Heather is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Cyber Professional and Fellow of the BCS.  She is currently Principal Cyber Specialist for the ICO. With over 25 years’ experience in IT, Cyber Security and Information Governance. Heather is passionate about highlighting the importance of cyber security in safeguarding our communities. She believes security should be user focussed, incorporated by design, and accessible to stakeholders at every level.

Prior to her current role, Heather was Cyber Policy Lead for the DfE, where she spearheaded work on digital and technology standards in schools and colleges. She has previously developed and led award winning Local Authority data, online safety and cyber services, led national projects for the NCSC and managed government Cyber Security programmes.

Heather is part of a number of national and international regulatory forums, steering groups, and advisory boards, and chairs the UK Regulators Network for Cyber. She has authored numerous, published, peer-reviewed articles and whitepapers, focussing on digital security and digital safety for children.