The government has announced the setting up of the UK Cyber Security Council as the official body on training and standards in the field.
Funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), it will provide a single governing voice for the industry and effectively bring it into line with professions such as law, medicine and engineering.
The body will work with training providers to accredit courses and qualifications and give employers information to recruit effectively in building their cyber capability.
It will also work with the National Cyber Security Centre to support the government’s £1.9 billion National Cyber Security Strategy.
The council will operate under a board chaired by Dr Claudia Natanson, previously chief security officer at the Department for Work and Pensions and managing director at BT Secure Business.
Huge contribution
Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: “The fact we are launching an independent professional body for cyber security shows just how vital this area has become – it makes a huge contribution to our thriving digital economy by safeguarding our critical national infrastructure, commerce and other online spaces.
“The UK Cyber Security Council will ensure anyone interested in an exciting career tackling online threats has access to world class training and guidance. It will also champion diversity and inclusion, driving up standards while helping the nation to build back better and safer.”
In September 2019, DCMS commissioned a consortium of cyber security professional bodies, known as the Cyber Security Alliance and led by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, to work on establishing the council.
It will be formally launched on 31 March.
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