Allison Noble, PhD
Aberdeen,Aberdeenshire
Summary
Trained Information Governance Officer with over 2.5 years of dedicated service, ensuring data protection compliance, complemented by my experience working in national government placements, academia, and university professional services. Highly skilled in interpreting and applying data protection legislation, with a strong track record in developing and implementing policies, conducting DPIAs, and drafting data sharing and processing agreements. Demonstrated ability to build productive stakeholder relationships, lead and support cross-organisational projects, and deliver engaging data protection training. Committed to advancing ethical and effective data governance practices, fostering transparency, collaboration, and socially responsible outcomes across the public sector and academic environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Business Development Executive: Creative & Digital
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen
03.2025 - Current
- Oversee cross-university digital and creative initiatives to achieve key organisational targets through effective team collaboration.
- Execute a range of administrative duties in compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
- Consistently seek out collaborative commercial opportunities, and support the administrative process: completing appropriate data protection documentation and legal agreements with Research and Innovation Contracts Advisors.
- Manage competing project timelines to ensure completion within designated periods.
- Facilitate negotiation meetings between academics and industry stakeholders in efforts to establish new university relationships, including initial discussions between data controllers and academics regarding access to proprietary data for research.
Information Governance Officer
Research Data Scotland (RDS)
Edinburgh (remote)
09.2022 - 02.2025
- Supported key internal data governance processes and both led and co-led on cross-organisational initiatives.
- Drafted, implemented, and reviewed a range of policies in compliance with relevant data protection legislation, including the Data Protection Act 2018, Public Records (Scotland) Act 2011, UK GDPR, Freedom of Information Act 2002, and PECR.
- Co-authored, mapped, and reviewed documentation within tight deadlines for multi-tenant Information Governance projects.
- Adhered to RDS values to actively develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with staff and RDS partners.
- Designed and delivered accessible, engaging data protection training sessions.
- Supported the Information Governance manager's responsibilities in the delivery of the Researcher Access Service.
- Led and supported internal projects, using gathered insights to inform external consultants in the development internal platform infrastructure.
- Attended external training courses and events.
Research Analyst
Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
London (remote)
10.2021 - 01.2022
- Conducted risk assessments on projects, ensuring data protection processes were completed before initiation.
- Reviewed and critiqued existing data collections, analysing interviews and liaising with stakeholders.
- Identified gaps within cross-research landscapes, enhancing overall research quality.
- Researched methods for sustaining British heritage and culture in key digital sectors.
- Briefed the Chief Executive Director of DCMS on data ethics, AI security issues, and algorithmic monopolies associated with streaming platforms prior to their CMA secondment.
Insight and Engagement Unit Researcher
Hampshire County Council
Winchester, Hampshire
11.2020 - 01.2021
- Completed R&D secondment focusing on COVID-19 regulations.
- Facilitated remote focus groups across Hampshire, utilising diverse software packages and alignment with UK GDPR.
- Conducted extensive research in collaboration with councils and UK organisations for systematic reviews, using a mixture of confidential and public data.
- Gained proficiency in new data analysis software during project execution.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Web Science (Music/Computer Science)
University of Southampton
Southampton 10.2019 - 12.2024
Master of Science - Web Science
University of Southampton
Southampton 10.2018 - 09.2019
Master of Music - Musicology
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh 09.2016 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Popular Music Studies
University of Highlands and Islands
Perth 09.2012 - 06.2016
Skills
- Experienced in applying relevant data protection legislation in both an Information Governance role and academia
- Knowledgeable and practised in drafting, reviewing, and implementing data protection documentation, risk plans, data mapping, and training materials
- In-depth understanding of academic institutional regulations regarding data sharing and access for research
- Confident presenter of information and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders
- Accomplished in delivering training and guidance at the organisational level
- Experienced in utilising ICO and national government toolkits
- Trained in adhering to confidential working practices
- Excellent stakeholder management skills
- Adept in Microsoft 365 and associated application use
Certification
I completed AmberHawk's BCS Data Protection Practitioner course in January 2023, which provided in-depth training at Data Protection Officer level. The course covered key data protection legislation, including the DPA 2018, UK GDPR, EU GDPR, and PECR.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Business Development Executive: Creative & Digital
University of Aberdeen
03.2025 - Current
Information Governance Officer
Research Data Scotland (RDS)
09.2022 - 02.2025
Research Analyst
Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
10.2021 - 01.2022
Insight and Engagement Unit Researcher
Hampshire County Council
11.2020 - 01.2021
Doctor of Philosophy - Web Science (Music/Computer Science)
University of Southampton
10.2019 - 12.2024
Master of Science - Web Science
University of Southampton
10.2018 - 09.2019
Master of Music - Musicology
University of Edinburgh
09.2016 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Popular Music Studies
University of Highlands and Islands
09.2012 - 06.2016