Cyber Governance Code of Practice
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What the NCSC's New Cyber Governance Code Means for UK Boards

On 8 April 2025, the UK Government released a draft Cyber Governance Code of Practice — designed to help boards and directors better understand and manage their cyber security responsibilities.

Developed jointly by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Code offers a clear and accessible framework for leadership teams to embed cyber resilience at the heart of their organisations.

What is the Cyber Governance Code of Practice?

The Code outlines five key principles for cyber governance:

  • Risk Management – Integrating cyber risk into overall business risk management.

  • Cyber Strategy – Setting direction and allocating appropriate resources.

  • People – Defining roles and responsibilities across the business.

  • Incident Planning – Being ready to respond and recover effectively.

  • Assurance & Oversight – Regularly reviewing controls and seeking external assurance.

In essence, the Code encourages boards to approach cyber risk with the same level of leadership and accountability as financial, legal, or operational risks.

These outcomes are intended to support informed decision-making, reduce risk, and ensure that cyber security is considered across business planning, operations, and investment.

Rather than being a checklist or compliance task, this is about building a resilient culture where cyber security becomes part of everyday governance.

Supporting Directors in an Evolving Threat Landscape

Cyber security is no longer just a technical concern — it’s a business-critical issue that boards need to lead from the top. This new Code encourages decision-makers to take a strategic, long-term view of cyber risk.

It’s especially aimed at non-cyber specialists, providing guidance in plain language to help directors ask the right questions, set priorities, and ensure the right structures are in place.

Why Adopting the Code is Beneficial for Boards

With cyber threats constantly evolving, adopting the Cyber Governance Code helps boards stay ahead by integrating cyber resilience into their organisation’s culture.

By following the Code, businesses not only prepare for emerging regulatory changes but also show a clear commitment to safeguarding their operations. This proactive approach can help build trust with stakeholders, enhance organisational resilience, and support long-term success.

Embracing the Code encourages boards to take a confident, informed stance on cyber risk, fostering a culture where cyber security is seen as a shared responsibility across the organisation.

How CyberLab Can Help

One of the clearest starting points for aligning with the Code is Cyber Essentials.

This government-backed certification helps organisations put in place key technical defences and prove they take cyber seriously. It’s also a powerful way to demonstrate board-level commitment to cyber risk, particularly under the Code’s principles of assurance and oversight. At CyberLab, we guide organisations through both Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications with expert support every step of the way.

Beyond Cyber Essentials, we also offer a range of services that support the broader aims of the Code:

✅ Penetration Testing & Assurance
Test the real-world resilience of your organisation. We deliver regular, detailed assessments to meet both internal and regulatory requirements.

✅ Policy, Strategy & Board-Level Support
Need help aligning with the Code? Our consultants support with governance frameworks, risk registers, incident planning, and more.

✅ Supply Chain & Third-Party Risk Reviews
Understand the risks introduced by suppliers and service providers – a growing concern under the new guidance.

Our team at CyberLab is here to help your organisation build a robust cyber governance framework, ensuring you’re not only compliant but also resilient against the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Michael helped with another Cyber Essentials Plus renewal and was very helpful with advice and responsive when answering questions.
John Feast
John FeastIT Security Engineer, IDT Ltd
Our second CE+ audit as a stand alone business entity. This year, we used CyberLab, and it has been a seamless process from start to finish. Our auditer, Hugo, is a very friendly guy certainly helps negate some of the tension you feel with an audit of this type. Smooth communication throughout, definitely making this a company I would recommend for any business going through their Cyber Essentials audits.
Jim Layland
Jim LaylandIT Support Engineer, Right Digital Solutions Ltd
This is our 4th year of CE+ accreditation, but our first using CyberLab. This year has been by far the most painless, largely due to Hugo & Rob understanding the needs of SME's. We shall be offering next years assessment to CyberLab.
Guy Kildonan
Guy KildonanIT Manager, Oxford Architects
This year we used CyberLab has helped us with Cyber Essentials and Plus and it has been a seamless process from start to finish. Our auditor, Oba, is a very friendly and knowledgeable guy certainly helps negate some of the tension you feel with an audit of this type. Would highly recommend CyberLab for any Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials plus help.
Mo Arabo
Mo AraboIT Manager, Engaging Communities Solutions (ECS)
Cyber Essentials: The team at CyberLab were very helpful and supportive throughout our journey! A big thank you to Oba Malaolu for being so helpful and supportive! I look forward to working with you next year!
Paul Wilcock
Paul WilcockBusiness Development Manager, TCS UK
We recently renewed our Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certifications with CyberLab, and the process couldn't have been smoother. The CyberLab team was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. They clearly explained all the steps involved and promptly addressed any questions we had. We're confident in our renewed certifications thanks to CyberLab's expertise and efficient approach. Highly recommend their services!
Murani Oloto
Murani OlotoICT Co-ordinator, London Development Trust
Great company to work with. They helped us and our client pass the Cyber Essentials. Answered all of our questions and helped us through the process. Would defiantly recommend. Jon was very helpful through the whole process.
Dan Aslam
Dan AslamIT Manager, Midland Telecom
We completed the Cyber Essentials Plus audit with Hugo. He was very professional and nice to deal with, making the whole process simple and easy to understand. Audits are not always a pleasant experience, but this was definitely one of the better ones we've had!
Chris Fifield-Smith
Chris Fifield-Smith IT Infrastructure Manager, Datagraphic
Would highly recommend CyberLab for any Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus help. This is the second time we as a business have worked with CyberLab and both times all of the team have been very professional and helpful. Customer service is great and would highly recommend them all.
Mark Pender
Mark PenderIT Security Manager, Pendersons

Aligning with NCSC Guidance: Our Posture Assessment

To help organisations effectively assess and improve their cyber governance, CyberLab offers a Posture Assessment service grounded in the NCSC’s Top 10 Cyber Security guidance. This assessment is designed to evaluate your organisation’s current cyber security practices, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

By aligning with the NCSC’s recognised framework, our Posture Assessment provides clear, actionable recommendations that enable organisations to adopt best practices for risk management, incident response, and overall cyber resilience.

It’s a strategic tool that empowers boards to take proactive steps in securing their organisation while supporting compliance with emerging cyber governance standards.

Claim Free Posture Assessment

Final Thoughts

The new Cyber Governance Code of Practice marks a significant step forward, emphasising that cyber governance is an essential responsibility for boards.

Rather than simply delegating cyber security, senior leaders are encouraged to actively engage, understand the risks, allocate resources, and foster a culture of resilience across the organisation.

If you need guidance on aligning with the new Code, CyberLab is here to support you.

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