Tolu Akinola

Experienced Data Governance Specialist with over a decade of expertise in devising solutions spanning diverse organisational domains. Demonstrated leadership in steering the successful deployment of the enterprise Data Quality and Governance Framework, driving the alignment with overarching data strategy and fostering data trust. Proficiently handled end-to-end processes, including methodological design, seamless implementation, and effective stakeholder engagement.

Adeptly documented essential prerequisites for implementing tooling solutions, ensuring comprehensive data governance across organisations. Expertise encompasses vital facets, including Metadata, Lineage, Data Quality, and Master Data Management, leveraging advanced data profiling tools such as Collibra & Informatica. Instrumental in educating, training, and supporting the adoption of Data Governance best practices, standards, and platforms.

With a proven track record of influencing business decision-making through the effective application of robust governance principles.

Data Governance Manager - Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)

(2025-01)

• Led the design and delivery of CAF's enterprise Data Governance Framework, aligned to organisational strategy and regulatory requirements
• Developed Data Standards, policies, and accountability models (Data Owners & Stewards) to embed governance across departments
• Delivered ICO accountability and compliance artefacts, including departmental trackers and gap assessments
• Established data quality and governance reporting, including KPIs, risks, and executive-level updates
• Chaired cross-functional Data Governance and Purview working groups, driving alignment across technology and business teams
• Designed and delivered training and awareness programmes to improve understanding and adoption of data governance across non-technical teams
• Supported the Renew Programme / Impact Accelerator, ensuring governance is embedded into transformation initiatives
• Acted as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, translating governance into clear priorities and delivery plans

Data Governance & Quality Lead - Lloyds Banking Group

(2021-01 - 2025-01)

In my capacity as a Data Governance Manager across the customer and finance domains at Lloyds, I oversaw the handling, utilisation, and safeguarding of critical data assets, ensuring strict adherence to internal, legal, and regulatory obligations. My core responsibilities included:

• Defined and implemented a comprehensive set of data policies and standards primarily aligned to Lloyds data policies and standards, identifying where these may need to be enhanced when applied across the health sector
• Monitored the practical application of these data policies and standards throughout the delivery lifecycle
• Implemented and embedded quality management controls within the Data Quality Management Framework
• Chaired Data Governance meetings, ensuring objectives were met and governance issues were addressed
• Collaborated with the wider data leadership team to implement the strategy alongside ongoing data and business initiatives, ensuring high-quality data delivery supported by metrics and reporting
• Created and implemented Data Governance Performance Frameworks
• Took ownership and responsibility for Data Governance Performance Reporting
• Led the provision of performance metrics, KPIs, issues, risks, and project reporting for Data Quality and Data Governance
• Reviewed and approved initiatives and projects affecting Lloyds Data, including third-party data sharing, ensuring governance requirements were met and Lloyds' data interests were safeguarded
• Proactively championed the value of data as a strategic business asset and revenue generator by providing the business and strategy teams with ideas and promoting those ideas into action, including developing and implementing communication, learning, change management, and adoption plans
• Created and maintained data governance policies, processes, and procedures for guiding data security and privacy, data quality control, and data dissemination activities
• Documented requirements for tooling solutions (e.g., Metadata, Lineage, Data Quality, Master Data Management) to govern data across the organisation
• Ensured that all data users understood the principles and policies surrounding data usage and protection, along with their individual responsibilities, through clear communication and training

Data Governance Lead - NHS

(2018-01 - 2021-01)

• Delivered organisation-wide data governance framework rollout, including roles, responsibilities, and governance forums
• Established and operated Data Governance Council and steering groups
• Developed a business glossary and improved metadata management practices
• Ensured governance was embedded into project delivery and data initiatives
• Led communication campaigns to increase awareness and engagement across the organisation

Data Governance Analyst - EDF Energy

(2014-01 - 2018-01)

• Supported implementation of data governance frameworks, policies, and standards
• Built and managed Data Owner and Steward community to embed governance practices
• Delivered training programmes on data governance and stewardship
• Contributed to development of data catalogues, operating models, and governance reporting

MSc - Medical Science - Imperial College London

BSc (Hons) - Radiography - City University London