Cyber Discovery Evaluation

The document provides an evaluation of the Cyber Discovery programme, a component of the UK's National Cyber Security Strategy designed to develop cyber security skills among 14 to 18-year-olds, with a particular focus on increasing female and ethnic minority participation. The evaluation, carried out by Ecorys and the University of Kent, employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and case studies. Findings suggest that the programme is successful in engaging participants and enhancing their skills in computer science and cyber security, although it does not significantly increase interest in cyber security careers. The programme exceeded its participation targets and improved diversity. Feedback from Club Leaders and industry experts was generally positive, recognizing the benefits for students and the industry. Challenges identified include the need for more guidance for less experienced students and the impact of COVID-19 on participation. Recommendations for the programme include promoting diversity, integrating career guidance, and providing better support for Club Leaders and students. The programme is acknowledged as a valuable initiative in addressing the cyber security skills gap and is advised to continue its development to fulfill this objective. **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: Generic research method
• 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