Bethan Dawson

Bethan leads the Trust’s data protection function as Data Protection Officer.

She ensures that data protection measures are effectively implemented across all LST academies and central services, safeguarding the privacy rights and freedoms of individuals and ensuring full compliance with UK data protection legislation.

The data protection function is responsible for monitoring compliance with data protection laws, advising on data processing activities, supporting schools and central teams with GDPR requirements, and overseeing data protection impact assessments, breach management and information governance processes. As a function, it provides expert guidance to ensure that data is handled safely, lawfully and transparently across the Trust.

Bethan brings experience from the further education sector, where she worked in legal governance and risk management before progressing to Data Protection and Compliance Officer. She holds a degree in History and Politics from Northumbria University and is certified as an EU GDPR Practitioner, supporting her work in leading robust and effective data protection practice across LST.

Working at a strategic level, Bethan ensures that data protection remains a core part of the Trust’s governance and compliance framework, enabling safe and responsible use of information in support of LST’s mission.