Inclusive Workplace Excellence in Security Award

This recognition celebrates workplaces that have exhibited exceptional dedication to fostering an environment that empowers and supports women and non-binary individuals, facilitating the realisation of their full potential. The victorious organisation will be distinguished by its unwavering commitment to eliminating gender bias in all its manifestations, striving to create an inclusive workplace where every employee is treated with equality, regardless of gender.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the involvement of women in security roles within this workplace. Include specific details, such as the number of women in key security positions.
• Outline the specific programs and policies the organization has implemented to encourage women to achieve their full potential in the security sector.
• Detail the measures the organization is taking to ensure recruitment and promotion practices and policies are free from gender bias.
• Describe the organisation’s efforts to educate its workforce about gender bias and discrimination, as well as the strategies employed to eliminate these issues.
• Highlight the policies and procedures the organization has in place to address gender-related issues, including discrimination, bias, and harassment.
• Summarise why you believe this organisation stands out and deserves the Excellence in Security Workplace Award. Consider aspects such as inclusivity, equality, and the overall positive impact on the security industry.

Unsung Hero in Security Excellence Award proudly sponsored by TAL

This accolade is dedicated to recognising the often-overlooked champions in the security realm – those unsung heroes who consistently exhibit excellence in various security roles and activities. These individuals transcend the conventional expectations of their positions, making substantial contributions to the cybersecurity industry or community. Whether it’s through mentoring, unwavering support for women’s professional and personal growth, advocacy for the security sector, or initiatives aimed at fortifying organisational cybersecurity, these unsung heroes leave a lasting, impactful difference.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the nominee’s formal role and shed light on their ‘heroic’ and ‘unsung’ contributions to the security industry. How do they surpass the boundaries of their formal responsibilities?
• Share the tangible outcomes and benefits resulting from the nominee’s ‘heroic’ initiatives and activities. Discuss how these efforts have positively influenced the security industry or community.
• Outline the challenges the nominee has faced or conquered in pursuing their exceptional activities. How have they navigated obstacles to create a meaningful difference?
• For self-nominations or if known, delve into what the nominee finds most appealing about the security industry. Why do they persist in striving to make a positive difference?
• Highlight the qualities that make the nominee truly stand out and deserving of the Unsung Hero in Security Excellence Award. Discuss the unique attributes that set them apart.
• Explore the reasons behind the nominee’s inspiration to work tirelessly and contribute to the advancement of women, non-binary individuals, and/or the organisation/security industry. What fuels their dedication to creating a positive impact?

Innovation in Cybersecurity Education Award

This award aims to highlight the most innovative educator in cybersecurity, acknowledging individuals or institutions that have shown significant innovation and success in the provision of security education. Cybersecurity education is diverse, ranging from formal courses to informal knowledge-sharing platforms, covering a spectrum of topics from specialised areas for experts to cybersecurity awareness for the broader workforce and the general public.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the innovative approaches adopted by the nominee, either as an individual or institution, in providing cybersecurity education. Highlight specific methods, technologies, or initiatives that showcase their innovation.
• Share measurable success metrics or outcomes resulting from the nominee’s innovative cybersecurity education initiatives. Provide evidence of the positive impact on learners, organisations, or the community.
• Outline the diversity of educational offerings provided by the nominee. Discuss how they cater to various audiences, from specialists seeking highly specialised topics to the general public interested in cyber safety awareness.
• Detail any collaborations or partnerships the nominee has engaged in to enhance cybersecurity education. Highlight how these collaborations contribute to the innovation and success of their educational initiatives.
• Discuss how the nominee’s cybersecurity education efforts have contributed to advancing industry knowledge and expertise. Provide examples of knowledge dissemination and the impact on cybersecurity professionals and the wider community.
• Explain how the nominee addresses cybersecurity awareness and safety for individuals outside the industry. Describe any initiatives targeting workforce cybersecurity awareness and safety, as well as education for the general public.
• Share the nominee’s vision for future educational innovations in cybersecurity. How do they plan to continue pushing boundaries and evolving their approach to cybersecurity education?

This award aims to recognise outstanding efforts by both individuals and organisations that have surpassed their formal roles to support, champion, and empower neurodivergent individuals within the field of cybersecurity.

Individuals or organisations nominated for this category will be acknowledged for their remarkable contributions and achievements in fostering the progress and success of neurodivergent individuals in the realm of cybersecurity. This recognition celebrates their commitment to extending diversity, equity, and inclusion, positioning them as true ‘Cybersecurity Champions.’

Nomination Questions

• In what ways does your nominee serve as a role model for fostering neurodivergent inclusion and a sense of belonging, either within the security industry or your organisation?
• Please elaborate on the changes initiated by your nominee that you believe showcase their impactful contributions to enhancing the sense of belonging for neurodivergent individuals, whether in the industry, the field of security, or within your specific organisation.
• Could you share the most significant positive learnings, outcomes, and success stories resulting from these changes spearheaded by your nominee?
• How is your nominee exemplifying leadership, excellence, and/or innovation in driving changes related to inclusion and equity, particularly concerning neurodivergent individuals?
• What aspects of your nominee’s efforts make them deserving of this award? Consider factors such as the quality, scale, and the level of difficulty in achieving the changes they have implemented.