After an incredible 15 and a half years of dedicated service, Sheila Smith is stepping down from her Chair of Trustee role at SWGfL. SWGfL extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sheila for her outstanding leadership, tireless commitment, and unwavering dedication to the mission of ensuring everyone can benefit from technology free from harm.
Sheila brought invaluable insight to the role, shaped by her career in public service, including her position as Director of Children’s Services at North Somerset Council. Her experience and deep understanding of child protection and education were instrumental in guiding SWGfL through over a decade of change and growth.
Welcoming Robert Bond
As Sheila steps down, we are delighted to welcome Robert Bond as the new Chair of Trustees. Robert brings with him over 45 years of experience advising both national and international clients, particularly in the areas of regulatory compliance, data protection, and artificial intelligence. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for SWGfL as the organisation continues to expand its impact and navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape.
Robert is admitted as a Solicitor and a Notary Public in England and Wales and currently serves as an Industry Commissioner for the UK Data & Marketing Commission. His credentials are as impressive as they are diverse: he is a Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional, a Chartered IT Professional, a Companion of the British Computer Society, a Fellow of the Society of Advanced Legal Studies, and an Honorary Member of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.
His exceptional legal, technological, and ethical expertise will be a tremendous asset to SWGfL as it continues to develop and lead initiatives that ensure safer, more responsible use of technology.
“I am honoured and thrilled to be appointed as Chair at a time when SWGfL is influencing online safety and ethical behaviour in the digital world” said Robert.
As we say a fond farewell to Sheila and look ahead to a promising future under Robert’s guidance, we thank Sheila once again for her remarkable service and warmly welcome Robert as he brings his wealth of experience and vision to the role of Chair.
