Simon Backwell
Information Security and Data Protection Officer @Recite Me
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WORK HISTORY
Information Security and Data Protection Officer @Recite Me
Gateshead, GB
Leading information security and acting as Data Protection Officer for Recite Me and ARCH (https://wearearch.com), owning both organisations\' security and privacy postures. Working with senior leadership to embed scalable, ISO 27001-aligned governance, support global growth, strengthen client trust, and deliver practical, business-aligned security across technology, people and process.
EDUCATION
Richard Taunton Sixth Form College
A Levels, Film Studies, Media Studies, English Language, RSA 1 & 2 Word Processing
ABOUT SIMON BACKWELL
Pragmatic and hands-on information security leader with experience building and maturing security functions in fast-paced, high-growth and regulated environments. I focus on creating governance frameworks aligned with ISO 27001, ISO 22301 and data protection requirements, and embedding them in a way that genuinely supports the business.My background spans security strategy, GRC, supplier assurance, privacy, incident response and operational resilience.Recent achievements include:• building a greenfield security operating model across UK and Nordic regions• maintaining ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 certification with zero non-conformities• delivering an award-winning security culture programme (eNPS +75)• leading M&A security due diligence and integration• strengthening audit readiness, risk governance and vendor securityI’m known for being practical, collaborative and transparent. I work closely with IT, Legal, Product and Engineering to deliver controls that enable delivery rather than slow it. I’m often trusted to bring clarity and calm to complex security challenges, particularly during periods of rapid change, audit or incident response.Alongside formal security leadership, I bring a strong understanding of human behaviour, influence and decision making under pressure. Earlier experience in mentalism and behavioural observation has shaped how I approach security leadership, particularly in areas such as social engineering risk, executive communication, incident response and security culture. This helps me anticipate how people actually respond in real situations, not how policies assume they will.I’m currently leading information security and data protection across Recite Me and ARCH, supporting both a mission-driven organisation focused on accessibility, trust and inclusive digital experiences and a website and app developer focused on high quality application development. I’ve written for ISACA’s Emerging Trends Working Group and have been published in Computer Weekly and Risk & Compliance Magazine. I’m also an Event Director for junior parkrun.If you’d like to connect, collaborate or discuss opportunities, feel free to reach out.
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