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The third round of funding through the Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund (CSIIF) has been launched today by Cyber Security Minister Nigel Adams.
The Fund aims to increase the number and diversity of people entering the cyber security profession, with training providers able to bid for up to £100,000 to work with employers and design training programmes which retrain a diverse range of individuals for a career in cyber security.
Alongside this Mr Adams has also announced that after a competitive grant competition, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has been appointed the lead organisation in charge of designing and delivering the new UK Cyber Security Council, alongside a wider alliance of cyber security professional organisations.
The UK Cyber Security Council will aim to coordinate the existing professional landscape, to make cyber security a well structured and easy to navigate profession which represents, supports and drives excellence going forward.
Cyber Security Minister Nigel Adams said:
The UK is a world leader in tackling cyber attacks 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 cyber security industry has a skilled and diverse workforce and, through our new Cyber Security Council, there are clear paths for those wishing to join the profession.
Simon Edwards, IET Director of Governance and External Engagement, said:
It’s fundamental that cyber security is seen as a nationally recognised and established profession with clear career pathways. The IET, alongside an alliance of professional cyber security organisations, will bring together the credibility and knowledge across a wide range of disciplines to further strengthen the UK’s leadership position in cyber security 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 Cyber Security 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.
Jacqueline de Rojas, President, techUK said:
As businesses become ever more reliant on digital tools, the need for a skilled and professional cyber workforce in the UK has increased. Yet the Government’s National Cyber Security Skills Strategy found that more than half of all businesses and charities in the UK have a basic cyber security skills gap.
Increasing diversity in the sector is one way in which we can seek to plug the growing cyber skills gap, and that is why initiatives like the Immediate Impact Fund are so important. Coupled with the creation of a new Cyber Security Council that will create clearer pathways for people entering the sector, these announcements will go a long way to ensuring that we create and nurture our cyber professionals and continue making the UK the safest place to be online.
Grassroots, at the Hensingham Day Centre, Whitehaven, has received £3,400 from the peer to peer initiative.
The money will be used to carry out vital repairs to weather-damaged areas of the facility.
The peer to peer scheme encourages Sellafield Ltd employees to talk to each about safety. For every conversation recorded, £1 goes to charity.
This helps reinforce safe working practices and highlight areas of concern.
During 2018 to 2019, the scheme raised £34,000, resulting in 10 charities receiving £3,400 each.
Grassroots provides support to young adults with learning difficulties.
Service users help grow produce and interact with customers to build their skills and confidence.
Lee Barker, centre supervisor, said:
This donation will help us to repair weather damage to the polytunnels, shop, and potting shed.
We rely heavily on donations and we are extremely grateful for the money granted to us by the peer to peer scheme.
Euan Hutton, Sellafield Ltd’s chief nuclear officer, said:
Safety and security are our overriding priorities at Sellafield.
When it comes to safety, it’s good to talk. That’s why we encourage our workforce to start a conversation when they spot a safety concern or want to share good safety practice.
It helps us look after each other, raise the bar on safety, and make a real difference to our communities.
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A multi-million upgrade to the A69 Bridge End junction, which will save drivers around an hour a week, and the installation of permanent average speed cameras to improve safety at two locations along the road, are due to start in the next two months.
Highways England project manager Russell Mclean said:
The A69 is used by around 26,000 drivers every day and these essential improvements will make the A69 safer while reducing congestion and improving journeys.
The Bridge End upgrade will also improve access from the A69 into Hexham, reducing the amount of accidents at the junction and aiding any future proposals to dual the route.
The permanent average speed cameras are being installed at two locations along the A69, between Hexham West and Haydon Bridge and between Warwick and Corby Hill following a safety review.
Work between Hexham and Haydon Bridge starts in early September for around six weeks. Most of the work will take place in the verge however temporary traffic lights may be needed at times.
Work between Warwick and Corby Hill is due to start at the end of October for around three weeks. The improvements are being carried out in partnership with Cumbria and Northumbria police forces.
In October work starts on upgrading the junction at Bridge End. This means lowering the A69 under the junction so drivers are able to continue along the route without having to use the roundabout.
As part of the work around 90,000 cubic metres of soil is being removed, two new bridges are being created, new drainage is being installed and the entire junction will be resurfaced.
The improvements, announced by the Department for Transport in the autumn statement back in 2016, are being funded as part of the £220 million Congestion Relief Fund and can only be spent on the Bridge End and Styford work.
To carry out the work a reduced speed limit of 30mph and temporary average speed cameras will be in place for the safety of drivers and the workforce while the junction is upgraded.
Alterations to the roundabout will also be made to allow contractors to work safely on the junction.
The roundabout will be open to traffic by next winter although some work will need to be completed once the new road layout is in place.
Residents and businesses will be invited to an information event that is due to be held in September prior to work starting. Further details will be released shortly.
Before work starts at the junction, some minor resurfacing work will be carried out nearby from Monday 9 September so drivers can continue to have smooth and safe journeys.
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.