We are delighted to announce that we have secured funding from Innovate UK to support the launch of a first of its kind project in the North East in a bid to inform, equip and empower careers advisors and computer science teachers with the resources and knowledge to support young girls and women to access a career in cyber security.
Despite the opportunities to thrive in the high demand, lucrative sector, the growth of women in the cyber security field has stagnated in a sector where women hold just 17% of cyber security jobs nationally.
The transformative new project, Influencing the Influencer, is set to launch in March 2025 and includes the development of a useful signposting portal with case studies, study route information and essential employer details in the region, and the trailblazing campaign has the power to change perceptions of careers in cyber security for young girls and women in the region.
The project will also implement a series of online and in person (Newcastle and Darlington) CPD events in March to help give careers advisors and teachers a thorough understanding of the jobs available in cyber security.
Since inception, here at CyberNorth we have facilitated the development of the cyber security community in the North East and raised local, national and international awareness of opportunities and capacity in the North East.
The project will be led by Danielle Phillips who recently took the reins as CEO, and a key lobbyist in the mission to close the persistent gender disparities in the field. Here at CyberNorth we are pushing against the industry norm with female representation on our core management team now sitting at 60%.
Danielle Phillips, CEO at CyberNorth said:
“We are very excited to launch this project, there are 15 cyber career pathways but there is still a knowledge gap that exists around pathways and opportunities for young girls and women to access a rewarding career in the sector.
This transformative programme alongside a host of vital resources has the backing and support of a number of female senior leading figures in the sector and through sharing their stories as part of the campaign we hope to nurture and inspire the next generation of future cyber security leaders from the region.”
Despite the statistics around female representation in the industry, the presence of women in the cyber security field can’t be denied with a volume of women breaking barriers, thriving and achieving remarkable success. In turn, serving as role models for future generations of women looking to join the sector.
Prominent experts in the cyber security field will share their story as part of the project including Mads Howard, Manager in the Office of the CISO at Sage, who has recently been given an MBE in the New Year’s UK Honours List for her outstanding contributions to cybersecurity along with her advocacy for gender diversity in technology.
Danielle added:
“The statistics are there in black and white; representation of women in cyber security still remains low, and boosting female representation is imperative so that teams are in the best possible position. But information is key, and this project will equip careers advisors and teachers with the essential tools and techniques to guide students. Closing the gender gap in cyber security is not only a matter of equality but also necessary to address the skills shortage in the industry.
There are so many women trailblazing in the sector likes Mads, and it’s crucial that young girls hear these stories and are encouraged to pursue a career in the cyber security industry.”