The UK has launched the third round of funding through its Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund, which aims to boost UK cybersecurity diversity.
UK Cybersecurity Minister Nigel Adams said: “The UK is a world leader in tackling cyberattacks but we must make sure we continue to develop the talent we need to protect the public and business online. This latest round of funding demonstrates our commitment to make sure the UK’s cybersecurity industry has a skilled and diverse workforce and, through our new Cybersecurity Council, there are clear paths for those wishing to join the profession.”
The Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund allows training providers to bid for funding of up to £100,000 (€108,441.54) to support training programmes projected to increase UK cybersecurity diversity, amid concerns over the technological sector’s narrow demographics. In addition to the new tranche of funding for educators, Adams has announced the creation of a UK Cybersecurity Council, aimed at ensuring the professional and educational ecosystems of the cybersecurity industry are fully navigable and accessible to a diverse range of individuals, without sacrificing technological excellence.
Simon Edwards, Director of Governance and External Engagement at the Institute of Engineering and Technology, which has been appointed the council’s lead organisation, said: “It’s fundamental that cybersecurity is seen as a nationally recognised and established profession with clear career pathways. The IET, alongside an alliance of professional cybersecurity organisations, will bring together the credibility and knowledge across a wide range of disciplines to further strengthen the UK’s leadership position in cybersecurity innovation and resilience on the global stage. With cyber skills shortages already emerging at every level, we are committed to working with the Government and the National Cybersecurity Centre on delivering the rapid, yet capable development of specialist cyber skills to meet the growing needs of the industry, manage risk and secure the next generation of talent.”
