Across our health service, teams have been working to bolster cyber security and resilience and protect patient care and data across the NHS, with a new awards ceremony to recognise the innovation and expertise involved.
NHS Digital has announced the shortlist for the first Cyber Associates Network (CAN) Awards to celebrate those working in cyber security in the NHS.
The virtual awards ceremony is due to take place on March 28, 2022 at 4pm and will see awards given in a number of key categories, including around innovation, leadership and individual contribution.
The announced nominees include:
Innovation in Cyber
- Barry Richardson, NHS Blood and Transplant
- Adam Boon, NHS Digital
- NHS Informatics Merseyside
Cyber Newcomer of the Year
- Tamara Birchall, NHS Arden and GEM Commissioning Support Unit
- Ben Warwick, Birmingham Community Healthcare
- Huw Jones, Royal Cornwall Hospital
Cyber Leader of the Year
- Dan Jeffery, NHS Blood and Transplant
- Paul Charnley, Cheshire and Mersey Health and Care Partnership
- Martyn Perry, Midlands Partnership
CAN Contributor of the Year
- Martin Price, Royal Cornwall Hospital
- Patricia Powell, NHS Digital
Cyber Team of the Year
- IS Specialists, Northumbria Healthcare
- IT Security team, NHS Informatics Merseyside
- Technical Services team, Royal Cornwall Hospital
- TI team, NHS Digital
- Virtual Cyber team, Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Cyber security team, NHS Arden and GEM Commissioning Support Unit
- IT Audit and Assurance, West Midlands Ambulance Service
- Digital Security and Compliance team, United Lincolnshire
- Cyber team, Bradford District Care
- Cyber security team, NHS Blood and Transplant
Individual of the Year
- Barry Richardson, NHS Blood and Transplant
- Bradley Hampson, Provide CIC
- James Jassie, United Lincolnshire Hospitals
- Audrey Hanley, Kings College Hospital
- Tej Gudka, NHS Arden and GEM Commissioning Support Unit
- Mark Williams, Informatics Merseyside
- Iqbal Mahal, Birmingham Community Healthcare
There will also be a further award given to recognise the very best in cyber security through the Pete Rose Outstanding Achievement Award.
Named as a dedication to the memory of NHS Digital’s Deputy CEO, Pete Rose, who passed away in August 2021, the award will recognise an individual who has gone above and beyond in name of NHS cyber security – with the winner being selected from the overall CAN Award shortlist.
Mark Logsdon, Chief Information Security Officer at NHS Digital, said: “I want to say a massive congratulations to the Cyber Associates Network Awards shortlist, and to all our nominees. We received more than 40 nominations recognising some great work in settings across the sector.
“I highly value the CAN community, which has grown significantly since it was established in 2019. It continues to be a place for members to share their expertise and collaborate – its work is absolutely vital.”
Phil Huggins, National Chief Information Security Officer for Health and Social Care at NHS Digital added: “We introduced the CAN Awards to showcase the incredible work being done by individuals, teams and organisations to manage and improve cyber security in health and care.
“It's been a challenging couple of years, due to the pandemic, but cyber security colleagues across the system have really impressed me through their dedication and hard work while playing their part in the response. The CAN Awards recognises their passion, commitment and innovation.
“Well done to everyone who made our shortlist. I'm keen that we grow the awareness of these awards amongst non-cyber colleagues so we can celebrate shortlisted cyber security colleagues across the system.”
