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From Risk Concerns to Robust Governance

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Industry

Education

Challenge

Finding a value‑for‑money DPO service and reliable data protection record‑keeping system to strengthen compliance and governance across the Trust.

Results

A high‑quality software platform backed by expert DPO support - improving consistency, enabling faster SAR/data breach responses, and enhancing governance reporting.

Key Products

GDPRiS

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"We have seen a substantial time saving when managing SARs and Data Breaches since we started using the GDPRiS platform"

Daryl Unitt

Head of Shared Service ( IT, Estates, Risk, Procurement), EMAT

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About EMAT

East Midlands Academy Trust is a growing family of seven schools across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, educating almost 5,000 pupils with the support of over 600 staff.

Guided by its ethos #EMATters and the values of Inclusion, Innovation and Impact, the Trust is driven by a strong moral purpose that every child deserves to be the best they can be.

Driving Operational Excellence with a Smarter GDPR Approach

East Midlands Academy Trust (EMAT) operates with three strategic aims: Operational Excellence, Education Excellence, and #EMATters, its ethos-driven culture. To support these aims, the Trust needed a GDPR solution that delivered both value for money and high‑quality expertise.

The Challenge

EMAT required a dependable DPO service provider paired with a robust data protection record keeping and management system. The Trust needed clearer oversight, better risk management, and a way to ensure their processes would satisfy both internal and external audit requirements.

Growing concerns around compliance, especially with SARs and data breaches, meant the existing approach was no longer sustainable.

The Solution

EMAT implemented a quality GDPR software system supported by a knowledgeable, high‑value DPO service. This combination delivered:

  • Central oversight across all schools
  • Data Mapping & DPIA tools
  • Templates and guided workflows for incidents, information requests, and complaints
  • Internal auditing and compliance monitoring
  • Staff training and ongoing compliance tracking
  • Responsive advice from the support team

This blend of technology and expert service aligned with EMAT’s commitment to operational excellence.

The Results

The Trust quickly experienced measurable improvements:

  • Greater consistency in data protection practice across all schools
  • Easier, audit‑ready reporting to satisfy the Academies Handbook
  • Faster response times for SARs and data breaches
  • Stronger governance reporting at Trust level

Advice for other Trusts

Daryl's advice:

“I would consider the reputation and experience of your prospective providers and the importance of a system that can be audited and reported from effectively to satisfy external and internal audit as required in the Academies Handbook.”

Book a demo today and see how our platform and specialist DPO support can help you achieve operational excellence.

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