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Join us for an afternoon of panel discussions and networking, bringing together members and stakeholders to showcase the work and impact women and those from minority backgrounds are having across the Security, Policing and Defence sectors.
This networking reception will be an opportunity to hear from senior leaders, their achievements and will demonstrate how they are driving change from their leadership positions. The event will also provide a great opportunity to discuss how we can look to the future and break down barriers to towards the normative and societal good of equal representation in the sectors.
techUK is actively working to open up new pathways for people from diverse backgrounds to thrive, which will help the sector to develop better products and services that recognise diverse user needs. But supporting everyone, of all backgrounds is a collective responsibility, and by championing diversity and inclusion, we pave the way for a more innovative and equitable future.
While this event is a celebration of women and minority groups in security, policing and defence, we are keen to have everyone join us. Supporting the progression of women needs all, and we would be delighted to have allies at the event.
We will announce more speakers as they are confirmed.
Fred is responsible for techUK's activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working to provide members with access to key stakeholders across the Defence and National Security community. Before taking on the role of Associate Director for Defence and National Security, Fred joined techUK in 2018, working as the Programme Head for Defence at techUK, leading the organisation's engagement with the Ministry of Defence. Before joining techUK, he worked at ADS, the national trade association representing Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space companies in the UK.
Fred is responsible for techUK’s market engagement and policy development activities across the Defence and National Security sectors, working closely with various organisations within the Ministry of Defence, and across the wider National Security and Intelligence community. Fred works closely with many techUK member companies that have an interest in these sectors, and is responsible for the activities of techUK's senior Defence & Security Board. Working closely with techUK's Programme Head for Cyber Security, Fred oversees a broad range of activities for techUK members.
Outside of work, Fred's interests include football (a Watford FC fan) and skiing.
Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
Georgie joined techUK as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager in March 2020, then becoming Head of Programme in January 2022.
Georgie leads techUK's engagement and activity across our blue light and criminal justice services, engaging with industry and stakeholders to unlock innovation, problem solve, future gaze and highlight the vital role technology plays in the delivery of critical public safety and justice services. The JES programme represents suppliers by creating a voice for those who are selling or looking to break into and navigate the blue light and criminal justice markets.
Prior to joining techUK, Georgie spent 4 and a half years managing a Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) in Westminster. She worked closely with the Metropolitan Police and London borough councils to prevent and reduce the impact of crime on the business community. Her work ranged from the impact of low-level street crime and anti-social behaviour on the borough, to critical incidents and violent crime.
Cinzia joined techUK in August 2023 as the Justice and Emergency Services (JES) Programme Manager.
The JES programme represents suppliers, championing their interests in the blue light and criminal justice markets, whether they are established entities or newcomers seeking to establish their presence.
Prior to join techUK, Cinzia held positions within the third and public sectors, managing international and multi-disciplinary projects and funding initiatives. Cinzia has a double MA degree in European Studies from the University of Göttingen (Germany) and the University of Udine (Italy), with a focus on politics and international relations.
techUK’s National Security programme leads the debate on emerging technologies which present opportunities to strengthen UK national security. Through a variety of market engagement and policy activities we assess the capability of these technologies against various national security threats. Visit the programme page here
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Tracy supports several areas at techUK, including Cyber Exchange, Cyber Security, Defence, Health and Social Care, Local Public Services, Nations and Regions and National Security.
Tracy joined techUK in March 2022, having worked in the education sector for 19 years, covering administration, research project support, IT support and event/training support. My most outstanding achievement has been running three very successful international conferences and over 300 training courses booked all over the globe!
Tracy has a great interest in tech. Gaming and computing have been a big part of her life, and now electric cars are an exciting look at the future. She has warmed to Alexa, even though it can sometimes be sassy!
Mivy James has been an IT professional for nearly 30 years. She was Digital Transformation Director for BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. Mivy helps UK government departments with their digital transformation journeys, focussing on enterprise architecture and technology strategy, and has a particular focus on high trust sectors of government.
Mivy started her career as an analyst/programmer after completing a degree in Computer Science and Maths and soon moved into technical leadership and system design. Mivy has worked for a range of clients across UK government on everything from cutting edge technology research to the strategic design of multi-billion-pound programmes.
Mivy is enthusiastic about technology and particularly keen to encourage women to follow careers in the IT profession, she is the founder and chair of Digital Intelligence’s gender balance network.
Silka Patel is a strategic marketing expert with 25 years experience of working within the technology industry and is currently the Social Value Manager at Leidos UK. Silka set up Scotland Women in Technology, a non-for-profit organisation, which is now in its 16th year, championing women in the technology sector.
Silka has a number of external board roles including a Non-Executive Director at the Glasgow Women’s Library which she has held for 10 years, Non-Executive Director at Technology Scotland and a member of Changing the Chemistry which seeks to improve board effectiveness and quality through the diversity of thought.
She is a keen supporter of women in technology and mentors STEM graduates and apprentices so they can be involved in the life changing opportunities that the sector offers.
Josie Welland is a Senior Associate in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications team at the international law firm, CMS, specialising in cybercrime and digital fraud enforcement.
Josie helps clients investigate and enforce a wide variety of cybercrime, fraud and other digital threats to clients and their customers, including brand impersonation, phishing, tech support fraud, and business email compromise. She is particularly experienced in representing VLOP’s and other large tech companies in investigations, and criminal and civil-fraud litigation.
Outside of work, Josie is the Chair of the Female Fraud Forum. A non-profit organisation which aims to support and encourage the advancement of women working in the fraud sector.
As a highly skilled Digital Communications Manager, Vanisha has over fifteen years’ experience in delivering change in the policing environment. Vanisha joined Norfolk Police in 2006 as a digital designer progressing over they years in various. She now leads the collaborative digital communications team across Norfolk and Suffolk police.
Vanisha is a self-motivated, passionate, and delivery-focused professional, with a degree in media and communications and post-graduate qualification in digital marketing.
Vanisha has recently taking a secondment opportunity for 12 months at the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) working on the National Police Race Action Plan.
Vanisha is the chair for the National Women of Colour in Policing (NWoCiP) which is a group that aims is to improve and support the voice, position and confidence of women from Black, Asian and ethic minority backgrounds.
Stacey Crump is a member of the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) Senior Management team and Group Leader responsible for Partnerships and Impact. Stacey has a wealth of knowledge and experience having worked within Defence for over 25 years, operating in areas which include large scale transformation and innovation within Human Resources, Medical and Dental, Electromagnetic Spectrum sharing and digital for Defence. This has seen Stacey work with regulatory authorities, large and small private sector organisations, charities and at every level of Government.
In her current role Stacey leads three of the underpinning teams in DASA – Defence, Security and Business Growth and Finance. The teams are heavily focussed on building and sustaining collaborative partnerships across the National Security ecosystem. Delivering services to help build the business behind innovation, nurturing suppliers of innovation for the national security market.
Want to be techUK's Cyber Innovator of the Year?
Apply by Tuesday, 24 September or join us to watch SMEs and start-ups pitch their innovations to expert judges - book your spot now!
