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Newsletter - December 25
Welcome to our monthly newsletter - where we let you know what's been happening in the world of data!
Welcome to our monthly newsletter - where we let you know what's been happening in the world of data, keep you in the loop with our latest blog releases, highlight our top news picks and share with you exclusive updates from the team at DAMA UK.
As we draw an end to 2025 we’re reflecting back on the year. And, what a year it’s been! For many of us it’s seen a deluge of new AI, SaaS and other tech tools plus a host of advice on what we should and shouldn’t be doing. This has sometimes felt a little overwhelming and difficult to pick through.
We’ve reminded you repeatedly that, regardless of the tools used, strong data governance is foundational and imperative - perhaps more so than ever!
But let’s put all that aside for a few days, switch off, wind down, and enjoy the Christmas break with family and friends, ready to come back full of beans in January!
On behalf of the entire DAMA UK team, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a fantastic year ahead. Thank you for your continued support - we couldn’t do it without you ☃️
Top Picks from the last few weeks
What Lies Ahead?
“The next five years won’t punish data science, they’ll punish indiscipline.”
A brilliant sentiment shared by Kristen Kehrer in her post rounding up some of the best data predictions for 2026 so far!
In the predictions, there is a lot of talk about AI, but there is also a lot about trust.
The core challenge isn't a lack of brilliant ideas or powerful AI models but rather the failure to treat data and ML systems with the professionalism often applied to critical software engineering.
And so the reward, as Kristen notes, will go to those who focus on:
Data Retention - Is it Enough to Simply Document a Policy?
Recent talk surrounding UK data retention policy confirms that while we have specific, legally mandated periods, the overriding principle remains. 👇Personal data must be kept for 'no longer than is necessary,' as put by ComputerWeekly.com.
AND company policies must be justified and documented well.
But, in reality, it's not enough to simply document a policy. Accountability demands that the Storage Limitation principle is technically enforced across the entire data estate.
Placing Data Governance and Quality Centre Stage
We see, all the time, a common sentiment among data governance and data quality practitioners. 👇
Unfortunately, their work is often pushed aside with statements like, "It’s not a priority right now,” as Gaurav Patole states.
And this certainly captures the historical struggle to gain visibility, especially when the immediate impact is rarely reflected in strategic board discussions focused on quick growth.
However, there are signs pointing to this changing. It could even be said that three factors are at play in making the foundational work of data governance and data quality centre stage:
Gen Up On Terminology
🚀 DAMA UK Glossary Spotlight
At DAMA UK, we know that a clear understanding of data terminology is essential for effective management. Whether you’re new to data, or you’re looking to brush up on your terminology, our glossary makes complex concepts easier to understand.
Be sure to explore the full glossary, but here are some useful terms to wield in your arsenal:
More Here
🎉Announcing the 2025 IRM/DAMA UK Practitioner Award Winners!
We’re proud to celebrate two outstanding IRM/DAMA UK award winners, both of whom have demonstrated excellence in data management:
🏆Individual Award Winner: Arundhati Thakkar - AIG UK Ltd
Arundhati’s leadership has transformed AIG’s approach to data,
embedding accountability, reducing risks, and enabling better decision-making
🏆Team Award Winner: Data Governance & Data Quality Team - NHSBSA
The NHSBSA Data Governance and Data Quality Team demonstrated
exceptional leadership and innovation in transforming how data quality is
managed. Their work improved efficiency, reduced risks, and built a strong
data-driven culture, earning national recognition.
Huge congratulations to both our winners - your dedication and commitment to data management is an inspiration to us all!
What's On
Click on images to register!
Exploring the integrity of property/address data and asset/infrastructure data as foundational to operational excellence!
This webinar will unpack the real picture of data in 2025, not the hype, but how data teams are actually operating, adapting and prioritising amid economic pressures, AI integration, and cultural shifts.
This session is intended for data leaders, governance professionals, and AI programme owners who are navigating the complexities of ethical AI, regulatory expectations, and operational readiness. If your organisation is exploring how to scale AI responsibly, this webinar will offer valuable insights into bridging the gap between policy and practice
Did you Miss…
Any of our recent webinars?
Each of our webinars addresses a specific aspect of data management or the challenges and opportunities facing us data practitioners. They’re hugely popular and valuable so, if you didn’t catch them all, why not take a look at our fantastic archive here 👉DAMA UK - Events.
Sponsors
Finally, we would like to say a HUGE thank you to our brilliant sponsors, who support DAMA UK on our mission to nurture a talented community of data professionals championing the value of data management across the UK.
