to councils and leads on projects including policy reviews, privacy notice creation and the development of workshops and other training material.

Rosie Kelly - Information Governance Manager

Rosie Kelly

Information Governance Manager

Rosie is an experienced DPO with a background in the legal sector, who holds the CIPP/E certification from the IAPP. She specialises in UK GDPR compliance in the education sector, including expertise in Edtech and data protection governance in Multi-Academy Trusts. Rosie leads on training and resources, contract assurances, international data transfers and promoting awareness of regulatory changes.

Tailored to you

We recognise that all organisations are different. Our service can be tailored to your specific needs and around existing arrangements to provide independent and impartial advice.

The team will listen carefully to your requirements and concerns and design our service to work for you.

Case study

North Yorkshire Information Sharing Protocol: Challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic

Veritau chairs and administrates the North Yorkshire Information Sharing Protocol, which sets standards for partner agencies to follow when sharing information, including police, fire, health and housing organisations.

Read this case study

Speak to our team

Information governance doesn’t need to be a complicated area. Get in touch to see how we might be able to support you.