SASIG Workshop - Equality and Diversity Within the Security Industry
Description:
There is a growing consensus that a greater commitment to equality and diversity in the security industry would attract new talent from a wider pool of candidates that may not currently consider security as a career. We already face huge skills shortages, especially in cybersecurity, so this would seem one clear way to grow our industry.
At this SASIG workshop, we will examine the challenges in building a more equal and diverse industry, and those practical steps we can all take to improve equality and diversity. In this context, we will consider not only gender but also race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, other ideologies and so on.
This is a huge subject about which many of us know too little, and it needs to be considered with sensitivity and forethought. But there are already many inspiring examples of good practice that illustrate the benefits of a more diverse security workforce, that encourage career progression, and create business cultures that attract more diverse candidates. We will consider some of these.
Diversity and equality are issues that touch every member of every team throughout an entire organisation, so where possible we hope that several disciplines from each organisation will join us at this event -- security managers accompanied by their legal, HR, IT, procurement/supply colleagues, etc. We know that this combination generates the most energised and productive discussions, and leads to closer working relationships.
Guest Chair: Carol Tullo - Director of Information Policy and Services, National Archives
Agenda
08:30 Registration, coffee and networking
09:00 Introduction
Carol Tullo - Director of Information Policy and Services, National Archives
09:10 Welcome address by our host
Mark Walmsley - CISO, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
09:20 Introduction - where are we today and what might good look like?
Tom Ilube - CEO, Crossword Cybersecurity
10:00 Breakout Session 1
During these concurrent sessions, a facilitated group discussion will debate a number of topics. Choose one:
- Topic 1 - Why the security industry needs to address its lack of equality and diversity and equality, and the benefits to be gained.
- Topic 2 - What can we do to better advertise the opportunities within the security industry (especially cyber), how can we make it attractive to those from the whole school of society, and how can we ensure there is a full career for everyone?
- Topic 3 - What can we learn from other industries that have trod this path before? Collaborating and working with our colleagues from other disciplines to address the challenges.
- Topic 4 - How a company culture influences diversity and equality, and the benefits that result from having an inclusive culture.
We are delighted that the following professionals have offered their experience, knowledge and wisdom to facilitate the breakout sessions.
Steph Aldridge - Diversity Lead, Cyber Security Challenge
Mark Walmsley - CISO, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
Lauren Chiesa - Technical Consultant, RelianceACSN
Kirsty Phillips - Founder, Women in Cyber
11:30 I see the need for diversity across security on a daily basis!
Becky Pinkard - VP Service Delivery and Intelligence, Digital Shadows
12:00 Networking luncheon
12:45 Online security for the disabled, injured and elderly - the vulnerable and the neglected
Michael Taylor - Chairman, UCanDOIT
13:00 Breakout Session 2
Choose a different topic:
- Topic 1 - Why the security industry needs to address its lack of equality and diversity and equality, and the benefits to be gained.
- Topic 2 - What can we do to better advertise the opportunities within the security industry (especially cyber), how can we make it attractive to those from the whole school of society, and how can we ensure there is a full career for everyone?
- Topic 3 - What can we learn from other industries that have trod this path before? Collaborating and working with our colleagues from other disciplines to address the challenges.
- Topic 4 - How a company culture influences diversity and equality, and the benefits that result from having an inclusive culture.
14:30 Playback of Breakout Sessions, and discussions
15:00 Diversity is the cornerstone of a strong security team
Elizabeth France - Chair, the Security Industry Authority
15:30 Closing remarks and end of meeting
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