techUK response to the call for views on the Code of Practice for Software Vendors

On the 9 August, techUK responded to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's consultation on the Code of Practice for Software Vendors.

techUK took a thematic approach to its response and after consulting members highlighted a number of recommendations to government, a snapshot of these are outlined below:

Members agreed that the guidance should be a Code of Practice and not a ‘standard’ and would like to see this reflected in the terminology used throughout the document, avoiding ‘requirements’ and using the definition from BS0 of British Standards Institute (BSI).

Concerns were raised about the shortage of cyber-specific personnel and the lack of awareness about required skills. Collaboration between government and industry as an essential tool to build the necessary skills base, ensuring supplier diligence and best practices across all organisations.

Government should ensure the Code drives best practices without increasing the burden on organisations and as code restricted to substitutable recommendations so that it can work across multiple contexts of use and maximise compatibility with existing standards.

More alignment is needed with international partners and with Code of Practice documents the government have already published and are currently consulting on.

To ensure there is good uptake of the cyber security principles, government must continue to work with industry to promote the education and awareness of its importance.

For a more detailed understanding of techUK's recommendations, please read full consultation response.

techUK Response DSIT Software Vendors Call for Views FINAL.pdf

Cyber Security Programme activities

techUK brings together key players across the cyber security sector to promote leading-edge UK capabilities, build networks and grow the sector. techUK members have the opportunity to network, share ideas and collaborate, enabling the industry as a whole to address common challenges and opportunities together. Visit the programme page here.

Upcoming events

Latest news and insights

Learn more and get involved

Cyber Security updates

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Cyber Security programme.

Meet the team

Jill Broom

Head of Cyber Resilience, techUK

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.

Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-broom-19aa824

Read lessmore

Annie Collings

Programme Manager, Cyber Security and Central Government, techUK

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.

Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.

Email:: [email protected]
Twitter:: anniecollings24
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/

Read lessmore

Raya Tsolova

Programme Manager, techUK

Raya Tsolova is a Programme Manager at techUK.

Prior to joining techUK, Raya worked in Business Development for an expert network firm within the institutional investment space. Before this Raya spent a year in industry working for a tech start-up in London as part of their Growth team which included the formation and development of a 'Let's Talk Tech' podcast and involvement in London Tech Week.

Raya has a degree in Politics and International Relations (Bsc Hons) from the University of Bath where she focused primarily on national security and counter-terrorism policies, centreing research on female-led terrorism and specific approaches to justice there.

Outside of work, Raya's interests include baking, spin classes and true-crime Netflix shows!

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 07712630603

Read lessmore

Tracy Modha

Team Assistant - Markets, techUK

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.

Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!

Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 02073312000
Twitter:: @TracyModha,@TracyModha
Website:: www.techuk.org,www.techuk.org
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83,https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracymodha83

Read lessmore

techUK response to the call for views on the Code of Practice for Software Vendors