Eric Phelps

I am a senior data strategy and governance leader with over 15 years of experience delivering data transformation across complex, highly regulated environments. I specialise in building pragmatic, outcome-focused data governance frameworks that improve accountability, data quality, regulatory compliance, and decision-making at scale. My work spans banking and finance, local government, housing, law enforcement, and the private sector, where I have led enterprise-wide data strategies, assurance programmes, and cultural change initiatives aligned to regulatory, operational, and organisational priorities.

Known for translating complex data and compliance challenges into clear, actionable solutions, I work closely with boards, senior leaders, and delivery teams to turn fragmented data into trusted, well-governed assets that support safer services, better outcomes, and sustainable transformation.

I have over 15 years’ experience leading data strategy, governance, and transformation across complex, highly regulated organisations in the public and private sectors. I have held senior roles within local government, national policing bodies, and commercial organisations, such as insurance and banking services where I have designed and implemented enterprise data governance frameworks, improved data quality and assurance, and supported regulatory compliance at scale. My experience includes working closely with boards, senior leaders, regulators, and operational teams to align data with strategic, operational, and statutory priorities.

I am recognised for combining strong governance with practical delivery, enabling organisations to move from fragmented, high-risk data environments to trusted, well-managed data assets that support better decision-making and sustainable change.

Professional Experience

London Borough of Newham

2024 – Present

Leading enterprise data strategy, governance, and assurance across Housing Services, aligning data assets to regulatory compliance, service improvement, and executive decision-making.

Contractor Data Governance Lead

National Crime Agency

2023 – 2024

Led strategic data governance initiatives within a national law-enforcement environment, focusing on data quality, accountability, information risk, and cross-agency data sharing.

Strategic Data Governance Lead

Police Digital Service

2021 – 2023

Designed and implemented national data governance frameworks supporting UK policing, including standards for data ownership, quality, ethics, and assurance.

Senior Data Governance & Information Management Roles

Compare the Market Insurance and Banking Services

Metropolitan Police Service

2015 – 2021

Held senior roles spanning commercial and policing environments, strengthening data governance, compliance, and operational use of information in complex organisations.

I hold a Doctorate in Criminal Justice and an MSc in International Conflict, providing a strong academic foundation in risk, governance, and complex systems. My education is complemented by professional certifications and training in data governance, data ethics, and information management, including a Level 2 Certificate in Data Coding and Ethics and supporting effective delivery of complex data and transformation programmes. Together, this blend of academic and professional learning underpins my ability to design robust, compliant data governance frameworks and lead strategic change in regulated environments.