Track

Date & Time
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 2:30 PM - 3:20 PM
Room Location
Hall 2
Session Code
TR3D
Name
Diverse Minds, Stronger Cyber: Building Inclusive Workforces That Thrive
Description

In a fast-changing digital world, diversity isn’t an ideal - it’s essential.

You've heard from our future workforce, now hear from a panel of cybersecurity leaders, with decades of experience, as they share insights into building an inclusive, resilient and innovative cyber sector.

The UK cyber workforce is approximately 143,000 professionals, yet almost half of organisations report skills shortages. Representation remains uneven: women 17%, disabled professionals 8%, and while 19% are from ethnic minority backgrounds, only 8% hold senior roles.

Our panel will explore the strategies that have shaped careers in this dynamic industry – from empowering underrepresented talent to fostering environments where confidence can thrive. They’ll share honest reflections on their journeys, challenges and interventions needed to create and retain a truly diverse cyber workforce.

Whether starting out or leading, this conversation will inspire you to champion inclusion and support the perspectives that make cybersecurity stronger.

Carolyn Ainsworth Richard Bate Natalie Billingham Jane Wright
Cross Learning Threads
Economic Security
Session Keywords
Education and skills​, Human factors and culture
With thanks to our Sponsor