Cathy Arnold
Cathy is the secure data environment lead for DATA-CAN and a member of the DATA-CAN Management Group. This includes managing the DATA-CAN data sharing agreement with NHS England and research access for projects within the NHS England secure data environment. Cathy programme managed the delivery of the DATA-CAN national cancer TRE for Health Data Research UK prior to taking up her current role as Head of Data Services at the University of Leeds, overseeing the delivery of the data strategy for the university. She has been a member of the DATA-CAN Management Group since 2022.
Cathy is an expert project delivery professional and graduate of the Civil Service/University of Oxford Major Projects Leadership Programme with experience in the fields of strategy, policy and delivery in the public sector, specifically focussing on property, accommodation and IT/data programmes. She has particular expertise in the programme management of complex projects and change programmes, procurement in the public and private sector, public policy and customer service.
Cathy has held senior roles in the Civil Service at the Office for National Statistics, the National Portrait Gallery and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) as director and head of profession for project delivery. Her experience includes operational delivery, portfolio and investment management and multi-million transformation programmes, including as Senior Responsible Owner for key projects in the FCO’s £1.1 bn global technology transformation programme and £2bn estates rationalisation and ways of working programme.
As an architect and construction lawyer, Cathy is currently the UK representative on the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on Buildings, having held the role of President from 2016-2018 and Vice-President from 2019-2022.