Building cyber resilience in Scotland’s third sector: a strategic call to action
This week saw the launch of the Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland 2025-2030, outlining Scottish Government’s commitment to continuing to improve our nation’s cyber resilience. It builds on progress made so far, providing guidance to help public, private and third sector organisations address the ongoing safety challenges associated with operating online.
"Scotland’s third sector organisations play a central role in our communities, delivering a huge range of services and support to our diverse communities. While our increasing reliance on digital systems can have huge benefits for charities and their beneficiaries, it’s vital that charities also understand the risks that this can bring.
"Building cyber resilience is about ensuring that charities, indeed all third sector organisations, can continue their work safely and securely. It’s the responsibility of every trustee in Scotland to act in their organisation's best interests and that must include ensuring that their organisation treats cyber security as a key part of their work, not as an optional extra."
- Marieke Dwarshuis, Chair of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)
OSCR work closely with the CyberScotland partnership, which brings together organisations from all sectors across Scotland to help boost cyber resilience, specifically the work of the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). They have a dedicated programme supporting third sector organisations in staying safe online.
We understand that there are various barriers facing Scotland’s voluntary sector when it comes to ensuring your online services are safe and secure to use. SCVO’s cyber resilience programme of work is aligned to the strategic framework and exists to help:
- Make space on the agenda for cyber
- Get your staff/volunteers switched on
- Prepare for the inevitable
- Make a big impact with simple steps to protect
As we embark on this next chapter, check out SCVO's Cyber Resilience page for free advice and support to help your organisation on their journey to becoming more cyber resilient.
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