PTSD Resolution and the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) have announced a partnership. It’s to address mental health challenges faced by CIISec’s membership of some 10,000 cyber security people. Begun on May 1, CIISec members can access mental health support specifically designed for cyber. CIISec points to its 2020/21 State of the Profession report that half (51pc) of cybersecurity people report serious mental health impacts from work-related stress.
CIISec argues that the psychological toll on front line cyber defenders has reached crisis; hence a need for targeted mental health interventions.
Colonel Tony Gauvain (Retired), Chairman of PTSD Resolution, said: “Executive burnout and the trauma experienced in high-pressure cybersecurity roles share many similarities with the military trauma we regularly treat. Both involve high-stakes decision-making, constant vigilance, and potential for moral injury when security breaches occur despite best efforts. With cybersecurity professionals facing an avalanche of threats – including 2.7 million scam campaigns neutralised in 2021 – the psychological impact is profound. Through this partnership, we can extend our proven Human Givens Therapy (HGT) approach to help cybersecurity professionals before burnout leads to serious mental health issues.”
Under the agreement, PTSD Resolution will provide:
Free introductory workshops – Twice-yearly online Trauma Awareness Training for Everyone (TATE) workshops for CIISec Corporate Members;
Half-day training sessions – trauma awareness training, equipping managers to recognise symptoms and support team members; and
Confidential therapy services – access to PTSD Resolution’s 200 accredited therapists for CIISec members, with an average of seven sessions per treatment.
Amanda Finch, CEO of CIISec, said: “The mental wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals is intrinsically linked to the security of our digital infrastructure. With our members on the frontlines defending against sophisticated attacks that could compromise critical national infrastructure, the psychological pressure is immense. This partnership with PTSD Resolution addresses a critical but often overlooked aspect of our industry. By providing our members with access to these specialist services, we’re not only supporting individual wellbeing but also strengthening the UK’s cyber defence capabilities through a more resilient workforce.”
The partnership’s focus is on addressing burnout. Symptoms can include emotional exhaustion, depression, and reduced sense of accomplishment. CIISec Corporate Members can have training to create workplaces that promote resilience and wellbeing, while individual members can have confidential therapy without requiring employer or medical referral.
UK Armed Forces veterans among CIISec’s membership will continue to receive PTSD Resolution’s services free, in line with the charity’s founding mission.
For more, CIISec members can visit the members’ area at www.ciisec.org.
Lords reception
Lord James Arbuthnot, President of PTSD Resolution, hosted an evening reception at the House of Lords earlier this month, that brought together stakeholders from the armed forces community, security sector and mental health bodies. Since its founding in 2009, the charity has helped over 4,500 veterans and family members. Lord Arbuthnot said: โPTSD Resolution delivers effective, prompt and accessible mental health support with minimal administrative overhead. Every penny raised goes to helping veterans and their families, with treatment costing an average of ยฃ940 per personโdelivered completely free of charge to those who’ve served.โ
