CyberNorth was launched, developed and turned into the success it is day due to the support from Phil Jackman, the company’s CEO. Upon his retirement in June 2025, The Jackman Fund was created in his honour.
The Jackman Fund exists to remove the small but significant financial barriers that stop people in the North East of England from accessing their first opportunity in cyber security.
The fund honours Phil Jackman — the founder of CyberNorth and a driving force behind the region’s cyber ecosystem by directly supporting the next generation of cyber talent. If you would like to contribute to the fund please email our team.
What Can the Fund Be Used For?
The Jackman Fund provides small but meaningful grants to help people secure their first cyber security role. Eligible uses include:
- Travel or expenses to attend interviews, training, or industry events
- Contribution toward training, accreditation, or certification
- Interview clothing
- Exam fees or membership fees for cyber bodies (including international organisations)
- Any reasonable cost that directly supports someone into their first cyber job
Who is eligible to apply for funding?
To keep the process fair and transparent, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Live in the North East of England
- Actively seeking their first job in cyber security
- Not currently working in a cyber role
- Require financial support to progress toward employment
- Provide accurate personal information and be willing to evidence spend
Applicants may only receive one successful grant in their lifetime, but may reapply if unsuccessful.
Grant Amounts
Grants range from £50–£250 per applicant
- Applications are reviewed monthly
- Any unused funds at year-end (30 June) roll over
- A maximum of £2,500 will be available each year unless further fundraising exceeds this; additional funds may be ring-fenced for the next year
How to Apply
Applications can be made using the form below.
More information
The money is held in the main CyberNorth bank account, within a dedicated ‘space’ on the Starling business banking app called The Jackman Fund. Balance as of 18 November 2025: £2,500.
- Applications are reviewed monthly by the CyberNorth Board or a delegated panel
- Any reviewer with a conflict of interest will withdraw
- Decisions are recorded and retained for audit
- Successful applicants are paid within 24 hours of approval
- Applicants must provide simple evidence of spend (receipt or confirmation) within 30 days
Applicant data will be handled strictly in line with CyberNorth’s Privacy Policy. Only authorised personnel involved in administering the fund will have access. Data is kept only for as long as required for reporting and audit purposes before being securely deleted.
Each year, CyberNorth will publish an anonymised summary including:
- Number of applications
- Number of grants awarded
- Total amount distributed
- High-level impact stories (with permission)
- Closing balance of the fund
To ensure longevity and continued impact:
- An annual fundraising drive will run each year, celebrating recipients and encouraging new donations
- Donation points may be placed throughout CyberFest and at the CyberNorth Awards
- CyberNorth may elect to donate a percentage of surplus profits (subject to financial advice)
- Previous recipients may donate or share their story when they are able
- The Fund is administered by the CEO of CyberNorth
- Accounting is handled by Tyne Rede, CyberNorth’s appointed accountants
- The CyberNorth Board makes all final decisions on grant awards