Jonathan Lidster
Chief Planning & Data Officer
MBA, PgDip, FCMI CMgr, CDPO
Jonathan Lidster is Chief Planning & Data Officer at Lincoln Bishop University, providing strategic leadership in institutional planning, performance, data management, data governance and Information Technology to enable the successful delivery of Strategy 2030. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, he oversees institutional planning, timetabling, risk management, data & insight reporting, statutory reporting and operational & procedural excellence, ensuring robust data management and governance.
Jonathan leads the University’s Information Systems and IT services, spearheading digital transformation through the implementation of the Digital Transformation Roadmap and supporting Data Sub-Strategy. His focus is on developing future-ready infrastructure and harnessing Artificial Intelligence, ensuring technology and data-driven innovation underpin operational resilience, enhance the student experience, and drive organisational efficiency. His leadership is central to realising the University’s aim to be a confident, person-centred, and forward-looking institution, delivering a highly personalised and engaging student experience.
His role underpins the University’s three Strategic Goals:
· Inspiring Opportunities: Developing analytics and planning frameworks, data and insight to support academic and institutional growth and widening participation.
· Transformative Experiences: Advancing integrated digital, data, and IT strategy to create technology-enabled student journeys, embedding learner analytics, supporting AI adoption, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
· Long-Term Sustainability: Driving integrated planning and performance monitoring , and leading major transformation and change projects that optimise resources and strengthen institutional resilience.
With over 15 years of experience spanning higher education, economic development, and financial services, Jonathan brings a proven track record in organisational transformation, change management, and strategic leadership. His earlier career includes leadership positions in economic development and global financial services, where he specialised in strategic growth and operational excellence
He holds an MBA focused on the social purpose of UK universities alongside postgraduate qualifications in senior leadership and strategic management. He is a Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, a Certified Data Protection Officer, and a PRINCE2 Practitioner. Committed to inclusive leadership, he also serves as an Executive Sponsor and contributes to sector governance as a Member Director of Uniac.