Member News

Today all organisations handle sensitive information or rely on data that has value to someone, whether it be the data owner or the individuals and organisations the information is about.  We all have an obligation, and often now a regulatory requirement, to keep this data safe and secure.  Many organisations however do not have the required knowledge or people to be able to meet this increasingly important demand. Having the right people in your team who bring experience of cyber security can no longer be something senior teams avoid investing in.  Bringing in additional senior security resource is on the agenda for many organisations this year. Bringing a blend of both technical knowledge and real-world business experience from across a number of organisations, a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) enables a business to have the appropriate mix of technology, processes, policies and people in place to best protect from the risks faced by all organisations.  So let’s take a more detailed look at the core benefits of having a vCISO in your organisation. The role of a vCISO doesn’t just look at cyber security, it also facilitates growth.  A business that is protected and has dedicated resource ensuring that this protection is up to the job, enables its other functions to operate fully and dedicate themselves to their specialisms.  This ensures that the business runs as well as possible and maximises all opportunities.  We are all easily distracted by our worries and a vCISO can take some of these away allowing your teams to focus on delivery that leads to growth. Understanding the mindset of cyber criminals takes time and experience, and as the threat landscape changes so quickly having someone in place who is immersed in that world ensures that your organisation is getting the best possible insights.  They will also direct your business in the most appropriate ways towards a cyber security strategy that will protect now and in the future.  This resource is an extension of your leadership and IT teams, which is often not achieved when an internal appointment is made as roles often sit in silos.  The vCISO can sit in multiple teams with more ease than a paid member of staff. This sort of flexibility is invaluable in the fast moving field of cyber security, and when you couple this with affordability you have two factors that position the vCISO strongly against appointing someone who sits on the payroll full time.  This makes having highly skilled resource available a much more accessible thing for smaller organisations who can benefit from only paying when the vCISO is actually working on something for them. A vCISO also will often be working within an organisation where there are other cyber and information security professionals who can provide expertise, perspectives and advice that an internal CISO would find harder to access.  The added benefit of working across multiple organisations and industries is of great benefit to your organisation.  This breadth and depth of experience enables the vCISO to ensure your cyber security strategy is matched with the unique needs and challenges of your business.  There is a further advantage of avoiding wasted time, that can often happen when internal teams who are wedded to the business attempt to take an objective view of the business’ risks.   Additionally, a vCISO can quickly assess your organisations position regards any regulatory demands and requirements.  Often this is a faster process for them than an employed CISO as they have a broader understanding of industry regulations having worked in multiple organisations in your sector. Organisations who engage with a vCISO also gain a reputational benefit as they will be talking to industry bodies, professional organisations and other businesses within your sector.  Here they will be sharing what they can about their work with your organisation, showing how invested you are in ensuring a robust cyber security strategy is in place. Reviewing the knowledge and capability levels of your incumbent team, whether that be those working in IT and security focused roles, or the wider staff team, will provide a lot of insight in to one of the strongest assets you have in terms of cyber defence.  Not only will a vCISO be able to be more objective in this work, they will also have the experience and skills to move quickly in delivering the required training across the business and also ensuing that core skills and knowledge gaps are filled. Being from outside the organisation brings with it an additional benefit of being able to cut through any organisational culture barriers and more quickly embed a culture of security.  The main advantages here are focused around getting to a position as quickly as possible where business leaders and employees feel that they can truly own cyber and information security within the organisation, and therefore will be more deeply invested in the development and implementation of the cyber security strategy. When the security infrastructure is in place and operating where it should be many organisations may not be able to justify the full time resource of an employed CISO, however when a cyber-attack or data breach happens they know they need immediate leadership to navigate the situation and bring the business back to working as it should be.  This is where being able to call on a retained vCISO becomes invaluable. Soon we will be looking in more detail at the responsibilities of a vCISO and how they can align with your business needs.  If you would like to know more about how CyberScale can support you then take a look at our vCISO service or make contact for an initial conversation with us.

Sarah Swanston, who is a guest of Greater Anglia’s podcast. Credit: Greater Anglia One of Greater Anglia’s first female train drivers tells how she started a lifetime’s career in the railway after two weeks’ work experience while still at school, in the latest episode of Greater Anglia’s Life on Rails podcast. Sarah Swanston, who is a right time railway manager at Greater Anglia – responsible for continuous punctuality improvements – was put off from joining the police by her father and opted for the railway instead with the ambition to become a train driver. Since joining on a Youth Training Scheme at the age of 16, Sarah has never looked back, she tells the Life on Rails podcast. After carrying out a number of jobs and completing driver assessments, she became a “Train (wo)man Driver” and fully qualified as a driver in 1997,starting on routes out of Norwich. Her career progressed to driving other routes, instructing trainee train drivers and then moving into management. Listen to the podcast to hear Sarah’s fascinating reflections on becoming the first female train driver based in Norwich and the sound advice her grandmother gave her on hearing she was joining the railway. The podcast includes interviews with other guests giving an insight into life at Greater Anglia – as well as a “travel surgery” segment with one of the region’s local TV stars, David Whiteley, presenter for ITV Anglia news. David reveals his dream day in East Anglia, as presenters Juliette Maxam and Lucy Wright, from Greater Anglia, question him to work out his ideal destination on the Greater Anglia network. More fascinating facts revealed on the podcast include why getting new trains involved installing brighter lights and new signs at stations across the network, as Greater Anglia’s client and programme director Andrew Goodrum talks about what was necessary to get the network ready for new trains. Greater Anglia site manager Phil Hogg speaks on location from a wildlife garden at Norwich station which includes a honeybee hotel he made from old scraps which were destined for the bin and outlines further plans for schemes to boost local biodiversity. The podcast’s resident fares guru, Ken Strong, explains how to buy a cheap ticket online and Juliette and Lucy talk about travelling on busy trains – from tactics for finding a seat to keeping safe. Juliette Maxam, senior media and PR manager at Greater Anglia, said: “We think this is a cracking episode with a really interesting mix of guests. “Why not listen to it next time you’re travelling with Greater Anglia to discover what goes on behind the scenes and get ideas for your next leisure trip. “Lucy and I would love to hear what you’d like us to cover in future episodes. Please tweet us @GreaterAngliaPR.” The podcast is available on all the usual podcast platforms and also Greater Anglia’s website greateranglia.co.uk/podcast and Facebook page. The honeybee hotel. Credit: Greater Anglia 

Greater Anglia’s new three-carriage bi-mode train was crowned “most reliable train of its type” in independent industry awards based on reliability statistics. Greater Anglia, along with their maintenance partner Stadler, scooped two industry reliability awards for the train operator’s new bi-mode trains at the annual Golden Spanner Awards The Class 755 trains, which can be powered by either electric or diesel and operate on rural lines in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, won a golden spanner and a silver spanner at the awards, which are held by Modern Railways magazine. The three-carriage bi-mode trains, made and maintained by Swiss company Stadler, won the golden spanner in the category of new diesel trains. It was crowned the most reliable train of its type in England, Scotland and Wales based on the ‘miles per technical TRUST incident’ (MTIN) statistics. They currently have an average of 14,767 miles between incidents. Greater Anglia’s four-carriage bi-mode trains picked up a silver spanner award, meaning it’s the most improved train of its type in England, Scotland and Wales in terms of its MTIN performance. It currently has an average of 12,164 miles between technical incidents – faults that cause a delay of three minutes or more. Greater Anglia has 24 bi-mode trains made up of four carriages and 12 have three carriages. Martin Beable, Engineering Director, Greater Anglia, said: “Our new bi-mode trains have transformed rail travel in the region, and we’re thrilled they have been recognised with two awards. “I would like to thank the teams at Greater Anglia, Stadler and Rock Rail who all made these awards possible. These awards are testament to the hard work of our colleagues, who work around-the-clock to keep trains running.” Rob Baxter, Managing Director for Stadler Rail Service UK, said: “We are delighted to scoop these prestigious accolades, just 18 months after all the Stadler-built trains were delivered. This success is testament to effective collaborative working with Greater Anglia and Rock Infrastructure and the valiant efforts made by our maintenance teams at Norwich Crown Point, who have squeezed every sinew to secure continuous performance improvement of the fleets we look after there.” The Golden Spanners awards celebrate the best of train maintenance and are handed out to train companies who make the greatest strides in train reliability. Greater Anglia is currently in the process of replacing all trains in its fleet with brand new ones, which are all longer, with more seats, USB and plug sockets, fast free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and improved accessibility features as well as dedicated cycle spaces.

Four hard-working volunteers have jokingly been told “they are never allowed to leave” after becoming part of the furniture at a charity shop in Norwich. Ros Chambers, Val Brown, Caroline Church and Margaret Baynton give up their time to help at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) store in Aylsham Road. Ros and Val pitch in on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Caroline on Thursday afternoons and Margaret on Friday afternoons. Such is their huge and tireless contribution, shop manager Paul Shorten says they are invaluable and “worth their weight in gold”. All four ladies previously volunteered for EACH but started helping in the shop when fundraising activity was curtailed by COVID. The pandemic then forced the charity’s stores to close but the quartet had had a taster by then – and were eager to return when doors reopened. Paul, 48, said: “I’ve got nothing but positive things to say about Ros, Val, Caroline and Margaret. “They offered their services at a time when I was desperate for volunteers, back in Spring 2020. “Now, two years and one pandemic later, they’re absolutely invaluable. “They’ve been such a great addition, their enthusiasm is infectious and I’ve jokingly told them they’re never allowed to leave. I won’t allow it. “They’re absolutely brilliant, work so hard and are popular with customers. “They’re worth their weight in gold and I know that whenever they’re working, I won’t have any problems. “They never stop and are always on the go. I know the till’s always covered, the shelves and rails are stocked and the shop is looking fantastic. “For me, as manager, that’s such a blessing and it takes a lot of weight off my shoulders. “Rather than being pulled in different directions, I can get my head down, plan my day and do the things I’m supposed to be doing.” Paul has been shop manager for nearly three years and says that while he is lucky to have a “family” of staff and volunteers, he can always do with extra help. “It’s such a happy, welcoming environment and we’re always pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining us,” he said. “Just pop into the shop, email me via paul.shorten@each.org.uk or call 01603 301475. “On a personal note, I love it here and am passionate about my job. “As a shop, we’re riding high and hitting targets – and much of the credit has to go to our team of volunteers. “They make everything possible and long may that continue.” Meanwhile, Paul also had words of praise for another of his volunteers, Elizabeth Halford, who helps in the shop on Wednesday mornings. Elizabeth recently received an award in recognition of her charity work from GoodGym Norwich. The group is made up of residents who run, walk, or cycle to help out community projects and older people in Norwich. Elizabeth recently won an ‘inspiring individual award’ for her tireless efforts helping others. “We’re so pleased for her,” said Paul. “Elizabeth is another fantastic, dedicated person who gives up so much of her time to help others, including working in our shop. We’re lucky to have her.”

A leading charity is on the lookout for green-fingered volunteers willing to help families caring for children with life-threatening conditions. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) runs a successful Help at Home service, providing vital practical support with things like cooking, cleaning, shopping, sibling support, decorating and DIY. Now, with Spring having arrived, bringing a multitude of gardening jobs, EACH is keen to hear from more volunteers willing to help the families it supports across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Volunteer co-ordinator Anne Rayner said: “As anyone with a garden knows, this is a particularly busy time of year and we know some families struggle keeping on top of everything. “They have enough on their plates caring for their child or children, dealing with complex medications and feed times. “That’s not to mention cooking, cleaning and maintaining things indoors. “With the best will in the world, the garden isn’t high on their list of priorities and that’s why we’re keen to hear from anyone able to help. “You don’t have to be knowledgeable or a gardening expert. Just being on hand to cut the grass or do a bit of weeding will make a huge difference.” Volunteers do not need to commit to a regular time slot and training and support is providing by EACH. “All you need to give up is your time, either to help regularly or as a one-off project,” added volunteer co-ordinator Lorna Hazeltine. “Whether you can spare two hours a week or two a month, it’ll have a real impact on the families we support. “Sometimes they feel isolated and it can be hard looking out of the window at an unkempt garden. “With warmer weather hopefully on the way, they want to enjoy that space and for it to be a safe environment for their children.” For more information about EACH’s Help at Home service, head to each.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or call 01223 800800 (select option four).

Determined runners raised more than £7,500 for a children’s hospice – and now have the chance to raise the bar and challenge themselves to a 26.2-mile marathon. Eighteen people flew the flag for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at last month’s Cambridge Half Marathon and, between them, managed to gain sponsorship to the tune of £7,713. It represented another bumper fundraising effort and now details have been released for EACH places at October’s Virtual London Marathon. The world-famous event gives people the chance to run, walk or jog 26.2 miles anywhere they like, joining more than 40,000 others running through the streets of London. Reflecting on the success of Cambridge, Community Fundraising Manager Tina Burdett: “It was another great day. It’s always such a fantastic event and I know from speaking to runners how much they enjoy the fast, flat and beautiful course. “As a fundraising team, we love being there to support everyone and, once again, we’re delighted with the amount raised. “Money has continued to come in but I’m now delighted to confirm the final total. “It makes such a difference and helps enormously in terms of continuing our work supporting families and caring for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire and the rest of East Anglia.” Among those who took part was Steven Peacock, whose late brother Rickey had Cerebral Palsy and received care at EACH’s Milton hospice. The others who formed part of Team EACH on the day were Chris O’Rourke, Lane Smith, Cheryl Drake, Chris Hebdon, Ian and Jo Burroughs, Lauren McCrory, Emily Oliver, Phoebe Hunt and a team from Paragraf, based near Huntingdon, led by Mike Ellis. Joining them were EACH finance assistant Natalie Pilmer and media and PR manager Matt Plummer. Details about how to sign up and register for next year’s event will be announced shortly. In the meantime, attention switches to this year’s London Marathon, taking place on Sunday, 2^nd October. EACH has six virtual places to offer. Anyone interested must pay a £10 registration fee and then pledge to raise at least £250. “We’re excited to be able to offer virtual spaces for this monumental challenge,” said Tina. “The London Marathon is one of the biggest, most iconic events in the world and this is the next best thing to running in the capital. “It’s a chance to test yourself away from the crowds, taking on a route of your choice, supported by family and friends. “Participants still get a t-shirt and medal, as well as a banner for supporters to wave, and they can do it however they like, within a 24-hour window. They might choose to run the whole thing in one go, take breaks or do half in the morning and half in the afternoon. It’s an entirely personal thing. “In addition, anyone who has already secured their place and would like to fundraise for us can get in touch. We’ll support you in your fundraising endeavours.” To register your interest in one of the virtual places, head to www.each.org.uk/support-us/events/virtual-london-marathon/  Email community@each.org.uk for more information or if you are interested in general fundraising for EACH.

Determined Olive Duffield is back behind the counter at her favourite charity shop – a year after breaking her pelvis. The long-serving East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) volunteer, 82, was forced to take a year out after suffering her injury in early 2021. She also had a bout of shingles but was always determined to return to the shop in Long Stratton. She has been a regular fixture there for more than a quarter of a century and started volunteering in early 1995, working at the former shop that raised funds for the old Quidenham hospice. Now she is back where she belongs, dutifully giving up two hours a week every Friday morning. “I’m as good as I’m going to be,” joked Olive, referring to her recent brushes with injury and illness. “I never thought about not coming back – it was always something I wanted to do. “I wanted to get back in the shop as soon as possible because it’s something I’ve always enjoyed. “I don’t get to see many people so enjoy the chance to chat with customers. “It gets me out and I like the sense of helping others. The more money we take the better, because of the charity we’re supporting. “I’ve known many of our customers for years and seen children grow up, now coming into the shop with their own little ones. “There have been so many changes but it’s something I continue to enjoy and would recommend to anyone.” Olive, who has been married to Michael since 1966, turns 83 later this month and lives in nearby Tharston. The couple have four children, four grandchildren and are soon to become great grandparents. Long Stratton shop manager Rachael Fretter said: “Olive’s a very valued and much-loved member of our team. “To have been volunteering for a quarter of a century is outstanding and she’s shown sheer determined to come back, despite injury and illness. “She was always so positive about returning and it’s great to see her back behind the till. “We’ve really missed her and she’s settled in like she’s never been away. “Our customers know and love her. She’s got so many stories to tell and is an absolute treasure here in Long Stratton.” To find out more about volunteering in Long Stratton, pop into the shop, email Rachael.Fretter@each.org.uk or call 01508 531507. Photo credits – EACH

A kind-hearted nine-year-old raised nearly £2,500 after taking on a 25-mile charity bike ride in rural Norfolk. Ella-May Saunders, who lives in Jermyn Way, Tharston, completed the challenge for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). She cycled for three hours, with one quick pit stop, and was rightly proud of herself after raising an astonishing £2,473. Ella-May’s fundraiser was in memory of James Thorndyke, the baby son of a close family friend who died in February 2017. James had Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and received care at EACH’s former Quidenham hospice. He died five days before his first birthday. His mum, Susie, is friends with Ella-May’s mum, Louise, and herself a successful fundraiser for the charity, having held two balls in 2018 and 2020 and donated just over £40,000. Louise said: “We’re so proud of Ella-May. “She didn’t moan once, stuck to her task and completed the challenge with no problems at all. “We only stopped once, for a quick bite to eat and drink in Bunwell. “Other than that, she completed the route in one go, in three hours.” Ella-May added: “It was tough but worth it in the end.” Her route took in Forncett, Spooner Row, Bunwell, Carleton Rode, Tibenham, Aslacton, Great Moulton and Wacton before heading back to Tharston. Ella-May’s fundraiser was made even more impressive by the fact she has weekly physio sessions because of problems with her legs and knees. The Aslacton Primary School pupil, who celebrates her tenth birthday later this month and has a five-year-old sister, Florence, was joined on the epic bike ride by both Louise and dad Jonny. Her fundraising page is still open. To sponsor Ella-May, click here or visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ella-maysaunders  Photo Credits : EACH

Greater Anglia will be adding more services including extra trains for people travelling to the region’s holiday parks when the annual summer timetable comes into operation next month. The company is making some increases to commuter services to match demand – which remains fairly steady at less than 55 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, as fewer people are travelling into their offices every day of the working week. From Sunday 15 May, the timetable will include:

• Intercity services between Norwich and London half-hourly all day until 21.00 Monday to Friday when they become hourly, half-hourly on Saturdays and mainly hourly on Sundays.
• Some additional services and some longer trains on services between Ipswich, Colchester, Clacton/Walton, Harwich, Braintree, Chelmsford, Southend Victoria, Southminster and London Liverpool Street, including in the evening rush hour.
• More new and longer trains on routes between Cambridge, Bishop’s Stortford and London Liverpool Street and on the Hertford East line once platform lengthening works are complete later this year.
• Stansted Express services between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street will be mostly half-hourly, with some extra trains at busier times.
• Rural services between Norwich and Lowestoft, Cambridge/Stansted Airport, Sheringham, and Great Yarmouth; between Ipswich and Cambridge, Felixstowe, Lowestoft and Peterborough; and between Marks Tey and Sudbury will continue with the usual service.

Extra summer services will run between Norwich and Great Yarmouth on Saturdays from 21 May to 10 September, and on Mondays and Fridays from 18 July to 2 September, providing over 66,000 extra seats for holiday-makers over the peak summer period. There will also be additional early Sunday services between Ipswich and Peterborough, departing Ipswich at 07.55 and returning from Peterborough at 09.50, from 15 May to 11 September. Greater Anglia has been closely monitoring passenger numbers in order to match services provided to demand for them. Passenger numbers are still lower than pre-pandemic levels, at just over 70 per cent of 2019 levels across the Greater Anglia network overall, but falling to less than 55 per cent for commuting to London. Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said: “We’re making a number of service improvements in our May timetable changes. “We’ve been monitoring our passenger numbers and listening to customer feedback, so we’re increasing services or running longer trains where possible and appropriate – building on our actions over recent months, where we’ve been adding extra capacity in line with increasing demand. “The pandemic has changed our railway. We have a different contract with the Government which is wholly funding us. It’s important that we provide the best possible service to our customers and also value for money for taxpayers. “Over the coming months, we’ll see even more of our new longer trains with all mod cons replace our older trains on commuting routes into London, which will lead to more seats available for our customers and a much-improved travelling experience. “New trains already in place on our Intercity, Stansted Express and regional services have markedly improved service standards on those routes – including helping us to achieve record-breaking punctuality. “We’ll continue to monitor passenger numbers and make further adjustments as necessary, always seeking to run a very good service and to encourage more customers to take the train.”

Ashtons Legal is delighted to announce the promotions of five staff to partners, from a range of disciplines within the firm. Janette Wand, Louise Cardwell, Tom Ranson, Annabel Mayer and Charlotte Vallins have all been with Ashtons for a number of years and are leading disciplines, teams and individuals. Janette Wand and Louise Cardwell are both based in Ipswich and work in lifetime planning, advising on wills, probate, powers of attorney, tax and trusts. Tom Ranson works in the firm’s top tier injury services group and is based in the Bury St Edmunds office but acts for clients nationwide. Annabel Mayer is also in the Bury St Edmunds office and works in Ashtons’ dispute resolution team. Charlotte Vallins works in the firm’s thriving commercial property team in the Cambridge and Norwich offices. All five have completed Ashtons’ internal leadership programmes and have previously been promoted to associate and senior associate levels. James Tarling, CEO at Ashtons says: “Congratulations to Janette, Louise, Tom, Annabel and Charlotte on their richly deserved promotions. It’s always good to support growth from within and I am delighted we have been able to take this talented cohort of senior associates to the next level in their careers.”

“From 6 April 2022 to 5 April 2023 National Insurance contributions will increase by 1.25 percentage points. This will be spent on the NHS, health and social care in the UK. The increase will apply to:

• Class 1 (paid by employees)
• Class 4 (paid by self-employed)
• Secondary Class 1, 1A and 1B (paid by employers)

The increase will not apply if you are over the State Pension age.”  Read more here: https://bit.ly/3CWdSDC If you have any questions, get in touch: sarah@ignitepeoplesolutions.co.uk

Great news for Raynham Estate this week as Wild Meadow Glamping is named as one of the best in the UK Read all about it via EDP here https://www.edp24.co.uk/things-to-do/days-out/norfolk-glamping-sites-named-among-best-in-uk-8805372