Charlotte Smith

Skills Growth Lead , CyNam

Charlotte holds the position of Skills Growth Lead at CyNam, the largest and one of the most established UK cyber clusters established 10 years ago

Charlotte's role is to develop and nurture skills, and to encourage growth within the Sector, working at bridging the gap between industry, academia and govt

Much of the role outside of the sector is to remove misconceptions, encourage conversations and work to widen the attraction of the sector to under represented groups and within the sector. to heighten various methods to widen the talent pool for recruitment and heighten hidden talent and retain talent also

Part of this work involves being the delivery lead for the south west region as part of the NCSC's Cyberfirst programme for schools and colleges.

This unique programme enables colleges and schools to receive recognition for their work within Computing at GCSE, A level, BTech and T levels. to improve and increase numbers within the sector asa whole, well as focussing on career pathways and industry relationships, through creating interactive events, participation in competitions and bespoke programmes and partnerships to encourage better and wider representation including improving wider representation within the sector

Charlotte works hand in hand with both the region's careers hubs, universities, govt departments and educational representatives all striving to improve opportunities within this sector.