• Useful Information

brand assets

The Cyber Scheme’s name and logo is a Registered Trademark with the Office of Intellectual Property. Neither the name or the logo can be reproduced except as outlined here.

All uses of the logo must adhere to the guidelines below, please get in touch if you need further advice or to receive the logos in alternative formats, such as for print and large scale reproduction.

All the logos shown here can be downloaded for use in digital formats. Please note these logos are NOT suitable for use in print or at a large size; please contact us if you require logos for these uses.

If you are an Accredited Organisation, Accredited Training Provider or Accredited Exam Centre, you will be provided with a logo pack. If you need these to be re-supplied please get in touch.

The Cyber Scheme logo is a registered brand asset and may only be used in accordance with these guidelines:

  • Use only official logo files supplied by The Cyber Scheme.
  • Do not alter, redraw, stretch, crop, rotate or modify the logo in any way.
  • Do not change colours, apply effects, shadows, gradients or other treatments.
  • Ensure sufficient clear space is maintained around the logo and that it remains clearly visible and legible.
  • The logo must not be incorporated into another logo, graphic device or visual identity.
  • The logo must not be used in a way that implies endorsement, partnership, certification or approval unless expressly authorised by The Cyber Scheme.
  • The logo must not be used in any misleading, defamatory or unlawful manner.
  • Digital and printed reproductions must use the approved artwork and maintain the correct proportions.
  • Users are responsible for ensuring they are using the latest approved version of the logo and complying with any applicable brand guidance.

Boilerplate copy

The Cyber Scheme is a leading UK organisation dedicated to raising professional standards, advancing technical competence and strengthening the cyber security workforce in the UK and internationally.

Established in 2013, it operates as a centre of excellence for technical assessment and training, delivering NCSC Certified Training and providing rigorous examinations and professional development aligned to the UK’s highest technical standards.

Originally a specialist assessment provider, The Cyber Scheme has evolved into a comprehensive professionalisation body supporting practitioners throughout their careers. Its services now include competency assessment, career pathways, professional registration, organisational accreditation and international advisory work, all underpinned by a commitment to quality, consistency and trusted assurance.

In response to a rapidly evolving cyber landscape, its portfolio has expanded significantly. It accredits individuals across security testing, incident response and red teaming, and is developing new vocational programmes in OT, IoT and robotics security. It also delivers foundation level training, senior mentoring, tailored capability-building routes and is introducing micro-certifications to support ongoing professional development.

Internationally, it supports governments and industry bodies in building certification frameworks, regulatory approaches and national cyber capability.

As the largest Licensed Body for the UK Cyber Security Council, The Cyber Scheme assesses and recommends individuals for Professional Titles from Associate to Chartered, accounting for around half of all registered professionals. It has also certified approximately 85% of accredited penetration testers working on UK Government schemes.

Its Accredited Companies Register will provide the first clear view of organisational capability mapped to certifications, titles and team expertise.

Through continued innovation, workforce development and strong engagement with regulators, industry and learning providers, The Cyber Scheme remains a driving force in building a competent, credible and resilient global cyber workforce.

staff bios

July 2026

Zeshan Sattar

Commercial Director, The Cyber Scheme

Zeshan Sattar is a Director at The Cyber Scheme and an influential leader in cyber professionalisation, cyber workforce development, and large‑scale education initiatives. With more than 20 years’ experience across the digital and technology sectors, he specialises in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and capability building across government, academia, and industry. His leadership supports national cyber development initiatives and the strengthening of UK cyber security talent pipelines.

Prior to joining The Cyber Scheme, Zeshan held senior roles at CompTIA, including Senior Director of Learning and Skills Certification and Senior Industry Relations Director for EMEA. He has created award-winning skills programmes and consulted on global cybersecurity frameworks, guiding thousands of individuals into digital and cyber careers. His work also includes contributing to the UK Cyber Security Council’s Cyber Careers Framework and supporting capability uplift across diverse communities.

At The Cyber Scheme, Zeshan brings expertise in professionalisation, certification pathways, emerging technology alignment, cyber careers, and inclusive workforce development. He regularly speaks on topics including AI in the workplace, cyber workforce strategy, training standards, and the evolution of penetration testing talent. His strategic influence supports The Cyber Scheme’s expansion as a leading body for professional titles, training, and assessment.

Zeshan holds the CISSP and multiple professional certifications, and he was recognised as CyberFirst Ambassador of the Year in 2025. He is also a doctoral researcher and a respected thought leader who frequently publishes articles and presents at global cyber events. He was appointed to the board of The Cyber Scheme in July 2025.

Charles White

Chief Executive Officer, The Cyber Scheme

Charles White is the Chief Executive Officer of The Cyber Scheme and a long‑established leader in the UK cyber security sector. He oversees the organisation’s strategy, growth, industry alignment, and role as a national centre of excellence for security testing assessment and professionalisation. His work advances the UK’s cyber workforce standards and strengthens collaboration across government, regulators, academia, and the wider security ecosystem.

Charles has more than 25 years’ experience in cyber and information security. He founded Information Risk Management Ltd (IRM) in 1998, which became a major international consultancy and was acquired by Altran in 2017 to form its global cyber hub specialising in OT, ICS, IoT, and advanced engineering systems. He has held numerous senior and director-level posts and is recognised for advising PLC boards, government bodies, venture capital firms, and private-sector organisations on cyber risk.

At The Cyber Scheme, Charles champions professionalisation, competency validation, and the development of industry‑aligned assessment pathways. He is a strong advocate for raising standards across offensive security and ensuring that the UK remains a global leader in professional capability and cyber workforce development. He frequently speaks on themes including cyber strategy, risk management, professional titles, and the evolving needs of the UK cyber ecosystem.

Charles is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CiiSEC) and holds multiple directorships within the cyber and consultancy sectors. His governance roles, speaking engagements, and advisory work reinforce his position as a respected authority on cyber workforce development and professional standards.

Debi McCormack ACSP

Programmes and Partnerships Director, The Cyber Scheme

Debi McCormack is the Programmes and Partnerships Director at The Cyber Scheme, where she is responsible for shaping industry engagement, elevating the organisation’s national and international profile, and supporting the next generation of cyber security professionals. Her role spans strategic communications, external relations, public speaking, and the development of structured pathways in training and assessment.

Debi brings many years of experience in marketing, communications, and industry collaboration, from her background in advertising both in the UK and in Australia. Since joining The Cyber Scheme in 2021, she has expanded the organisation’s partnerships, launched initiatives to support both established practitioners and career transitioners, and contributed thought leadership across major industry events. Working at the intersection of communications and technical standards, she has helped position The Cyber Scheme as a leading authority in cyber security assessment and professional development, with a focus on quality, rigour and credibility.

As well as her communications role, Debi plays an active part in strengthening professional development and supporting the sector’s early‑careers pipeline. She is a recognised voice on topics including the cyber skills gap, talent attraction, neurodiversity in cyber, and the development of credible pathways into technical roles such as penetration testing. Her work regularly engages with themes of professionalisation, competence frameworks, and the role of assessment in building trust across the cyber workforce.

Her insights have been featured at the International Cyber Expo, National Cyber Security Show, techUK’s Talking 5 series, and multiple UK cyber leadership events, where she contributes to discussions on workforce challenges, professional standards, and the modernisation of training and assessment routes. Her work supports The Cyber Scheme’s mission to enhance professionalism, increase diversity within the sector, and ensure the UK continues to develop world‑class cyber talent.

Debi holds the Associate Title with the UK Cyber Security Council, is a trained Samaritan, and holds dual UK‑Australian citizenship..

Sean McCormack

Operations Director, The Cyber Scheme

Sean McCormack is the Operations Director at The Cyber Scheme, overseeing the delivery, quality, and strategic growth of the UK’s leading Licensed Body for professional title assessments under the UK Cyber Security Council. He leads assessment operations across multiple technical specialisms and ensures that standards, evidence‑quality, and assessor capability are consistently upheld.

With a 30‑year career across cyber security, professional services, IT managed services, and operational leadership, Sean brings deep industry experience to his role. His background spans UK and international positions and includes qualifications in project/programme management, IT service management and advanced management certifications. His professional history includes senior posts across technology service organisations and extensive programme and operations management experience. 

At The Cyber Scheme, Sean leads the refinement of assessment standards and plays a key role in launching new professional specialisms, working closely with the UK Cyber Security Council. He has personally reviewed and interviewed hundreds of candidates, giving him unique insight into evidence‑based assessment, sector capability gaps, and the behaviours that underpin professional practice. Sean regularly discusses topics including certification pathways, evidence preparation, assessment rigour, and the emerging skills needs of the UK cyber workforce.

Sean contributes to industry‑wide initiatives, including work on OT‑relevant competency standards and community knowledge‑sharing through events such as BSides OT UK. His role directly supports The Cyber Scheme’s mission to strengthen professionalisation, improve assessment quality, and equip practitioners with the clarity and standards needed to progress within the UK cyber profession.