CyberFirst Evaluation

This document describes an evaluation of the CyberFirst program, designed to develop cyber security talent and increase diversity in the field. The program offers initiatives like summer courses and industry partnerships. Ecorys and the University of Kent used a mixed-methods approach to assess the program's effectiveness. Results show that participants, often with prior cyber experience, gained knowledge and skills, and were more likely to consider cyber security careers, although their interest in the field did not significantly increase. The evaluation suggests the need for more career guidance and diversity improvements. Separately, interviews with industry stakeholders affirm CyberFirst's role in diversifying the talent pool, especially among women, and in streamlining recruitment. The program is commended for preparing students for the workforce, but concerns about costs and retention were raised. Recommendations include enhancing accessibility, providing clear career pathways, and focusing on soft skills. The program is seen as successful in engaging participants and is advised to attract a wider socio-economic demographic while maintaining engaging content. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Closed organisation: Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation; Process evaluation
• Impact methods: Quasi-experimental method
• Quasi-experimental methods: Other
• Process methods: Individual interviews; Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: August 2021

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes