Consultation responses
08 Aug 2024

techUK responds to DSIT's CyberFirst Programme: Call for Views

techUK submitted a response to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology consultation on the CyberFirst Programme.

In the response, techUK highlighted that in the eight years CyberFirst has been running the programme has reached an impressive 260,000 of various age groups from KS2 to University levels and engaged with over 2,500 schools. Members have also commented that the real success of the scheme is often hard to quantify in terms of its impact on the wider cyber workforce, because it is engaging candidates often many years before they might enter cyber roles.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges

  1. The role of NCSC and DSIT

Arguably, the success which has been seen by CyberFirst has been possible because of NCSC convening power and brand association, along with Government funding and support. NCSC, as the respected technical authority for the cyber sector in the UK, has a reach and ability to cut across commercial interests which might prevent collaboration through and with other organisations. Whilst a rebalancing of the roles and responsibilities for CyberFirst is a realistic and achievable goal, both DSIT and NCSC will need to play key roles in future, both in terms of settings standards, funding and coordination.

  1. Commercial Challenges

CyberFirst has grown to become a significantly broader umbrella of activity than when the scheme started. Any move to a more commercialised model or new entity is very likely to see significant changes to the existing offering, likely narrowing this to focus on those areas which are most commercially viable.

  1. Ensuring Industry Buy-in

Industry engagement is key to any future model CyberFirst could develop. There is a significant risk that decoupling (even just in terms of perception) from NCSC/DSIT delivery makes CyberFirst a less attractive proposition to industry who might then focus their energies on other, disparate schemes or develop others.

Opportunities

  1. Developing a clearer commercial model by which industry (of all sizes and types) can engage at appropriate levels, through various means including via funding, support, placements and ultimately, jobs. This model would open up new avenues for potential funding, including via charitable and philanthropic contributions, as well as the potential of continued Government support through grants etc.
  2. Members agree that a new organisation could be well placed to capitalise on potential new revenue streams. However, it is clear that if industry had to pay to use Cyber First materials the majority would not use them, and anything which limits the circulation of content would reduce the success of the scheme.
  3. A new organisation could arguably be better placed to identify and prioritise areas which require support vs those which are already on a more sustainable footing. For instance, there are a number of parts of CyberFirst which are now well established within communities whereas some parts of the country are not touched at all.
  4. Members have also commented that a new organisation could play a larger role in helping UK cyber firms to navigate the myriad of wider skills initiatives and educational programmes that exist, aligning CyberFirst activity where appropriate.

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

techUK Response_ Cyber First Programme - 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.

 

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 Meet the team 

Jill Broom

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

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Annie Collings

Annie Collings

Programme Manager, Cyber Resilience, techUK

Annie is the Programme Manager for Cyber Resilience at techUK. She first joined as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023. 

In her role, Annie 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. Annie also coordinates events, engages with policy makers and represents techUK at a number of cyber security events.

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/

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Raya Tsolova

Senior 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

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Tracy Modha

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

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