The why behind the policy: Navigating regulations in education | Leading with purpose podcast

Описание: Guest: Dr. John Thomsen, Director of Engagement and Policy, Neola
In this episode of the Leading with purpose podcast, Dr. John Thomsen joins Diligent to discuss how public sector boards can prepare for a rapidly evolving wave of regulations in 2026 — from livestreaming mandates and accessibility standards to cybersecurity and AI governance. Learn how today’s education and local government leaders are navigating rising expectations for transparency, compliance and risk oversight while staying true to their mission and community values.
You’ll hear why public boards are under greater scrutiny for how they use technology — including open meetings rules, data protection and tools like ChatGPT — and what that means for board governance, risk and compliance in K 12, higher education and local government. John breaks down the five top regulatory fronts for 2026: livestreaming requirements, digital and physical accessibility, cybersecurity obligations, AI ethics and guardrails, and board training mandates that formalize expectations for director skills and preparedness. He also shares practical steps boards can take to build resilience, from strengthening board development programs and risk monitoring to using platforms like Diligent Community as a single source of truth for policies, meeting materials and compliance evidence.
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Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction and why public sector regulations are accelerating in 2026
02:13 — Responsibilities of public boards for ensuring compliance
05:45 — Significant challenges for schools around regulation
09:10 — Boards and policy based on regulation
14:45 — Why organizational resilience is important and what can boards do to build it
19:34 — Setting and communicating AI policy
22:56 — Role of technology for boards in compliance
25:30 — Advice for boards on future proofing their organization against regulatory uncertainty
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Resources & Links
Listen to the full Leading with purpose podcast:
https://www.diligent.com/leadingwithp...
Explore education and government governance insights:
https://www.diligent.com/resources/bl...
Download the latest report referenced — Keeping Ahead of Regulations and Obligations: A 2026 Guide for Public Sector Boards:
https://www.diligent.com/resources/gu...
Learn more at Diligent.com
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Guest
Dr. John Thomsen, Director of Engagement and Policy, Neola.
John advises public education and local government boards on how to align policy, governance processes and technology with fast moving regulations, helping leaders strengthen compliance, manage risk and sustain public trust.
#Governance #K-12 #LocalGov #BoardLeadership #RiskManagement #Compliance #BoardEffectiveness #ExecutiveLeadership #DiligentCommunity