A Staffordshire charity has taken on champion status after proving itself as cyber savvy.
As part of Charity Fraud Awareness week, Douglas Macmillan Hospice staff are the first to be trained for the new initiative, which was launched earlier this month by Staffordshire’s Online Fraud Forum – a partnership of local business and public sector organisations overseen by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office and chaired by the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold.
The free training offers Staffordshire businesses the chance to become cyber savvy and stay one step ahead of online fraudsters, with nominated workplace ‘champions’.
Speaking about the initiative, Mrs Arnold said: ‘It’s all too easy to fall foul of online fraud, and the consequences can be devastating for anyone. Every pound is hard earned but for a charity the value is so much more.
‘We all have to become smarter if we’re going to reduce the impact of this kind of crime and this free training will enable businesses to stay ahead of the fraudsters.
‘I am delighted that the Douglas Macmillan Hospice have decided to take part in this training as the new Cyber Crime champions will be the first point of contact for information and will be able to share it easily and quickly with their colleagues.’
Charity Fraud Awareness Week promotes openness and honesty, with a view to raising awareness of the dangers of fraud and share good practice in the charity and not-for-profit sectors.
Cybercrime is increasingly damaging, but can be prevented.
Training across the county is delivered by Staffordshire Police’s Crime Prevention Design Advisor, Kate Dempsey and Staffordshire’s Digital Police Community Support Officer Matthew Hough-Clewes.
Kate Dempsey said: ‘Introducing a cyber champion into the workplace will in itself raise awareness of online safety.
‘This is a really good opportunity for businesses to get free advice and training.
‘Keeping up to date with cyber and fraud threats reduces their risk of becoming a victim in the future.’
Gemma Pointon, Learning and Development co-ordinator of the Stoke-on-Trent-based Douglas Macmillan Hospice said: ‘We are very excited to be part of the cyber security champion training especially as it falls within such a significant time, fraud awareness week (22-26 October 2018).
‘Unfortunately, even as a charity we are often targeted with phishing emails and scams so the more we can do to be proactive and protect ourselves the better.
‘This scheme is a fantastic idea and we thank the Staffordshire Commissioner’s office for inviting us to take part.’
For more information about becoming a Cyber Champion in your workplace and sign up for future training sessions email: pcc@staffordshire-pfcc.pnn.gov.uk
