About Us

Elaine Brown MBE

Founder

Founded with a purpose

In 2018, Elaine Brown MBE saw a gap. Employers, schools, and cyber organisations across the South West were all doing good work — but not together. She brought them into the same room, and Unlock Cyber was born.

Today the project connects young people aged 11+ with the employers, events, and resources they need to understand what a career in cyber security actually looks like — and how to get there.

What we do

We run events

Two major annual events bring students face to face with employers: the Cyber Careers Event for Year 12s every January, and the Cyber Taster Day for Years 7–9 every June at UWE Bristol.

We equip educators

Teachers get access to resources, guidance, and employer contacts that make it easier to bring cyber into the classroom and signpost career pathways to students.

We connect employers

Businesses and organisations across the region volunteer their time to run activities, deliver talks, and mentor young people — helping build the regional cyber skills pipeline.

Testimonials

“Because of your skill, work and excellence so many doors have opened to us and we are poised to expand in some really huge ways.”

John Henry Doe, Eye Heart World

“Sed odio risus, ornare sed varius et, dapibus pellentesque mauris. Sed aliquet vulputate nisl, ut porttitor nulla placerat id.”

John Smith, X-Company

“Because of your skill, work and excellence so many doors have opened to us and we are poised to expand in some really huge ways.”

Peter Doe, Themify

“Sed odio risus, ornare sed varius et, dapibus pellentesque mauris. Sed aliquet vulputate nisl, ut porttitor nulla placerat id.”

Alice, iHeart

Why it matters

Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK, but the talent gap is real. Schools are increasing Computer Science provision at GCSE and A-Level, and awareness of cyber as a career is growing — but young people still need a bridge between classroom and career.

That’s what Unlock Cyber builds.