The new UK Cyber Security Council has instigated its first two initiatives, under its mandate from the government to develop the cyber security profession.

The Council has invited the 16 members of the Cyber Security Alliance – the group of organisations commissioned by DCMS to set up the Council – to apply for a role in determining the terms of reference for two significant, new committees: a Professional Standards and Ethics Committee and a Qualifications and Careers Committee.

Raising professional standards for cyber security is the most important immediate priority for the Council, notably helping to ensure a common set of professional standards are adopted through education and training interventions relating to cyber security.

The Council will also work on an initial mapping of CyBOK’s Qualifications Framework onto a public-facing Career Pathways Framework.

Don MacIntyre, interim chief executive of the Council, said: “While the Council is uniquely supported by the UK government and has a Board of experienced industry professionals, it will be through its members that the UK Cyber Security Council will play a central role in driving the cyber security industry forwards. We don’t have the luxury of starting with something ‘easy’: professional standards and qualifications and careers are the two stand-out issues facing the profession, so we’re going to hit the ground running. There will never be a better opportunity for the profession to influence its own direction and development than joining the Council and getting involved with these first two committees.”

Membership is open to any organisation with an interest in promoting, supporting and developing the cyber security profession. Membership is currently open for expressions of interest, with an application process to commence shortly. The Council will welcome its first members from September.

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