Equality, diversity and inclusion
The value of equality, diversity and inclusion in the NCSC and our commitments to it.
Life at the NCSC
At the NCSC, our mission is to make the UK the safest place to live and work online, working closely with partners in industry and the wider public sector. We all have a part to play to make our industry a thriving community of diverse minds that reflects our society, where everyone feels valued and included.
As a part of GCHQ, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our teams that values ability and aptitude. We're proud of what we've achieved so far, but we know we still have a way to go. Our staff have access to a number of different affinity networks and support groups that provide guidance and support to individuals, managers and leadership, as well as helping develop policies that put people first.
Find more information about how we're creating an inclusive workplace and our support networks and support groups on the GCHQ website.
Our commitments
In 2021 the second KPMG UK and NCSC Decrypting Diversity report was published which analyses how diversity and inclusivity is progressing in the cyber security industry. Following this report, we set out five commitments to improve diversity and inclusion in our organisation:
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We will make changes to external recruitment practices to ensure the NCSC attracts diverse talent to better represent the communities it serves.
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We will take action to eliminate the gender and ethnic minority pay gaps in our organisation.
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We will support our workforce with training and information to value a fully inclusive environment, and take action to promote it.
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Through our CyberFirst programme, we will aspire to increase every year the number of women offered a place on the scheme.
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We will work with establishments with high numbers of students from under-represented communities to create a thriving cyber security community.
Outreach
Our outreach work aims to improve EDI in cyber security. The UK is a dynamic and innovative country and we want to encourage, support and inspire new talent to build on the skills they have to offer.
We do this through a range of activities, such as working with CyberFirst and providing educational resources and information to schools. We also host in-person events at our London headquarters, participate in careers fairs to raise awareness of the work of the NCSC, host virtual events and provide mentoring and development opportunities to students and young people.
Education
The NCSC is helping to develop the next generation of cyber security professionals through initiatives which identify and nurture a diverse range of talented young people to think about careers in cyber security.
CyberFirst
The CyberFirst programme offers an opportunity for young people to explore their passion for tech by introducing them to the fast-paced world of cyber security. CyberFirst activities are designed to inspire students from all backgrounds to apply for a CyberFirst bursary and consider a career in cyber security.
Learn more about CyberFirst on our CyberFirst pages.
CyberFirst Girls Competition
The NCSC wants more girls to think about cyber security as a career option. The CyberFirst Girls Competition provides a challenging but fun environment to inspire the next generation of young women to consider working in this field. The competition is a team event, with four girls from year 8 (England, Wales), S2 (Scotland) or year 9 (NI) in each team.
See more information about the CyberFirst Girls Competition.
Resources
Decrypting Diversity is a joint report between the NCSC and KPMG UK.
The report aims to help drive a more diverse and inclusive culture in the UK cyber security industry. It provides valuable information that we hope will catalyse organisations to challenge their assumptions and take evidence-based action.
GCHQ careers
Protecting the nation takes people who are as individual as our technologies are unique.
CyberFirst - Partner with us
We’re looking to work with industry to help support the next generation of tech experts.
CyberSprinters
Young people are growing up in an increasingly digital world, exposing them to both the opportunities and risks of the internet. CyberSprinters empowers 7-11 year olds to make smart decisions about staying secure online.