Current Pilot Programme

There are currently four pilot regional hubs operating on a voluntary basis, with local coordinators drawn from existing academic and industry networks. The pilot programme is providing valuable insights into operational requirements, stakeholder engagement approaches, and resource allocation needs.

Current Regional Hubs

• Scotland Regional Hub: Led by Sean Sturley, operating from Abertay University, Dundee.
   

• Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Hub: Led by Dr Shahrzad Zagari, operating from Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield.
   

• East Anglia Regional Hub: Led by Dr Erika Sanchez-Velazquez, operating from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.
   

• London Regional Hub : Led by Dr Lata Nautiyal and Dr Mastaneh Davis, operating from the University of Roehampton, London
   

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Regional Hub Activities

Community Engagement:
Each regional hub is identifying and connecting key stakeholders within their regions, including universities, colleges, employers, and cyber security professionals. Initial activities focus on mapping existing networks and establishing regular communication channels.
 

Educational Resource Development:
Pilot hubs are contributing to CSE Connect's open-source learning resource repository whilst identifying regional-specific educational needs. This includes supporting local cyber security challenges and developing case studies featuring regional employers.
 

Industry-Academia Professional Development:
Building upon CSE Connect's mission to connect collaborators, pilot hubs are facilitating initial connections between regional employers and educational institutions. Each hub is working to strengthen pathways from education to employment within their region, supporting students, graduates, and career changers through established CSE Connect programmes including the Experience Exceler8or initiative.

 

Examples of early activities include:

• Exploring ways to establish sustainable, low-friction and actionable engagement between industry and academia stakeholders.
   

• A national competency-based learning and assessment pilot between Abertay University, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Roehampton, that aimed to explore ways that employability can be more for effectively embedded in programmes.
   

• Collaborating on the 2025 Experience Exceler8or to provide students from five universities (30 students total) with the opportunity to collaborate and network nationally on live projects.

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Operational Framework

Hub Coordination

Regional hubs operates under the guidance of volunteer regional coordinator, typically an experienced professional with established networks across academia, industry, and government within their region. Coordinators receive support from CSE Connect's core team.

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

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Resource Sharing
Pilot hubs utilise shared technology platforms and collaborate on resource development to avoid duplication of effort. Successful approaches developed in one region are shared across the pilot network.

 

Success Criteria

While the regional hubs are still in an early stage pilot, future success criteria has been aligned with core CSE Connect activities and will be detailed as specific data points in future performance and impact reports.

 

Examples of such data points will relate to:

• Geography and location

• Stakeholder Participation and Engagement

• Social Value/Contributions

• Events

• Experience Exceler8or

• ShareHub

• Impact Projects

• ICEC

• Community and Network Growth

• Educational Impact

 

Call for New Voluntary Regional Hubs

CSE Connect is expanding its network of voluntary regional hubs and actively seeking volunteer coordinators for the following regions:

• Wales

• Northern Ireland

• North West England

• North East England

• West Midlands

• East Midlands

• South West England

• South East England

Note: Additional volunteers from regions that are already represented are welcome.

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We are looking for regional volunteers who...

• Have strong existing networks within their region's educational and industry sectors

• Possess deep understanding of local stakeholder landscapes

• Demonstrate commitment to advancing computer science education

• Show ability to work independently while collaborating with the broader CSE Connect network

• Can dedicate regular time to hub development and coordination activities

 

Support We Provide

• Infrastructure and Resources

  • CSE Connect email address

  • Access to a shared collaboration platform

  • Access to Cyber SandBox (A Hosting Environment)

• Guidance and onboarding

• Access to established programme frameworks and resources

• Technology platforms and communication tools

• Connection to a wider network of regional and international coordinators and collaborators

• Cover for pre-approved travel and accommodation expenses when required

 

How to Apply

​Message innovate@cseconnect.org and we can organise an informal  meeting to discuss the next steps.