Tag: trainer

Join Our Team – Become an Act Now Trainer! 

We are Hiring – Become an Act Now Trainer! 

Are you an information governance expert with a passion for sharing your knowledge? Do you have experience delivering engaging training on GDPR, FOI, AI or Cyber Security? Do you want to help build a privacy-conscious world? If so, we want to hear from you! 

Why Act Now Training? 

Act Now Training is Europe’s leading provider of information governance training. For the past 24 years, we have been working with government organisations, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and corporate law firms. Our team of expert trainers delivers high-quality, practical courses that make complex topics easy to understand. 

With a comprehensive programme ranging from short webinars and one-day workshops to advanced practitioner certificate courses, we equip professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the evolving landscape of data protection and privacy. 

Our Mission 

At Act Now, we believe in building a privacy-conscious world. Our goal is to promote trust and respect for privacy, ensuring organisations embed data protection into their operations by default. We break down complex legal concepts, making education accessible and empowering professionals to become leaders in their field. By fostering a culture of responsible data usage, we help build public trust and drive positive change. 

Why Join Us? 

Due to increasing demand, we are expanding our team of expert trainers. With new courses launched in 2026, we are looking for talented trainers to deliver engaging, practical and jargon-free training. 

We offer opportunities for both full-time trainers and those looking to complement their existing roles. We are looking for passionate professionals who bring energy and innovation to their training sessions. 

What We Are Looking For: 

  • Experience of delivering GDPR, FOI, AI or Cyber Security training 
  • A passion for teaching and the ability to simplify complex concepts. 
  • A commitment to delivering interactive, engaging training (no “death by PowerPoint”!). 
  • Availability for two to ten training days per month  

We have opportunities to deliver a variety of courses, including our flagship GDPR Practitioner Certificate and our AI Governance Practitioner Certificate as well as customised in house training. 

Apply Now 

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and join a team dedicated to shaping the future of information governance, we’d love to hear from you! 

Email info@actnow.org.uk your CV, detailing your training and consultancy experience in GDPR, FOI, or Cyber Security. Closing date for applications is 5th May 2026. A full privacy policy is available on our website. 

Health Sector Data Protection Expert Joins the Act Now Team 

Act Now is delighted to welcome Raz Edwards, a leading expert in health sector information governance, to our team of associates. 

Raz brings over 17 years of experience as a Data Protection Officer, including more than a decade within the NHS. She currently serves as a DPO at a large NHS trust supporting acute, community, and primary care services, as well as research. Before joining the NHS, she spent six years as a Data Protection Officer in local government. 

She is the current Chair of the National Strategic Information Governance Network (SIGN), which brings together 24 regional networks across England and Wales, and also chairs the West Midlands SIGN. Her expertise has been further recognised through her appointment as a member of the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber, Information Rights Jurisdiction) and the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber, Information Rights Jurisdiction). 

Raz holds master’s degrees in computer science, law, and leadership and is a certified data ethics professional. At Act Now, Raz will be developing new courses in her specialist areas, serving on our curriculum and exam board, and supporting the delivery of training ranging from one-day workshops to advanced practitioner certificate courses. 

Raz joins is the second expert from the Midlands to join our team this year. Dr. Malkiat Thiarai joined us in August.

Dr. Malkiat Thiarai Joins the Act Now Team 

Act Now is delighted to welcome Dr. Malkiat Thiarai to our team of associates. 

Our associates play a vital role in delivering our mission: helping to create a more privacy-conscious world by educating IG professionals. At Act Now, we pride ourselves on providing training that is clear, practical, and jargon-free — making complex topics accessible and engaging. 

Every one of our associates brings extensive real-world experience from the information governance sector. This expertise enriches our courses and ensures they remain relevant, insightful, and highly rated by our delegates. We are excited to have Dr. Thiarai join us in continuing this tradition of excellence. 

Dr. Malkiat Thiarai has worked for Birmingham City Council for over 30 years and has led the information governance function for over 20 years. He is currently the Head of Practice – Corporate Information Management and part of the council’s Digital and Technology Services multi-disciplinary leadership team. His role encompasses the duties of the Data Protection Officer as well as other aspects of information governance. He helps to improve the management of council data assets and provide strategic and operational management of information management.   

In 2021, Dr. Malkiat successfully completed a PhD in Urban Science from the University of Warwick. His research focussed on the understanding the challenges and capability of using personal data held within public sector organisations for research purposes and use the analysis to develop new models of service delivery that are focused on social care data whilst balancing the rights of the individual to privacy and a personal life. He has previously completed the LLM Information Rights and Law as well as an MBA in Public Service. 

Dr. Malkiat will be developing new courses around his area of expertise and sitting on our curriculum and exam board. He will also be assisting our team to deliver everything from one-day workshops to advanced practitioner certificate courses. 

Ibrahim Hasan, Director of Act Now Training, said:  

“I am very pleased that Dr. Malkiat has joined our team. I have known Malkiat for over 25 years. I am confident that his strong academic background coupled with experience of working in IG for many years, he will be great contribution to our team developing innovative curricula to help foster a culture of responsible data usage, build public trust and drive positive change.” 

Former ICO Auditor Joins the Act Now Team 

We are excited to welcome Robert Weston to our growing team of associates at Act Now Training. With extensive experience in the data protection field, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our clients. 

Robert has previously worked at the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), where he conducted audits and advisory visits, guiding organisations to better compliance with their data protection responsibilities. His hands-on experience at the ICO gives him unique insight into the inner workings of regulatory compliance; knowledge that few consultants possess. 

Robert is also a law graduate and a retired Chartered Accountant, specialising in forensic accounting. His strong analytical background, combined with his ability to break down complex legal and regulatory issues into clear, actionable insights, makes him an invaluable asset to any organisation looking to strengthen their data protection strategies. 

In addition to his role at the ICO, Robert has served as the Data Protection Officer for a £170 million turnover not-for-profit organisation, as well as a consultant to NHS Trusts, where he advised on sensitive and high-stakes data protection matters.
This diverse background equips Robert with a deep understanding of both private and public sector challenges, helping clients navigate even the most intricate data protection landscapes. 

Ibrahim Hasan, Director at Act Now Training, had this to say about Robert’s arrival: 

 “We’re thrilled to have Robert join the team. With his wealth of experience from both sides of the fence, regulator and practitioner, Robert is perfectly positioned to guide our clients through the complex world of DP implementation. His skill set is a rare combination, and I’m confident he’ll bring immense value to our clients.” 

Tailored Data Protection Services for Your Organisation 

At Act Now Training, we understand that data protection is not a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer a flexible consultancy service designed to meet the specific needs of your organisation; whether you’re looking for a light-touch review or a comprehensive audit. 

Our services, led by Robert Weston, include: 

  • Desktop Reviews: A focused review of your key documents, policies, and procedures to assess data protection compliance. 
  • Onsite Audits: A deeper dive into your operations, combining desktop reviews with onsite assessments to identify risks and areas for improvement. 

Why is this important? Data protection failures can result not only in regulatory fines, but also serious reputational damage. A breach could lead to negative media coverage, eroding customer trust and impacting your brand. Our services help you avoid these risks by ensuring your data protection practices are robust and compliant with the latest legislation. 

What We Offer: Tailored Solutions for Data Protection Compliance 

Our consultancy services are designed to be flexible and scalable, offering the right level of support based on your needs: 

  • Half-Day Consultation: We’ll discuss your organisation’s approach to data protection, reviewing key documentation and ensuring compliance with legal bases for processing, data subject rights, and breach prevention. 
  • In-Depth Audit (3-4 Days): A comprehensive service where we assess your data protection practices, identify gaps, and provide practical steps to minimize risks, using a detailed review of your policies and procedures. 

During our assessments, we utilise ICO’s toolkits, which provide a structured approach to monitor ongoing compliance. These toolkits, often designed for larger organisations, include trackers to help you keep an eye on your progress. Having worked in the ICO’s assurance department, Robert is intimately familiar with these tools, and he’ll guide your team in implementing them effectively. 

Next Steps: Protect Your Organisation’s Future 

By working with Robert Weston and Act Now Training, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your data protection practices are thoroughly assessed and enhanced to meet today’s rigorous compliance standards. Whether you’re looking for a quick health check or a detailed audit, we have the expertise and tools to support your organisation’s needs. 

Get in touch today to find out how we can help reduce your data protection risks, protect your reputation, and secure your stakeholders’ personal data. 

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