I live in Oakes, Huddersfield. I have been lucky enough to live in several gorgeous places throughout the UK but returned ‘home’ in 2005 to lay down permanent roots.

What is your position?  

Data Protection Officer. This new independent role is to inform, monitor and advise the Trust and its employees on the new General Data Protection Regulation policy (GDPR) and to be the point of contact for data protection issues.

I am available to provide advice, where requested, regarding all aspects of compliance with GDPR*.

Summarise your career background
I have a very varied work background, from being a travel agent, working in a textile mill, retail and then in a data quality and compliance role in the private sector before joining the NHS in 2008 as a Confidentiality and IM&T Security Officer.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

I think this would have to be passing my Masters in Healthcare Management in 2013; it was such a tough few years studying whilst having some health issues and surgery, so I felt it was a real achievement when I passed.

Sum up your role in three words

Challenging, Complex, Interesting

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I wanted to be an archaeologist, I had the false belief that all I would be doing was travelling to Greece and Egypt digging for hidden treasures.

Who is your hero/heroine and why?
Edith Cavell.

Edith is well known for her statement that "Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone."

I think that sums up in one statement why she is a heroine of mine.

When you are not at work how do you relax?
I have 2 dogs who keep me busy…. I have also just purchased an air tent so will be taking weekend trips away with the dogs.

What is your favourite place?

I love Devon and was lucky enough to live there for 5 years in my 20s.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I used to be a store detective in House of Fraser….. I had the highest arrest rate in the Lincolnshire area! Being nosey obviously suits me.

Twitter/Facebook?
@thisnhsHelen

The NHS is 70 on the 5th July. How does that make you feel?

Very, very, proud to be part of the NHS. It’s very easy to knock the NHS, but we forget about all it has achieved and how it has, as a state healthcare system, a wonderful record of treating and caring for people almost seventy years. Let’s make it even better over the next seventy years!

More GDPR news coming next week. In the meantime you can see our staff privacy notice on the intranet. If you need to contact Helen please do so on this.DPO@nhs.net