Who I work with

This will not be an extensive list. I only collaborate with people who firstly my share a passion for doing the right thing, and secondly are leading subject matter experts in their field. I’ve never – nor will ever – work off retainers or back-handers. I’ll only recommend people who I respect for what they can bring to a customer, and who do so with a fantastic attitude and positive outlook. Also freelance life can be a bit lonely sometimes, so it’s important to build a network of people who you can trust, and – frankly  – share a drink and a laugh with. I cannot recommend these individuals enough on all those counts.

Nicola Askham

Biography

Nicola is the leading data governance training provider in the UK. She holds a unique level of experience in the Data Governance field, and has experience in training, coaching and working with major organisations to help them implement full data governance frameworks. Nicola and I have created Data Governance training for the HE sector and have delivered that training at a number of universities.

We offer a complete service to help organisations move through their Data Governance Journey. Please get in contact if you would like to discuss how we can support you.

Nicola has developed a powerful methodology for implementing data governance based on over 15 years of experience and research into best practices. Her methodology breaks down the data governance initiative into logical steps, which ensures that businesses design and implement a data governance framework that is right for them.

Nicola initially worked for a leading UK Bank, and moved into consultancy in 2009. Nicola has worked with clients in a number of different industries including Financial Services, Manufacturing, Defence, Utilities and Retail.

Nicola is a Director and Committee Member of DAMA UK, sits on the Expert Panel of Dataqualitypro.com, and regularly writes and presents internationally on data governance best practice.

Andy Youell

Biography

Andy has spent over 30 years working with data and information and with the systems and people that process it. After spells with PCFC and HEFCE he joined HESA in 1996 to a role focussed on improving the standard, and the broader understanding, of data quality.

Andy became Director of Quality and Development in 1998 and assumed responsibility for the development of HESA systems (including the core data collection system and the HEIDI analysis system) and for broader quality issues through the ISO9001 standard.

In 2013 Andy was appointed Director of the Higher Education Data & Information Improvement Programme (HEDIIP) which was created to reduce the burden and increase the value and accessibility of data and information about HE. HEDIIP created a new architecture for the HE data landscape which is now being implemented through the HESA Data Futures programme and the Data Landscape Steering Group.

Andy has advised governments in Bulgaria, Saudi Arabia and Oman on data processing and quality issues and he has worked on a UN project in Jordan that developed statistical reporting for universities across the Middle East. He now works with organisations across HE as a writer, speaker and adviser on data issues.