CAREERS THAT COUNT: Women shaping compliance and data protection

In recognition of International Women’s Day 2026, this session celebrates the women making an impact in compliance and data protection. As regulatory expectations rise and organisations place greater value on trust, governance and accountability, compliance roles are becoming an integral part of business success. 

Compliance careers are rarely linear. For many women, they are shaped by unexpected opportunities and career pivots. This discussion brings those stories to life, sharing how women have built meaningful careers in compliance, what they have learned along the journey, and why the profession continues to offer long-term, rewarding opportunities.  

Join Pippa Scotcher, DPO, Liz Griffiths DPO, and Caroline Burgess, DPSO, from The DPO Centre, alongside guest panelists for an open and practical discussion. Together, they bring a mix of in-house, consultancy, and sector-wide experience. They will share their personal career journeys, including the successes, the challenges and turning points that shaped their paths. 

You’ll learn: 

• What can help women progress at different stages of their careers 
• How varied backgrounds can shape success in compliance and data protection 
• How to enter the profession today, including transferable skills and entry routes 
• What day-to-day compliance roles look like 

The session will close with an open Q&A, giving the audience the chance to ask questions and learn directly from the panel’s experiences. As we recognise the contribution women make across compliance and data protection, this is a great opportunity for anyone considering their next career step.