NeuroCyber, the organisation dedicated to improving opportunities and career outcomes for neurodivergent individuals across the cybersecurity profession, has been granted charity status by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. This is a major milestone for NeuroCyber, enabling it to expand its work to create a more inclusive cybersecurity profession where neurodivergent people can access opportunities, thrive and progress throughout their careers.
Charitable status will enable NeuroCyber to significantly expand its programmes, partnerships and community initiatives, helping more neurodivergent people build successful careers in cybersecurity while supporting employers to create more inclusive workplaces.
To support this next phase of growth, NeuroCyber is launching a UK-wide appeal for corporate partners, strategic partners and volunteers. Support from partners and volunteers will help fund an expanding programme of events, research, awareness campaigns, educational resources and practical initiatives designed to reduce barriers to employment and career progression for neurodivergent professionals.
Over the coming months, NeuroCyber will also launch the NeuroCyber Charter, giving organisations the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their commitment to creating workplaces where neurodivergent employees are welcomed, understood, supported and empowered. The Charter encourages organisations to embed neuro-inclusive practices across recruitment, onboarding, career development and workplace culture, recognising that neuro-inclusion is an ongoing commitment rather than a one-off initiative.
Allie Andrews, founding trustee at NeuroCyber CIO, said: “Achieving charity status is recognition of the vital role neurodiversity has to play in the future of cybersecurity. Our focus has always been on helping neurodivergent people access rewarding careers, realise their potential and thrive within the cybersecurity profession. Too many talented individuals still encounter unnecessary barriers to entering and progressing within the industry, despite the unique skills and perspectives they can bring.
“The wider opportunity is also clear. The UK Government reports that 49% of UK businesses have a basic cybersecurity skills gap, while latest ISC2 research found that 12% of cybersecurity professionals surveyed globally identify as neurodivergent. Neurodivergent talent is already an important part of the cybersecurity workforce but there is enormous potential to unlock more of that talent by creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“This new chapter gives us the platform to scale our impact but we can’t do it alone. We’re calling on organisations and individuals who share our vision to help us build a cybersecurity profession where talent is recognised for its strengths, not limited by outdated ways of thinking. Whether through sponsorship, volunteering or signing our forthcoming NeuroCyber Charter, everyone has a role to play in creating lasting change.”
NeuroCyber is inviting organisations of all sizes to become partners, with opportunities designed to help businesses demonstrate their commitment to diversity while supporting meaningful industry change. Partners can contribute to NeuroCyber’s work through thought leadership, event participation, networking, research and other industry initiatives, with every pound directly funding the charity’s work.
NeuroCyber also welcomes organisations able to provide non-financial support, including mentoring, design, event support and specialist expertise.
NeuroCyber is also calling on volunteers from across the cybersecurity community to share their skills and experience by supporting mentoring, research, events, outreach and community engagement activities.
