Experience

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  Insight Management Services and Information Governance Ltd

  • Birmingham, United Kingdom

  • Managing Director

    • Jul 2016 - Present
    • Birmingham, United Kingdom

    Nowadays, I am mainly involved in supporting and auditing organisations for GDPR compliance following introduction of the legislation in May 2018 and transition to UK GDPR in 2021. I offer a variety of services including annual subscription packages to ensure organisations receive appropriate advice and guidance on Information Governance matters, run training and development courses, and a range of one-off services in the fields of Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Information Security, Records Management, Business Continuity and Emergency Planning as well as an extensive range of Management Services disciplines including Business Process Design, Change Management, Conflict Resolution, Independent Investigations and Accommodation Reviews. Whilst my primary customer base is trusts, schools and academies I also work with charities, local government, the health sector and SMEs. I set up as a sole trader in 2016 and converted to limited company status in October 2018.

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  Various Magazines, Newspapers & Websites

  • Local and national

  • Freelance Writer

    • 1978 - Present
    • Local and national

    Over the years I have written numerous articles on local history, genealogy, football, rock music, beer and breweries, mainly for local newspapers and magazines. Publications that have featured my work include the Birmingham Mail (for whom I regularly provide articles and quotes; several contributions featured in each of their Birmingham At War 1914-1918 centenary supplements which were shortlisted for Midlands Supplement of the Year 2014), The Sunday Mercury, Record Collector,The Black Country Bugle, Carl Chinn's Old Brum Magazine, Carl Chinn's Brummagem, What's Brewing and the Sports Argus. I have also contributed material to a variety of websites and blogs, both academic and recreational in style. In recent years I have contributed theatre and concert reviews and photos, and album reviews of both classic and new rock music to a variety of blogs. I am currently working on an online encyclopaedia of Kings Norton, Northfield and the surrounding areas, which I hope to complete in the next year or two. A few sample articles are reproduced below and further online examples can be found at:http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/nostalgia/birmingham-war-1914-18-birmingham-stayed-7520737 andhttp://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/nostalgia/birmingham-war-1914-18-conflict-sparked-7324344

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  UK, Ireland, Europe, US & Worldwide Records

  • Worldwide

  • Genealogical Researcher

    • 1976 - Present
    • Worldwide

    I have researched my own family history since my teenage years, visiting records office and parish offices around the country. I now have a comprehensively researched and documented database on all lines of my ancestry. In recent years I have undertaken a wide variety of research for more distant family, friends and people who I have come into contact with, who are either unable to carry out their own research or don't know how to go about it. My passion for the discipline led to me undertaking a course run by the University of Strathclyde in 2017 to further develop my skills and expand the work I undertake for others.

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  Birmingham City Council

  • United Kingdom
  • Government Administration
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Directorate for People Information Governance Manager

    • Apr 2007 - Jul 2016

    I was responsible for policy, training and guidance relating to Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Information Security, Records Management, Business Continuity and Emergency Planning for a large education and social care directorate and also for providing guidance on these subjects to the city's schools. I also liaise with partner agencies in relation to secure data sharing.

  • Data Protection Manager

    • Jan 1995 - Mar 2007

    I was responsible for managing Data Protection and Freedom of Information compliance for the city's Education Department.

  • Management Services Officer

    • Jun 1980 - Dec 1994

    I managed and undertook a wide range of Management Services/Work Study activities including business process re-engineering, management of change, workplace design and the introduction of incentive bonus schemes and new technology.

  • Accountancy Assistant

    • Sep 1979 - Jun 1980

    Responsible for checking and monitoring stock in and out of stores, and weekly reconciliation of stock levels.

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  King Edward VI Foundation Schools

  • Birmingham, United Kingdom

  • Premises Management Consultant

    • 1983 - 2016
    • Birmingham, United Kingdom

    As a consultant I have maintained the cleaning and caretaking schemes for the Foundation as the schools have grown and adapted to a changing environment, taking into account the need to provide extended opening hours and a far more diverse method of operation. The role is now part of my business, Insight Management Services and Information Governance Ltd.

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  Education, Health Sectors

  • United Kingdom

  • Freelance Management Services Consultant & Trainer

    • 1980 - 2016
    • United Kingdom

    I carried out projects for numerous organisations in the education and health sectors. I have significant experience of designing and implementing cleaning and site management schemes, business process design and re-engineering, health and safety in the workplace, ergonomic workplace design and overcoming resistance to change. The role is now part of my business, Insight Management Services and Information Governance.

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  Football Association, Birmingham County FA

  • West Midlands, United Kingdom

  • Football Referee

    • 1981 - 2012
    • West Midlands, United Kingdom

    I officiated in the Midland Combination, Birmingham Works League, Birmingham AFA, South Birmingham Sunday League, Kings Norton League, Mercian League and various junior and schools competitions. I also officiated in National FA and County FA cup competitions, the National Police Cup and numerous small-sided competitions.

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  James Collins Ltd

  • Birmingham, United Kingdom

  • Production Controller

    • Jun 1979 - Sep 1979
    • Birmingham, United Kingdom

    I was responsible for ensuring that sufficient raw materials (primarily brass, extruded metal and nylon) were ordered and delivered to enable the manufacture of items such as hinges, bolts, door handles and window fasteners in a factory employing around 100 manual staff. It was necessary to balance the requirement of not having too much capital invested in raw materials at any given point in time, whilst ensuring we always held sufficient to fulfil orders without any undue delays.