Newsletter: April 2025
Dear Caldicott Guardians,
Welcome to the UK Caldicott Guardian Council’s quarterly news round-up.
New to the UKCGC? Start here
A warm welcome to new subscribers – here’s a quick introduction to who we are.
If this is your first bulletin from us, we’d like to introduce ourselves. We are the national body for Caldicott Guardians, funded and overseen by the National Data Guardian.
We provide free guidance and resources to support you in your work. If you haven’t already explored our website, we recommend starting there.
You’re receiving this bulletin because you’re registered as a Caldicott Guardian in the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) and/or Caldicott Guardian register. This quarterly bulletin is one of the ways we support you in this vital role.
Future issues will include real-life case studies, key sector news, and updates on new policies and guidance – all in one place so you don’t have to go looking.
Meet your new chair and vice chair
Introducing Dr George Fernie and Helen Dyer, here to support and champion your role.
Dr George Fernie, our new chair, is the senior medical reviewer at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, leading the Death Certification Reviewer Service and an experienced Caldicott Guardian. In a recent conversation with the National Data Guardian, Dr Fernie committed to ensuring that the UKCGC understands and meets your needs. Read the Q&A with Dr Fernie.
Helen Dyer, our new vice chair, has served as a Caldicott Guardian for multiple independent sector organisations. She is a skilled trainer and, since 2015, has offered hands-on support to Caldicott Guardians through her free virtual training and breakfast club meetings.
Connect with George and Helen
Meet them at the annual conference – or get in touch directly.
George and Helen will be attending the Caldicott Guardian National Annual Conference 2025 on 20 May, having helped shape this year’s programme. If you’re attending, whether online or in person, please do say hello. They’re eager to hear about your experiences and explore how the UKCGC can better support you in your role. Alternatively, get in touch at england.ukcgcsecretariat@nhs.net with feedback or suggestions.
Evening learning series – book your spot
Join our free, one-hour monthly evening classes to build expertise in specific areas and connect with peers. Places are first-come, first-served, so secure your spot soon.
Upcoming sessions include:
8 May Information sharing considerations: children and young people
2 June Information sharing considerations: confidentiality after death
3 July Information sharing considerations: sharing with the police
Visit the UKCGC website to view the full schedule and book your place.
Start your day the Caldicott way!
Join our online breakfast club for updates, networking, and real-world case discussions.
If you’re an early riser, join our free monthly breakfast club on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 08:00 to 09:00 on MS Teams.
It’s a great way to stay informed and connected.
We’re pleased to share that we’ll be celebrating our 50th breakfast club in May with a live session at the Caldicott Guardian National Annual Conference 2025. We look forward to a lively, early-morning discussion with those attending.
To find out more about breakfast club, visit the events page of our website.
National Data Guardian strengthens commitment to Caldicott Guardians
Dr Nicola Byrne reaffirms your essential role in her latest report.
We were very pleased to see the National Data Guardian strengthen her commitment to supporting Caldicott Guardians and the UKCGC in her latest annual report. She stated:
“I will sponsor and actively participate in the work of the UK Caldicott Guardian Council to ensure that Caldicott Guardians have the support and resources they need to provide effective leadership in their organisations regarding the handling and use of confidential patient information in line with the Caldicott Principles.”
This recognises the vital role you play in keeping people’s data safe, and we look forward to working with the NDG to help fulfil this commitment to you.
Stay updated with the National Data Guardian
We encourage Caldicott Guardians to stay up to date with the National Data Guardian’s work via LinkedIn or by visiting their website. You can also subscribe to receive email alerts when new content or guidance is published to the NDG’s website.
Looking ahead: our commitment to you
We know how important it is to stay connected, and this bulletin marks the start of more regular updates from us. If there’s anything – or anyone – you’d like us to feature in future mailings, please let us know.
Thank you for your continued dedication.
Best regards,
The UK Caldicott Guardian Council