Cyber Local (Innovate UK)

A 6-month Innovate UK project scaling Cyber First Aid across Dorset with sector packs, Train-the-Trainer, and evaluation.

Cyber Local is an Innovate UK–funded 6-month programme that deploys Cyber First Aid (CFA) training across Dorset, delivering tailored training pathways for SMEs, public services and educational institutions.

This initiative strengthens regional cyber resilience by combining technical incident response with human-centred resilience models — the Human Layer Kill Chain (HLKC) and Human Indicators of Compromise (HIOC) — and through collaboration with Dorset Mind to embed best practice in psychological wellbeing.

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Status
Planned (Sept 2025 – Feb 2026)
Duration
6 months
Funding
Innovate UK
Partners
Bournemouth University, Cybexer, Dorset Mind, Dorset Chamber, local authority stakeholders
Sector
SMEs, Public Sector, Education
Methods
HLKC, HIOC, APT-aligned scenarios, mixed-method evaluation
CFA Digital Training Platform
Essentials/Business Session Packs
Train-the-Trainer Certification Pathway
Realistic Scenario Packs (APT-aligned)
Evaluation  & Impact Framework

Cyber Local extends CFA’s proven foundation with advanced, sector-specific training scenarios. Evaluation will measure not only technical knowledge but also behavioural change, psychological resilience, and reporting confidence.

Our methodology combines:

  • Game-based learning to improve engagement and retention
  • APT-aligned simulations for realism
  • Social science evaluation tools to evidence short-term impact
  • Mental health expertise from Dorset Mind to ensure training addresses psychological stress and resilience
  • Strengthened cyber resilience across Dorset organisations
  • Embedded mental health resilience in cyber response training
  • Evidence base within 6 months to inform future CFA scaling
  • Sustainable CFA adoption through the TtT pilot model
  • Sector-specific resources supporting SMEs and public services
  • Blueprint for national and international roll-out of CFA
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