Newsletter: Autumn 2026 - UKCGC Conference special edition
Chair’s welcome
Dear Caldicott Guardian,
Welcome to this special autumn edition of the UKCGC bulletin, the main focus of which is our first virtual UKCGC Annual Conference, taking place on 6 October 2026.
The conference brings together an exceptional range of speakers and subject matter experts to explore some of the most pressing issues facing Caldicott Guardians and information governance professionals today. Whether you join a single session or attend the full programme, I hope you will take the opportunity to learn from colleagues, share experiences and engage in discussions about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
If you have not already done so, you can sign up for free here.
In this edition, you will also find:
An update on the use of confidential patient information for reflective practice and a reminder of the distinction between reflective practice and professional curiosity, including the importance of meeting confidentiality obligations when accessing patient information.
Details of UKCGC's contribution to the Department for Education's statutory guidance supporting the new information-sharing duty introduced through the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, a significant development for professionals involved in safeguarding children and young people.
Once more, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you do. Your commitment to using confidential information lawfully, ethically and appropriately continues to make a real difference, helping to maintain public trust and support safe, effective care.
I look forward to welcoming many of you at the conference next month.
Dr George Fernie
Chair, UK Caldicott Guardian Council
UKCGC annual online conference – 6 October 2026
We are delighted that the event has already attracted significant interest, and there is still time to register for the UKCGC’s first virtual annual conference on Tuesday 6 October.
The event is free to attend and has been designed specifically for Caldicott Guardians and information governance professionals. The conference will run as a drop-in event: you can join for the full conference or just the sessions that most interest you.
08:00-08:45 (45m) – Breakfast Club (optional)
This optional session before the event opens provides an opportunity for Caldicott Guardians to hear the latest news and bring scenarios and questions for discussion using the Chatham House rule.
09:00-09:05 (5m) – Welcome and Introduction
Opening remarks from the UKCGC Chair, Dr George Fernie
09:05-09:35 (30m) – National Data Guardian
A keynote from Nicola Byrne, National Data Guardian for health and social care. This will be followed by Q&A.
09:35-11:00 (1hr 25m) – AI and New Technology Including Panel Discussion
Katie Thorn - Director of Innovation, Digital Care Hub
Jeffry Hogg - Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Birmingham, and National Data Guardian Panel member
Alastair Denniston - Professor of Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham
Andrew Latham - Partner, Capsticks solicitors
As AI becomes more embedded in health and care, what does this mean for privacy, transparency and public trust? This session will examine emerging challenges and opportunities, and consider the role of Caldicott Guardians in navigating the age of agentic AI. Includes a panel discussion and audience Q&A.
11:10-11:40 (30m) – No Surprises? Public Trust in the Future of Health Data
Anna Steere – Head of Understanding Patient Data
Anna discusses Understanding Patient Data in 2026 and what the 8th Caldicott Principle - Informing patients and service users about how their confidential information is used - means in a rapidly changing system.
11:40-12:10 (30m) – Anonymisation vs Pseudonymisation
Paul Comerford - Principal Technology Policy Advisor, Information Commissioner’s Office
Explore the differences between anonymised, pseudonymised and de-identified data, and consider how emerging AI tools are shaping information governance. The session will also examine the common law duty of confidentiality and the implications for health and care organisations.
12:50-13:05 (15m) - Caldicott Guardians: Developing as a Profession
Helen Dyer – Vice-Chair, UKCGC
Help shape the future of the Caldicott Guardian role: for just 15 minutes we’ll explore views about whether formal education and professional accreditation would support the advisory and decision-making role of Caldicott Guardians within organisations.
13:05-14:10 (1hr 5m) – Changes in the Law
Andrew Latham – Partner, Capsticks solicitors
Helen Dyer – Vice-Chair, UKCGC
Neil Bhatia - GP Partner, IG/FOI/Records Access lead, UKCGC member, Data Protection Officer, Data Privacy Officer
This session explores the law and recent changes which might affect our decisions and advice as Caldicott Guardians.
14:20-14:55 (35m) – What Keeps Frontline IG Professionals Awake at Night?
Sami Mansoor - IG Policy Engagement Manager, NHS England
Timir Goswami - IG Specialist, NHS England
Legal grey areas, cross-disciplinary decision-making and the human side of IG. Join NHS England's information governance (IG) engagement team for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most challenging questions facing health and care today, from major incidents and quality improvement activities to the opportunities and risks presented by AI.
15:05-15:50 (45m) – Nottingham Inquiry: Application of the Caldicott Principles
George Fernie – Chair, UKCGC
What can Caldicott Guardians learn from the Nottingham Inquiry? George shares practical reflections on applying the Caldicott Principles in this devastating and complex high-profile case, covering confidentiality, accountability, evidence-giving and professional decision-making.
15:50-16:20 (30m) – Unauthorised Access to Patient Data
Raz Edwards - Head of Data Security & Protection/ Data Protection Officer
UKCGC has offered Raz a “Magic Wand” with which to eliminate unauthorised access to patient data for this session. Would it work in your organisation?
16:20-16:30 (10m) – Closing Remarks
16:30-17:30 (1hr) – Evening Class (Optional)
The Caldicott Guardian role: What Does Good Look Like?
From checklists to appraisal, review and audit, this session explores ideas for how the role of the Caldicott Guardian adds value to the organisation supporting the demonstration of trustworthiness in the lawful, ethical and appropriate use of patient data.
*Please note that timings and content may be subject to change
There will be opportunities throughout the day to ask questions, share experiences and hear perspectives from colleagues and subject matter experts.
Whether you are an experienced Caldicott Guardian, newly appointed to the role, or work closely with Caldicott Guardians in supporting information governance, the conference offers a valuable opportunity to learn, reflect and connect with peers.
We encourage all Caldicott Guardians to join us for as much of the day as their schedules allow.
Secure your free place via Eventbrite
Other learning opportunities
UKCGC Breakfast Club – virtual (08:00–09:00)
Join us for our free monthly breakfast clubs, where you will have the opportunity to keep up-to-date with the latest Caldicott Guardian developments, network with fellow Caldicott Guardians, and problem-solve any queries you may be dealing with.
View full list of sessions and sign up to be a member for free
UKCGC evening classes – virtual (17:30–18:30)
Join our free, one-hour monthly evening classes to build expertise in specific areas and connect with peers. Upcoming sessions include:
Trustworthiness: Appropriate records access by employees in social care - with Katie Thorn
Monday 28 September 2026
Trustworthiness: Appropriate records access by employees in health care
Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Information sharing for safeguarding: Lawful, ethical and appropriate – with Department for Education
Thursday 26 November 2026
A Caldicott Guardian review of 2026: Updates, Questions and Answers
Wednesday 30 December 2026
View full list of sessions and book your free place via Eventbrite
Using confidential patient information for reflective practice
Over recent weeks there has been discussion with UKCGC about whether confidential patient information can be accessed to satisfy professional curiosity. We are clear that professional curiosity is distinct from reflective practice as described in the National Data Guardian policy paper: Using data in reflective practice to support safe care. This paper underpins guidance from NHS England on reflective practice: Using information for reflective practice guidance for IG professionals.
To access and use confidential patient information in relation to professional curiosity, the common-law duty of confidentiality must be satisfied or set aside. Those accessing records must be able to offer a rationale for how they have done this in each scenario, for example whether consent has been assumed as part of the direct care relationship or whether access is to facilitate a public interest disclosure. Professionals should also be clear about how they have been transparent with patients with regard to the use of their information for such a purpose (Caldicott Principle 8).
If you would like to understand more about professional curiosity it is described here: All-age professional curiosity rapid read practitioner briefing - NHS Safeguarding.
If you have a situation where you are unclear about whether you can legitimately access confidential patient information, support is available here: Contact Us — UKCGC.
Policy & legislation updates
Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 – Update
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, introduces a new statutory duty to share information to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Ahead of the duty coming into force on 30 September 2026, the Department for Education has now published the final statutory guidance, Information Sharing to Safeguard Children and Young People, together with supporting data-sharing agreement templates. The statutory Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance will continue to apply.
Find out more at the UKCGC free Evening Class: Information sharing for safeguarding: Lawful, ethical and appropriate on Thursday 26 November.
Guidance and resources
Unauthorised, inappropriate and unjustifiable access to confidential patient information
A letter from Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive Officer of NHS England, about unauthorised, inappropriate and unjustifiable access to confidential patient information and guidance for Trust leaders.
New UKCGC resource: Who to speak to if you have a concern or complaint about how health and social care data has been handled
The UKCGC has produced a new resource to help members of the public understand who to contact if they have concerns about how their health or social care data has been handled. It provides practical signposting to support individuals in raising concerns through the appropriate channels. It also offers a useful overview of the Caldicott Guardian role and clarifies the UKCGC's remit in supporting, rather than overseeing, Caldicott Guardians. Read the full document.
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