The Society for Professional Data Managers (SPDM) was established in 2017 to support the professional development of the worldwide community of data and information managers working in the energy sector.
Founded by CDA (a data-focussed subsidiary of Offshore Energies UK, the trade association for the UK offshore energy industry) and Stiftelsen ECIM (responsible for the annual data-focussed conference in Haugesund, Norway), the SPDM is a not-for-profit organisation registered in Norway, and working to support its members wherever they may be.
The Society works mostly online, through webinars, digital conferences, and its Slack workspace to keep its members connected, and to enable them to stay abreast of data and digital developments in the energy sector, and increasingly, in the broader transition to low or zero carbon sources of energy.
Open to all, the Society aims to offer an accessible, inclusive environment for all members to take part, be represented, and, if they wish to stand for election, join the Board of the Society and have a direct influence on its future direction and goals.
Vision and Purpose
The vision and purpose of the Society is set out in its Articles of Association as follows:
“to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge and careers for data managers within the energy and petroleum industry”
… and …
“to provide technical energy sector data managers with the means to grow their careers and competencies through professional development, community events and meetings, as well as access to a body of knowledge for petroleum data management.”
The Society’s vision is global and international in scope and relevance, but resolutely member-driven and non-commercial. It delivers on its vision and purpose through activities typically delivered online and accessible to its members, whatever part of the world they live in.
About Data Management
What is Data Management?
Data Management involves the management and stewardship of digital and physical data used throughout industry. It covers a wide spectrum of responsibilities to ensure data is acquired, stored, and used in efficient and innovative ways while complying with legal and regulatory requirements.
Multidisciplinary
Data Managers work with data and stakeholders across multiple domains in their industry. In the energy industry, these might include geology, geophysics, petrophysics, production, drilling, and reservoir engineering, as well as environment, legal, and regulatory licensing. Data Managers also work closely with IT and data science disciplines, and some individuals may have responsibility across domains and disciplines.
Wider Impact
Data and the work of Data Managers drive efficiency in business processes, and so play a key role in addressing the issues and maximising the opportunities arising from the energy transition, and the global journey to Net Zero.
All are Welcome
The SPDM welcome individuals who have an interest in data and data management, regardless of their role or type of organisation.