It’s International Women’s Day and we are celebrating the amazing women in our team! This year, we would like to shine a spotlight on our team members, although cyber security is one of the fastest growing industries in the technology world, only 24% of employees in the industry worldwide are women. This is one of the world’s lowest percentages, but we are breaking the mould here at the NEBRC – our 7 strong team is made up of 4 women.
We have a long way to go to break down industry stereotypes but we want to #EmbraceEquity and get the industry talking about equal opportunity and encourage more women to get into cyber security. In this blog we are celebrating the achievements of our female team members for International Women’s Day!
Rebecca Chapman – CEO & Retired Police Superintendent
Becky founded the NEBRC back in 2019 with seed funding from the National Cyber Crime Police Programme and has been the CEO since then. In the early days leading up to her retirement from the police she continued to provide firearms and CBRN command (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) for the police at weekends along with PACE cover which is the granting of authorities for domestic violence protection, custody extensions and applications for phone data. Following a 30-year career ending as Superintendent with South Yorkshire Police she has experienced patrol, CID, intelligence, covert policing, digital forensics, cyber cybercrime, performance and development, legal services, custody, and regional project work. Winner of Inspiring female business leader of the year for the NE Chamber of Commerce and leading an award-winning Police Team she says:
“These last 5 years have been some of the best of my police career working with a fabulous team made up of over 50% women who are all inspiring in their own ways with how they have dealt with things going on in their personal lives and their innate professionalism at work. I also have some of the best belly laughs I’ve ever had with them and the rest of our brilliant team”.
Lizzie Buckler – Operations & Relationships Manager
Lizzie joined the Centre in September 2019 through South Yorkshire Police having just graduated University studying Criminology. She joined the Centre in a Project Support capacity on a temporary contract, but then developed into a Client Relations role, and most recently, has progressed further and is now the NEBRC’s Operations and Relationships Manager. She has responsibility for managing the Centre’s operations and engagement with the businesses’ stakeholders. While working for the Centre, Lizzie has completed a Master’s Degree in International Security, where she completed research into small businesses understanding of cyber security and the factor that might encourage engagement. She has also recently completed her CMI L5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship with a Distinction. Talking about her role, Lizzie states the following:
“It’s really rewarding to work for an organisation that really cares about individual development and progression. Cyber security is quite a niche field, so I feel lucky to have been given opportunities for further learning and the ability to develop personally and professionally. The Centre also works to feed the student talent pipeline, and I have been a key part of this, working to host local Student Chapter events, where we provide new students and graduates with mentoring and coaching, and the ability to receive guidance on how to pursue a career within cyber security. In past events, we have heard about the career stories of people within the field, including women and their experiences of working within cyber security. This provides encouragement to future employees aspiring to join the industry.”
Chantelle Whitham – Marketing & Communications Manager
Chantelle joined the NEBRC in January 2022 after deciding on a complete career change and had no prior experience in cyber security. Formerly a self-employed beautician, Chantelle understands the highs and lows of running a business and couldn’t wait to get started helping the local SME community in her first role as Business Admin Assistant. She has since worked her way to management level and is now our Marketing and Communications Manager, overseeing our marketing and events, customer journeys, website, and social media channels. Chantelle has completed some entry level cyber security training to enhance her knowledge and is currently studying for the CMI Level 5 Operations and Departmental Manager Apprenticeship. Chantelle says:
“I am really proud to be a part of such an amazing team, and it only makes it more rewarding to be surrounded by and work closely with strong, inspiring women who are breaking the stereotypes in cyber security. I had no idea I would have a chance to get into an industry such as cyber before I went for this role, which is part of the problem, but I would encourage any female to look into cyber security roles whether you’re deciding on your future career or looking for a change!”
Lydia Stone – Business Assistant
Lydia is our newest recruit and joined us in October 2023 providing admin and executive support to the core management team in her role as Business Assistant. Lydia’s background includes customer service and hospitality, and she is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Lydia is preparing to apply for Masters degree courses to contribute further research into the NEBRC:
“I am really enjoying my role working with the NEBRC, my team are really supportive and have helped me finalise my decision to go for a Master’s degree once I’ve finished my studies. It was refreshing to see Lizzie and Chantelle when I first walked through the doors to my interview as I thought working in cyber security there would be more men than women, which is a common misconception so I’m really happy to be part of a business that is helping break down these stereotypes”.
Learn more about our incredible team of experts here: https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk/meet-the-team/
Happy International Women’s Day!
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The NEBRC is a Police led non-profit organisation that seeks to educate, inform, and support businesses across the UK on how to protect their business online through good cyber security practices.