Schools Outreach Manager receives MBE for trailblazing cyber security initiative for young people

A UWE Bristol manager who founded a pioneering cyber security initiative for young people has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Elaine Brown, a Schools Outreach Manager at the university who founded Unlock Cyber in 2018, has been awarded an MBE for her services to education and cyber security.

The initiative is geared towards students from schools and colleges across the South West region who are interested in developing skills and careers in cyber security. This is done through a structured programme of interactive events and cyber activities partnering major organisations including BT, Nationwide, Hargreaves Lansdown, CGI, Microsoft and the Police Cyber Crime Unit.

Two flagship events are held each year at UWE Bristol’s Frenchay campus as part of the initiative. Later this month, the next Unlock Cyber event will see 400 young people aged 12-14 from 30 schools get the opportunity to participate in 12 different employer activities.

Unlock Cyber is a leader in this type of activity in the UK, forging links between significant businesses and the next generation of talent. This makes UWE Bristol a forerunner in this key area for government and a national leader for cyber security outreach work.

Explaining how Unlock Cyber was founded seven years ago, Elaine said: “I was approached by representatives from the cyber industry saying there was a global skills shortage in cyber and that demand was increasing. It was clear that unless we developed a talent pipeline, we wouldn’t have people in the UK to rely on for these important roles.

“Employers were keen to create activities they could deliver to schools, at a time when the curriculum involved very little cyber. We wanted to excite and inspire young people aged 12 upwards to come along and find out what cyber security was all about. The employers created hands-on problem-solving activities for the pupils to try.

“We've built on it since 2018 and the demand from schools is increasing year on year. We’ve already got schools from across the region registering for our events in January and June 2026.”

Speaking about her award, Elaine said: “It was such a surprise and honour to be recognised for doing something that I am so passionate about. It is also an acknowledgement to all the incredible people in our partner organisations who we work with that enable Unlock Cyber to be successful.”

Phil Legg, Professor of Cyber Security at UWE Bristol, said: “Elaine’s work on developing the Unlock Cyber programme at UWE has been instrumental for growing schools’ outreach across the region in cyber security.

“Unlock Cyber as a regional network has also facilitated ways for UWE to support and upskill teachers in cyber education whilst developing deeper collaborations with regional industry across outreach, education and research.

“I am immensely proud of the work that Elaine has achieved in the growth and recognition of the Unlock Cyber programme at UWE. This award is very much a testament to her commitment to improve the opportunities available for the next generation.”

Further information can be found on the Unlock Cyber website.