Robert Coles to begin new role at NHS Digital

Robert Coles will begin his role as NHS Digital’s new Chief Information Security Officer on 1 October 2018 to enhance cyber security measures in the NHS.

With over 30 years’ experience working in information security, Coles has previously held posts as Chief Information Security Office at National Grid and investment bank Merrill Lynch and, in his new role, will work closely with local Chief Information Officers and chief executives to help ensure health and care organisations meet the government’s new minimum cyber security standards and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) certification.

Rob Shaw, deputy chief executive of NHS Digital, said: “We have listened to the recommendations made in the lessons learned review into last year’s WannaCry attack and acted on the commitment we made to the Public Accounts Committee to appoint someone to lead the national cyber and security agenda for health and care.

“Robert will build on the excellent work that the NHS Digital Data Security Centre has already done to reach out across the health and care to support improved cyber security across the system. He brings a huge depth of experience and expertise to this role having worked across different sectors over the past three decades. We are determined to ensure that cyber security becomes a priority right across the health and care from frontline staff all the way up to board level and believe Robert has the skills and knowledge to help us achieve this.”