How to Join a Government Working Group (Without Being a Civil Servant)

Leave a Reply

Yes, you can shape UK cyber policy, even from the outside. Here’s how people get in. Government working groups in the UK might seem closed-off, formal rooms filled with civil servants, consultants, and institutional insiders. But increasingly, government departments are seeking outside voices: founders, engineers, researchers, and community leaders who bring real-world experience. Whether you’re trying to influence cyber skills policy, secure-by-design standards, or public-sector procurement, joining the right working group can amplify your voice and build visibility for your organisation or sector. This article breaks down how non-civil servants are contributing to cyber and tech policy via working groups, what types exist, and how you can get involved.

Contents

Table of Contents

1. What Counts as a ‘Working Group’?

In UK cyber and tech policy, a “working group” can mean:

  • Policy advisory boards (e.g. DSIT, NCSC, UKCSC)
  • Technical standards groups (e.g. IET, BSI, NCSC Assurance groups)
  • Skills and education panels (e.g. UKCSC, CIISec, BCS, TechUK)
  • Regional or sector taskforces (e.g. WM CWG, CyberWomen@Birmingham, Tech North East)

They exist to shape guidance, frameworks, funding design, national strategies, and even procurement recommendations.

2. Who Gets Invited?

You don’t need a title like “Director” or “Professor”. Influence tends to come from:

  • Subject matter credibility (especially if niche, e.g. ICS, neurodiversity, zero trust)
  • A track record of delivery or convening (e.g. running an accelerator or community)
  • Participation in public consultations or thought leadership
  • Introductions from existing group members or convenors

3. Key Organisations Running Influential Working Groups

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

  • Cyber and Digital Skills Working Groups
  • R&D / Commercialisation Roundtables
  • Public-private taskforces for schemes like Cyber Runway, Cyber Local

How to join:

  • Apply to open consultations
  • Engage DSIT-funded programmes like CyberASAP
  • Be referred by programme delivery partners (Plexal, UKC3, IAWM)

UK Cyber Security Council (UKCSC)

  • Career and Qualifications Working Groups
  • Chartership and Standards development
  • Community engagement for new frameworks

How to join:

  • Express interest via the UKCSC website
  • Be active in a recognised membership body (CIISec, IET, BCS, ISC2)

TechUK

  • Open to members
  • Working groups in AI, cyber, skills, procurement, and data ethics
  • Frequent interaction with DSIT, NCSC, Home Office, and MoD

How to join:

  • Via company membership
  • Most groups have a mailing list + working calls
  • Great for SMEs and vendors looking to shape standards

IET, CIISec, and BCS Panels

  • Shape technical policy, skills, and industry guidance
  • Influence routes into school and early-career pathways
  • Some are invite-only, others open through application or contribution

4. Regional and Sector-Led Working Groups

Often overlooked, but critical for influencing where funding flows.

Examples include:

  • West Midlands Cyber Working Group (WM CWG) – Skills, investment, inclusion
  • ScotlandIS / NI Cyber / Cyber Wales – Cluster-led input into DSIT and UKC3
  • CyberWomen@Birmingham – Influences local programmes and national diversity strategy
  • Police-led cyber groups – Often open to SME engagement

How to join:

  • Be active in regional events
  • Volunteer to speak or mentor
  • Follow cluster convenors and respond to calls for input

5. Contribution > Credentials

Working groups need people who turn up, not people with perfect CVs. You’ll build credibility by:

  • Showing up consistently
  • Taking notes, sharing summaries
  • Suggesting practical improvements to draft policies or programmes
  • Inviting underrepresented voices into the room

6. Routes In (Without a Badge)

  • Apply to public calls for evidence
  • Attend fringe events during major policy announcements
  • Co-author blogs or feedback with existing members
  • Offer expertise (e.g. skills mapping, technical standards, SME pain points)
  • Ask convenors directly, “Is there a working group I can contribute to?”

7. Why It’s Worth It

  • Early access to policy direction and funding strategy
  • Build reputation as a trusted voice
  • Shape systems that affect hiring, regulation, and market access
  • Connect to decision-makers and collaborators outside your existing network

Final Thoughts

Working groups are not off-limits. In fact, many are actively seeking outsiders, especially those with lived experience, regional perspective, or practical delivery expertise.

You don’t need a badge. You need to show up, speak clearly, and stay involved.

In UK cyber and tech policy, access is built through contribution.

References

  1. Inside the UK Cyber Ecosystem: A Strategic Guide in 26 Parts
  2. The Insider’s Guide to Influencing Senior Tech and Cybersecurity Leaders in the UK
  3. How to Join a Government Working Group (Without Being a Civil Servant)
  4. The Quiet Power Players of UK Cybersecurity: Who Really Shapes the Agenda?
  5. Cyber Across UK Government: Departments, Programmes, and Policy Players