About Us

There is nothing exceptional or special about us. We are simply a small group of people who work in data, information and education and we all act in a personal capacity.  Several months ago, we were having a discussion after a conference that we had attended. The event, with a heavy focus on the rights and experiences of children in the digital era, had been enlightening, and sobering, and we were discussing the realities of life in this fourth industrial revolution for young people. We commented how desensitised society seems to have become to the increasingly regular stories of children coming to harm, being exploited and being abused online, and all uttered the familiar cry of ‘well, what can I do?’

We then looked at each other and understood that, in that response, we too were contributing to the normalisation; we too were part of the problem.

So …

When the UK Government announced a review of the curriculum, we saw that as an ideal opportunity to get some things off our chests!

This is far from a well-resourced or detailed contribution (we have had limited time and all have 'day jobs'), it is simply based on the premise that  “We cannot do much, but we cannot do nothing”.

There are experts that have produced well-resourced and carefully considered commentary and reports - it is those people we need to be listening to. Some (but very far from all) are listed in our Resources Library.

We have no expectations about whether this hastily compiled contribution will make any difference at all, but we sincerely hope it will help to energise these important conversations in government and beyond, even in a very small way. 

At least it allows us to do something rather than nothing.

Kirsty is a qualified teacher with a background in science and journalism, working most recently as a schools outreach officer for the data protection regulator.

"I have trained and worked as a scientist, journalist, comms professional, broadcaster, teacher/lecturer, and now work in data protection. However, I had no training to be a parent and feel helpless to protect my children and other young people from the harms prevalent in the digital world. This is my small attempt to stand up and not sit back and do nothing."

Lesley is a data protection and freedom of information professional with many years of experience in the regulated and regulatory environment. 

"We have a duty to do all we can to protect children from harms and allow them to live and learn in a safe environment. The digital world is changing things rapidly and we need to respond accordingly."

Reynold (Ren) is a records management professional passionate about memory preservation, information rights and guaranteeing the truth.

"As both a parent and information governance professional, I believe that technology development and provision should be guard-railed by ethical considerations. This is essential where technology is consumed by young people, who must have full knowledge and awareness of potential risks and harms."

Emma is a data protection and governance professional with a passion for data ethics and ‘AI for good’. 

"My motivation for this can be summed up by the quote ‘I can’t do much but I can’t do nothing’ . We have a responsibility to do all we can to allow every child to thrive which means protecting them from the harms that are in plain sight. History will judge us."

Phillipa is a strategic information governance and data protection professional passionate about ensuring data use for public good for now and for future generations to come.

"As a mother and an experienced data protection professional I believe that no digital innovation should be at the cost of any of our young people. It is our responsibility to build the safeguards into this digital world as quickly as innovation builds. It starts with knowledge, education and understanding, and it needs to start now."