The Government has appointed the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as the lead organisation for the creation of the new UK Cyber Security Council.
Cyber Security Minister Nigel Adams said the IET will work a wider alliance of professional organisations in the field, aiming to create a stronger structure for the profession and promote excellence in the field.
The council is scheduled to be set up by April 2021.
The news has come with the announcement that there will be a third round of funding through the Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund, under which training providers will be able to bid for up £100,000 to work with employers to design training programmes aimed at building a more diverse workforce.
Simon Edwards (pictured), the IET’s 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.”
The creation of the council was proposed last year by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, saying would be independent of government and coordinate work around four themes: professional development, ethics, thought leadership and outreach and diversity.
