Cybersecurity Accreditation

We’re urging voluntary sector organisations to prioritise cybersecurity after achieving Cyber Essentials certification, demonstrating our commitment to protecting sensitive data and upholding government cybersecurity standards.

The certification earned at the end of 2025 confirms that Community First’s security controls and processes meet the strict requirements to defend against the most common cyber threats. This is particularly significant as the latest government Cyber Security Breaches Survey revealed that 32% of UK charities experienced a cyberattack or breach in 2024, with phishing attacks, where criminals impersonate individuals or organisations via email, text, or phone, being the most common and disruptive.

Cyber attacks can damage reputation, result in financial loss, disrupt vital services, and also undermine the trust and confidence of donors, beneficiaries, and partners.

Cyber Essentials provides an affordable, practical way for charities and voluntary organisations to safeguard themselves, through a self-assessment process that confirms they have the right security measures in place.

Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, said: “Charities are often seen as vulnerable by cyber criminals. Limited resources can make organisations of any size a target, but achieving Cyber Essentials helps prevent these risks by providing a clear framework to strengthen our digital defences.

“Cyber Essentials has given us a structured approach to ensure our systems and processes are secure. It also provides reassurance to our members, partners, donors, and the people we support that their information is safe. I would encourage all voluntary sector organisations to consider certification.”

Community First was certified by IASME and CyberSmart, official Cyber Essentials delivery bodies.