Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund Opens for New Bids

The Cyber Skills Immediate Impact Fund (CSIIF) aims to rapidly increase the diversity and quantity of people working in the cyber security sector. This is one of a range of initiatives intended to support the National Cyber Security Strategy aim of developing a sustainable supply of home-grown cyber security talent.

Grants are available to help develop effective and sustainable initiatives that will recruit more adults, particularly women, into the cyber security profession and contribute towards a growing and vibrant cyber security training ecosystem.

The third round of CSIIF, which is now open to bids, will continue to work towards addressing the scale of demand for skilled professionals, in line with a consistent ask from industry, to boost the number and diversity of candidates entering into cyber security roles now. Initiatives in this round will need to clearly identify the specific cyber security job role which their training is designed around.

Grants of up to 50% of the total project costs, capped at £100,000 per initiative, are available. Eligible expenditure may include training and staff costs, equipment, stationery, utilities, job fairs and marketing campaigns.

Applications are accepted from a range of organisations carrying out initiatives in England. Lead applicants can be:

training providers (both in cyber security and non-cyber security);

professional bodies and organisations offering cyber security qualifications/certifications;

registered charities and social enterprises;

further and higher education institutions; or

consortia led by any of the above.

Cyber Security Minister Nigel Adams said:

“The UK is a world leader in tackling cyber attacks but we must make sure we continue to develop “the talent we need to protect the public and business online.

“This latest round of funding demonstrates our commitment to make sure the UK’s cyber security industry has a skilled and diverse workforce and, through our new Cyber Security Council, there are clear paths for those wishing to join the profession.”

The deadline for applications is 27 September 2019.

More information about this funding opportunity and the application process is available on the GRANTfinder funding information platform. GRANTfinder provides up-to-the minute content, insight and analysis on funding news and policy. To find out more about how GRANTfinder can keep you in the know, and subscription fees, contact us today.