Karen Alford, Environment Agency UK
Karen Alford
Digital and Data Manager
Environment Agency UK

Karen leads Environment Agency’s Asset Management digital approach within the asset management directorate across the whole asset lifecycle and is a qualified accountant. The Environment Agency is one of the leading departments within Government to integrate data management into project delivery and using the capability as a foundation to shape a digital data and technology approach within the asset management business. She has been instrumental in driving forward improvements to the availability and access of data internally and externally as well as recognising how a data centric approach is key to transforming asset management delivery. This includes a programme of interventions to drive a data centric approach which includes a data requirements library for asset data standards and a data assurance platform. Karen is involved in several cross UK industry groups including chairing the Public Sector 4