techUK responds to DSIT's CyberFirst Programme: Call for Views
In the response, techUK highlighted that in the eight years CyberFirst has been running the programme has reached an impressive 260,000 of various age groups from KS2 to University levels and engaged with over 2,500 schools. Members have also commented that the real success of the scheme is often hard to quantify in terms of its impact on the wider cyber workforce, because it is engaging candidates often many years before they might enter cyber roles.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
The role of NCSC and DSIT
Arguably, the success which has been seen by CyberFirst has been possible because of NCSC convening power and brand association, along with Government funding and support. NCSC, as the respected technical authority for the cyber sector in the UK, has a reach and ability to cut across commercial interests which might prevent collaboration through and with other organisations. Whilst a rebalancing of the roles and responsibilities for CyberFirst is a realistic and achievable goal, both DSIT and NCSC will need to play key roles in future, both in terms of settings standards, funding and coordination.
Commercial Challenges
CyberFirst has grown to become a significantly broader umbrella of activity than when the scheme started. Any move to a more commercialised model or new entity is very likely to see significant changes to the existing offering, likely narrowing this to focus on those areas which are most commercially viable.
Ensuring Industry Buy-in
Industry engagement is key to any future model CyberFirst could develop. There is a significant risk that decoupling (even just in terms of perception) from NCSC/DSIT delivery makes CyberFirst a less attractive proposition to industry who might then focus their energies on other, disparate schemes or develop others.
Opportunities
Developing a clearer commercial model by which industry (of all sizes and types) can engage at appropriate levels, through various means including via funding, support, placements and ultimately, jobs. This model would open up new avenues for potential funding, including via charitable and philanthropic contributions, as well as the potential of continued Government support through grants etc.
Members agree that a new organisation could be well placed to capitalise on potential new revenue streams. However, it is clear that if industry had to pay to use Cyber First materials the majority would not use them, and anything which limits the circulation of content would reduce the success of the scheme.
A new organisation could arguably be better placed to identify and prioritise areas which require support vs those which are already on a more sustainable footing. For instance, there are a number of parts of CyberFirst which are now well established within communities whereas some parts of the country are not touched at all.
Members have also commented that a new organisation could play a larger role in helping UK cyber firms to navigate the myriad of wider skills initiatives and educational programmes that exist, aligning CyberFirst activity where appropriate.
For a more detailed understanding of techUK's recommendations, please read full consultation response.
techUK Response_ Cyber First Programme - Call for Views FINAL.pdf
