In the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber security, we often talk about “innovation” as a matter of software, encryption, and zero-trust architecture. But as we look toward the 2026 National Cyber Awards, it is becoming increasingly clear that the most critical innovation isn’t happening in the code, it’s happening in the culture.
IASME is proud to partner with the National Cyber Awards for 2026. The collaboration is driven by a shared mission to celebrate those who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
We sat down with CEO of IASME and 2023 winner of the Cyber Diversity Award, Dr Emma Philpott MBE.
Q: Looking back at the 2023 National Cyber Awards, why was it important for you and IASME to be nominated for the Cyber Diversity Award?
“Winning the Cyber Diversity Award in 2023 was a significant milestone for IASME. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do, both internally and in the wider cyber security community.
Being nominated for this award was a recognition of our efforts to create a workplace that values and supports individuals from all backgrounds, including neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities.
It also highlighted the success of our community projects, such as our training schemes for adults with barriers to employment, which address both the cyber skills gap and long-term unemployment.
For us, the nomination wasn’t just about celebrating our achievements, it was about raising awareness of the importance of diversity in driving innovation and success in the cyber security sector.”
Q: What has life been like since winning the award in 2023?
“Winning the Cyber Diversity Award in 2023 reinforced our commitment to building diversity and inclusion in the cyber security sector. Internally, the award has been a source of immense pride for our team, many of whom have overcome significant barriers to thrive in their roles. It has validated our belief that diversity is a key driver of innovation and success.
Since winning, we’ve been able to expand several of our initiatives and create some new ones. In the last year, we developed and launched the Trainee Cyber Essentials Assessor program which creates accessible entry points for individuals with limited or no prior experience in IT or cyber security. It has been particularly rewarding to see how this initiative is helping to diversify the talent pool and provide structured career pathways for aspiring professionals.”
Q: IASME is partnering with The National Cyber Awards for 2026. What drives this collaboration?
“Our partnership with the National Cyber Awards for the 2026 event is driven by a shared mission to celebrate excellence and innovation in cyber security.
The awards provide a platform to recognise the individuals and organisations making a real difference in the industry, whether through technical innovation, community impact, or diversity initiatives.
At IASME, we believe that collaboration is key to addressing the challenges facing the sector, from the skills gap to the growing threat of cyber attacks. By partnering with the National Cyber Awards, we hope to inspire others to adopt inclusive practices, invest in talent, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in cyber security.”
Q: This year, you’ve stepped into the role of a judge. What are you looking for when reviewing this year’s nominations?
“As a judge, I’m seeking nominations that showcase genuine impact and innovation. I want to see how an individual or organisation has gone above and beyond to make a meaningful difference. For example, in the diversity category, I’ll be looking for initiatives that have led to measurable improvements in inclusion, whether through recruitment practices, workplace culture, or community outreach.
I’m also keen to see examples of resilience and creativity, particularly in how nominees have tackled challenges or barriers. Ultimately, I’m looking for stories that inspire and set a benchmark for others in the industry.”
Q: What would you say to someone considering nominating a colleague or their company for a National Cyber Award?
“Do it! The National Cyber Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of individuals and organisations in the cyber security sector. If you know someone who is making a difference, don’t hesitate to nominate them. The process itself is a chance to reflect on what makes their contribution unique and valuable.
Winning or even being shortlisted can have a huge impact, not just for the individual or organisation but for the wider community, as it highlights best practices and inspires others to follow suit.”
