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Regional Hubs

National initiatives delivered regionally... regional insights shaping national initiatives.

What is a Regional Hub?

A Regional Hub is a recognised node within the CSE Connect network, hosted by a specific institution (typically a university or college) and led by a volunteer coordinator. Multiple Regional Hubs may operate within the same geographic region, each serving as an independent point of connection for local stakeholders.

For example, the East Midlands region could have separate Regional Hubs at different universities, each with its own coordinator, local networks, and activities, whilst contributing to the broader regional and national mission.

​​TERMINOLOGY

Region: A geographic area of the UK (e.g. East Midlands, Scotland, Wales)

Hub: A single institution-based node within the CSE Connect network, led by a coordinator

Regional Hub Director/Coordinator: A volunteer who leads a specific Regional Hub

  • One region can have multiple Regional Hubs

  • Each Regional Hub is anchored to a host institution

  • Coordinators lead a hub, not a region

  • Hubs are encouraged to collaborate across regions.


CSE Connect is growing a network of Regional Hubs across the UK to support cyber security and technology education,  and to strengthen connections between government, industry, and academia. Each hub is hosted by a university and led by a volunteer coordinator who connects local stakeholders. Where regional networks or initiatives already exist, CSE Connect aims to collaborate with and complement these efforts rather than duplicate them.

 

Each hub serves as a focal point for facilitating collaboration and addressing regional cyber security and technology education needs whilst contributing to broader national objectives.

Current Regional Hubs

Seven Regional Hubs are currently active across the UK, each hosted by a university and led by volunteer coordinators drawn from academic and industry networks.

Image by Ryan Kwok

Host Institution

Abertay University

Regional hub Director(s)

Sean Sturley

Location

Dundee

Region

Scotland

Host Institution

Sheffield Hallam University

Regional hub Director(s)

Dr Shahrzad Zagari

Location

Sheffield

Region

Yorkshire and the Humber

Host Institution

University of Nottingham

Regional hub Director(s)

Professor Steve Furnell

Location

Nottingham

Region

East Midlands

Host Institution

University of Sunderland

Regional hub Director(s)

David Grey

Location

Sunderland

Region

Northeast England

Host Institution

Anglia Ruskin University

Regional hub Director(s)

Dr Erika Sanchez-Velazquez

Location

Cambridge

Region

East Anglia

Host Institution

University of Exeter

Regional hub Director(s)

Professor Achim Brucker

Location

Exeter

Region

South West England

Host Institution

University of Plymouth

Regional hub Director(s)

Professor Nathan Clarke

Location

Plymouth

Region

South West England

Host Institution

University of the West of England

Regional hub Director(s)

Jonathan White

Location

Bristol

Region

West England

Host Institution

Ravensbourne University

Regional hub Director(s)

Dr Naureen Farhan

Location

Greenwich Peninsula

Region

London

Host Institution

University of Kent

Regional hub Director(s)

Dr Virginia Franqueira

Location

Canterbury

Region

South East England

Host Institution

University of Roehampton

Regional hub Director(s)

Dr Mastaneh Davis and Dr Lata Nautiyal

Location

Wandsworth

Region

London

What Regional Hubs Do

Regional Hubs undertake a range of activities to support cyber security and technology education in their area. The specific focus of each hub varies depending on local needs, coordinator expertise, and available networks. Examples of activities that hubs can host or initiate include:

  • Hosting networking events for local cyber security and technology educators and industry professionals

  • Organising guest lectures and speaker sessions featuring regional employers

  • Running or supporting regional cyber security and technology challenges and competitions

  • Coordinating visits between universities, colleges, and schools to share knowledge and resources

  • Developing case studies featuring regional employers for use in teaching

  • Connecting students with mentors from local industry

  • Contributing learning resources to CSE Connect ShareHub

  • Eliciting Impact Projects from regional employers

  • Promoting cyber security and technology career pathways to schools and colleges in the area

  • Identifying and sharing regional skills gaps and employer needs with the national network

  • Hosting informal meet-ups for cyber security and technology professionals and academics

  • Collaborating with other Regional Hubs on cross-regional initiatives and pilots

 

Quick Start Activities

CSE Connect offers a series of Quick Start Activities that Regional Hubs can host at their host institution. These workshops are delivered by CSE Connect. Labs are designed to be run with minimal preparation, providing hubs with ready-made sessions on topics relevant to students, educators, and industry professionals. Current Quick Start Activities include:

  • Incident Response Simulation Workshop

  • Jobs are Changing: Navigating Your Career in an AI-Transformed Workplace

  • Local LLM Project Workshop

  • Transitioning into cyber security and technology careers from other disciplines

  • Applied AI Threat Hunting Workshop

  • AI-Assisted Vulnerability Analysis Workshop

Event Listings for Regional Hub Activities

CSE Connect maintains a central events listing to promote activities organised by regional hubs across the network. If your hub is planning an event, workshop, or collaborative activity, we encourage you to submit the details for inclusion on the CSE Connect website and communication channels. This helps to raise the profile of your hub's work, attract participants from across the network, and avoid scheduling clashes with other regional activities.

How Hubs Operate

Hub Coordination: Each hub is led by a volunteer regional coordinator, typically an experienced professional with established networks across academia, industry, and government within their region. Coordinators receive support from the CSE Connect core team.
 

Governance: Pilot hubs participate in monthly coordination meetings with the national team and quarterly review sessions with other coordinators. This maintains consistency of approach whilst allowing for regional adaptation.


Resource Sharing: Hubs use shared technology platforms and collaborate on resource development. Approaches that work well in one region are shared across the network.

 

Become a Regional Hub Director

CSE Connect is seeking volunteer coordinators to establish new or additional hubs in all regions. This is an opportunity to contribute to cyber security and technology education in your area whilst connecting with a national network of educators, industry professionals, and government stakeholders.

 

What We Look For

  • Existing networks within your region's educational and industry sectors

  • Understanding of the local stakeholder landscape

  • Commitment to advancing cyber security and technology education.

  • Ability to work independently whilst collaborating with the broader network

  • Capacity to dedicate approximately 4–6 hours per month to hub activities

 

What We Provide

  • Guidance and onboarding

  • Access to established programme frameworks and resources

  • Connection to regional and international coordinators and collaborators

  • Approved cover for pre-approved travel and accommodation expenses for regional hub activities

 

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role. We estimate coordinators spend approximately 5–15 hours per month on hub activities, though this may vary depending on regional activity levels and events. Time commitment tends to be higher around specific initiatives such as Impact Projects or the Exceler8or programme.

 

Measuring Progress

As the regional hub programme develops, we will track progress against measures aligned with CSE Connect core activities. These will include stakeholder participation, event delivery, contributions to ShareHub and Impact Projects, and growth in regional networks. Specific metrics will be detailed in future performance reports.

How to Apply
To express your interest, please complete the Regional Hub Coordinator Application Form.

Regional Hub Expression of Interest Form

We will review applications on a rolling basis. Following submission, we will contact you within 3 days to arrange an informal discussion about the role and next steps. If you have questions before applying, please contact innovate@cseconnect.org.

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Image by Laurin Steffens

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to be based at a university?

A: No. While many current coordinators are academics, we welcome applicants from industry, government, or other sectors who have relevant networks in their region.

Q: Can there be multiple coordinators for one region?

A: Yes. We welcome additional volunteers in regions that already have a coordinator. Co-coordinators can share responsibilities based on availability and expertise.


Q: Is there any remuneration?

A: This is a voluntary role. Pre-approved travel and accommodation expenses for CSE Connect activities will be covered.

 

Q: What happens after I apply?

A: We will review your application and contact you within 3 days to arrange an informal video call. This is an opportunity to discuss the role, answer your questions, and explore whether there is a good fit.


Q: When would a new hub launch?

A: New hubs launch on a rolling basis as coordinators are confirmed. Following appointment, you will receive onboarding and support from the core team before beginning activities in your region.

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