Securing the chain: innovation, accountability and resilience in supply chain security – event round-up
On Wednesday 20 May, techUK brought together industry leaders, government representatives and security professionals to explore the critical issues shaping supply chain security across the UK, examining the steps already being taken and the best practices ready to be implemented.
The event also marked the official launch of techUK's Supply Chain Security in Practice playbook, a practical, member-led guide drawing on real-world case studies from across defence, retail and critical national infrastructure.
The session opened with a presentation from Lorna Kirkby, Head of Software Security Policy at DSIT, and David Griffiths, CEO of Hexiosec, on the Software Security Code of Practice. Built around principles covering secure design, build environment security and vulnerability management, the code provides suppliers with a structured way to demonstrate how they build and maintain secure software, while giving buyers a common language to set and communicate security expectations across their supply chains. It comes with a self-assessment that organisations can complete and share with customers as evidence of their practices, as well as supporting implementation guidance.
The panel discussion explored why, despite the range of frameworks and guidance already available, supply chain security requirements are not yet being consistently communicated and acted upon across the economy. A key theme that emerged was the need to engage non-cyber audiences, including boards, procurement teams and commercial functions, in understanding and owning supply chain risk alongside security teams.
Panelists also addressed the shift from reactive to proactive risk management, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring and supply chain mapping. Because supply chains change constantly, even when business operations appear stable, a single point-in-time assessment gives organisations only a partial view of their exposure. Cross-sector information sharing was presented as a practical way to build a more complete picture, with sectors such as central government already making progress in this area.
On the regulatory landscape, the panel outlined how the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and the Government Cyber Action Plan are working to embed accountability at a senior level across regulated sectors and government. The discussion also covered how organisations can use existing tools, including standards, certifications and codes of practice, to set clear security expectations in supplier contracts, particularly where regulation does not yet reach.
For smaller organisations, panelists highlighted the practical resources already available, including the NCSC's Early Warning System, Cyber Essentials certification, the Cyber Advisor Scheme and the British Business Bank's funding finder tool, all of which provide accessible starting points for organisations looking to strengthen their supply chain security posture.
A recording of the session and a copy of the slides is available below. Hard copies of the Supply Chain Security in Practice playbook are also available. Please contact the team directly if you would like one.
Jill leads the techUK Cyber Resilience programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.
Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.
Annie is the Programme Manager for Cyber Resilience at techUK. She first joined as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.
In her role, Annie supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector. Annie also coordinates events, engages with policy makers and represents techUK at a number of cyber security events.
Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.
Olivia Staples joined techUK in May 2025 as a Junior Programme Manager in the Cyber Resilience team.
She supports the programs mission to promote cyber resilience by engaging key commercial and government stakeholders to shape the cyber resilience policy towards increased security and industry growth. Olivia assists in member engagement, event facilitation and communications support.
Before joining techUK, Olivia gained experience in research, advocacy, and strategic communications across several international organisations. At the Munich Security Conference, she supported stakeholder engagement and contributed to strategic communications. She also worked closely with local and national government stakeholders in Spain and Italy, where she was involved in policy monitoring and advocacy for both public and private sector clients.
Olivia holds an MSc in Political Science (Comparative Politics and Conflict Studies) from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from University College London (UCL).
Outside of tech, Olivia enjoys volunteering with local charities and learning Norwegian.
techUK brings together key players across the cyber security sector to promote leading-edge UK capabilities, build networks and grow the sector. techUK members have the opportunity to network, share ideas and collaborate, enabling the industry as a whole to address common challenges and opportunities together. Visit the programme page here.
Supply Chain Security in Practice – Real-world strategies from techUK members
Discover practical strategies for strengthening supply chain security through real-world examples from techUK members. Explore how organisations are managing cyber risk, improving resilience and responding to evolving operational and regulatory challenges. Read the playbook to gain actionable insight and learn from approaches already being applied across industry.
Explore the key challenges and opportunities shaping secure and resilient supply chains through techUK’s Supply Chain Security Campaign Week 2026. Gain insight into cyber risk, defence, AI, resilience and public-private collaboration from across industry and government. Follow the campaign to access expert perspectives and practical approaches to strengthening supply chain security.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Jill leads the techUK Cyber Resilience programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.
Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.
Annie is the Programme Manager for Cyber Resilience at techUK. She first joined as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.
In her role, Annie supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector. Annie also coordinates events, engages with policy makers and represents techUK at a number of cyber security events.
Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.
Olivia Staples joined techUK in May 2025 as a Junior Programme Manager in the Cyber Resilience team.
She supports the programs mission to promote cyber resilience by engaging key commercial and government stakeholders to shape the cyber resilience policy towards increased security and industry growth. Olivia assists in member engagement, event facilitation and communications support.
Before joining techUK, Olivia gained experience in research, advocacy, and strategic communications across several international organisations. At the Munich Security Conference, she supported stakeholder engagement and contributed to strategic communications. She also worked closely with local and national government stakeholders in Spain and Italy, where she was involved in policy monitoring and advocacy for both public and private sector clients.
Olivia holds an MSc in Political Science (Comparative Politics and Conflict Studies) from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from University College London (UCL).
Outside of tech, Olivia enjoys volunteering with local charities and learning Norwegian.
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