1. When I grow up, I want to be…
My CPD Experience:
Carolyn Pearson
Scottish Legal Aid Board
slab.org.uk

2. In the beginning …
Graduated in 1998 from Heriot-Watt with a BSc (Hons) 2:1 business management degree
Private Sector: Business Analyst, Quality Manager, Programme Manager, Business Reviewer
Public Sector: The Scottish Legal Aid Board

3. Records Management
Review document management to identify process efficiencies
Around the time of PRSA 2011
Information Governance
Complex regulations
Legal jargon: Acts, Regulations, Directives, Case Law, Commissioner’s decisions

4. I’ll do a course Great idea, which one? Not “just” records management
2 days
6 weeks
3 years!
LL.M. Information Rights Law and Practice
From Latin Legum Magister (“master of law”)
UK and European law

5. Applied June 14 & started September 14
Part-time, distance learning
Three distinct but linked years
Current qualification: Post Graduate Diploma
Starting final year
Working title: “Is legislation a barrier to effective data sharing in the public sector?”

6. The course Academic year 3 terms
1st year: 3 compulsory modules including Legal Research
2nd year: 2 compulsory and 1 optional module
3rd year: dissertation

7. Facilities for Distance Learning
Electronic Learning Portal
24/7 access with helpline
Basic reading materials provided online and on paper
Electronic library resources: Westlaw, Lexis Nexis
Study day per module on campus
Tutor availability

8. Practice exercises
Assessment based
Submit online
Remote feedback
Time: 7-10 hours per week

9. Considerations Size of institution
Accessibility of location: study days etc.
Structure of course
Cost / funding
Method of assessment

10. Personal Circumstances
Wife, mum, daughter, sister, Aunt, friend …
Work full-time
Other competing time commitments
Support: family & friends, employer & colleagues
Motivation

11. The Highs & Lows Time commitment / sacrifices Immensely rewarding
Employability

12. Thanks for listening