Securing the Foundations of AI

The Data Challenges Behind AI Adoption

A Peer Roundtable for Higher Education, Housing, Local Government and Third Sector Leaders, Hosted with Newcastle University

While organisations are exploring how AI can improve productivity and citizen, resident or student services, cyber criminals are also using AI to make attacks faster, more convincing and harder to detect.

Preparing for AI isn't just about adopting new technology. It's about strengthening the security, governance and operational foundations that allow organisations to innovate safely.
Because AI should become a force multiplier for your organisation, not for your attackers.

Join peers from across the region to explore practical approaches to securing the foundations of AI and hear how organisations are preparing for what's next.

Full Agenda →

Newcastle University Campus | 23rd September 2026 | 1pm – 4.30pm .

Lunch and networking included.

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Join Peers from Across the Region

Hosted with Newcastle University, Richard Holland, Field CISO, Leon Butler, Data and AI Security Solutions Director and, Peter Rising, Senior Security Partner Solution Architect, Microsoft bring together leaders responsible for technology, cyber security, information governance, risk and digital transformation to discuss the practical realities of preparing data for AI adoption.

This is not a product demonstration or sales presentation. It's an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, hear how peers are approaching similar challenges, discuss what's working (and what isn't), and explore practical ways to secure the foundations AI depends on.

Attendance is intentionally limited to encourage open discussion and meaningful peer engagement.

Speakers →

What You'll Take Away

Practical insights from organisations facing similar challenges
A clearer understanding of the risks AI can expose within existing data environments
Approaches to improving governance, visibility and control
Expert perspectives on balancing innovation with security
A stronger understanding of how to secure the foundations AI depends on
Valuable connections with peers from organisations across the region

Agenda

1:00pm – 1:30pm | Arrival, Lunch & Networking
1:30pm – 1:45pm | AI is Changing the Security Conversation
Richard Holland, Field CISO | Quorum Cyber
1:45pm – 2:15pm | Threat Intelligence Update: What We're Seeing Today
Explore the latest cyber threat trends, how AI is changing attacker behaviour, and what organisations should be preparing for over the next 12 months.
2:15pm – 3:30pm | Roundtable Discussion: Making AI Work Without Losing Control
Richard Holland, Leon Butler, Peter Rising & Jason Bain
An interactive discussion on how organisations are balancing innovation with security, governance and risk, with audience participation throughout.
3:30pm – 3:40pm | Refreshment Break
3:40pm – 4:10pm | Securing the Foundations of AI
Leon Butler & Peter Rising
Practical guidance on reducing data exposure, strengthening governance and building the security foundations needed for successful AI adoption.
4:10pm – 4:30pm | Open Q&A & Networking
Continue the discussion with speakers and peers, share experiences and ask your questions.

Speakers

Richard Holland

Field CISO, Quorum Cyber

Richard has over 25 years' experience leading technology and cyber security across Higher Education, Housing, Local Government and other regulated industries. Having held senior technology leadership positions within universities, local authorities and housing associations, he brings extensive experience helping organisations navigate cyber risk, digital transformation and emerging technologies.

Leon Butler

Leon Butler Data & AI Security Solutions Director, Quorum Cyber

Leon has over 25 years' experience in information technology, cyber security and data governance. A former Microsoft security specialist, he spent 11 years advising enterprise organisations on security, compliance and digital transformation before establishing Quorum Cyber's Data Security practice and managed data security services..

Peter Rising

Peter Rising,

Senior Security Partner Solution Architect, Microsoft

Peter is a Senior Partner Solution Architect for Security at Microsoft, supporting partners across the UK and EMEA. With deep expertise in Microsoft's security, compliance and data governance portfolio, he helps organisations and partners build secure, scalable security practices that support AI adoption and long-term cyber resilience.

Save your spot

Securing the Foundations of AI

The Data Challenges Behind AI Adoption

September

A Peer Roundtable for Higher Education, Housing, Local Government and Third Sector Leaders, Hosted with Newcastle University

Newcastle University | 1pm – 4.30pm | Lunch and networking included