NCSC Funded Cyber Essentials Plus Scheme
Please note this page has been updated to reflected the widened criteria for the scheme.
To qualify for this scheme, companies must be a micro or small business (1 to 49 employees) registered in the UK and working on:
- Artificial Intelligence – The development of fundamental Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, OR the innovative application of Artificial Intelligence technologies in the following sectors: Public safety and health, Defence and security.
- Quantum – The development of novel Quantum technologies.
- Semiconductors – The design, development or manufacturing of semiconductors / semiconductor IP blocks.
- Engineering/Synthetic Biology – The development of Engineering Biology or Synthetic Biology.
- Advanced Materials – Companies involved in developing advanced materials that have enhanced properties and performance, often incorporating new compositions or structures to improve strength, durability, lightweight, or functionality for specific applications**.
- Advanced Robotics – companies involved in the development of autonomous robotics that can perform complex tasks and adapt to novel environments using advanced technologies.
- Fusion Energy – Companies involved in the development of methods and systems designed to harness the energy produced by nuclear fusion***.
- Satellite and Space Technologies – Companies involved in the development, deployment, and utilisation of satellites and related systems for various applications, including communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research. This may include satellite design, launch systems or ground control operations.
- Specialist National Security Applications/Solutions – Companies must also be in one of the 17 defined sensitive areas of the economy covered by the Notifiable Acquisition Regulations under the National Security and Investment Act. Each application under this category will be considered on merit & a discretionary basis.
Qualifying organisations will receive around 20 hours of remote support with an Advisor. This time will be spent identifying and implementing improvements that are right for the size and needs of the organisation and supporting them in implementing the 5 Cyber Essentials technical controls. This will be followed by a hands-on technical verification that the controls have been put in place. If it is not possible for the organisation to achieve Cyber Essentials Plus, the Advisor will help organisations implement as many of the technical controls as possible. The scheme is designed to lead an organisation through the technical controls required to achieve Cyber Essentials certification, followed by the audit for Cyber Essentials Plus. No previous cyber security certification or experience is necessary.
The scheme is run by IASME, the NCSC’s Official Cyber Essentials Delivery Partner. Full details and the application form are available on the IASME website, linked here.
Jill Broom
Jill leads the techUK Cyber Security programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.
Annie Collings
Annie joined techUK as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023. In this role, she supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector.
Raya Tsolova
Raya Tsolova is a Programme Manager at techUK.
Tracy Modha
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.