Nelson and Colne College Group’s IT Leader wins prestigious national award

By Rob Kelly

16 Jan 2025

Stewart Cunliffe

Nelson and Colne College Group’s (NCCG) infrastructure team leader in IT and Network Services, Stewart Cunliffe, has been recognised as one of the winners in the 2024 NextCSO Awards.  

The accolade highlights rising stars of the UK cybersecurity sector.  

Stewart is one of only 10 winners of the award this year and stands alongside cybersecurity leaders from Virgin Media, The Highways Agency, Surrey University, and Ocado, and is also one of only two winners from the education sector. 

NextCSO is an annual awards and recognition program instituted by the CSO Forum, which aims to identify experienced senior executives and managers who have the skills, ability and motivation to become Chief Information Security Officers (CSOs). 

Winners are selected by an expert panel of independent judges, including representatives from Pinsent Masons, Dr. Martens, Zopa, and Fleet Mortgages. 

Stewart has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to managing NCCG's 4,000 user devices across all campuses and 62 community venues, as well as for his leadership of a dedicated team of four within a wider IT team of 16.

With over 30 years of experience in his role, Stewart has consistently showcased excellence in cybersecurity, including ensuring the college meets crucial Cyber Essentials standards and fulfils its safeguarding obligations to protect thousands of learners both online and offline.  

Stewart said: "I am truly honoured to be recognised by the CSO 30 awards. Cybersecurity in the education sector presents unique challenges, from maintaining compliance with Cyber Essentials to ensuring the safety of learners and staff across multiple campuses and venues. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire IT team at Nelson and Colne College Group." 

Andrew Dewhurst, vice principal of Partnerships & Engagements at NCCG, added: "We are thrilled that Stewart's work has been recognised by the Next CSO awards.

"This is a prestigious national accolade and a great reflection of the work Stewart and the whole IT team at Nelson and Colne College Group have contributed over the last few years to ensure the cyber security of our learners and staff." 

Stewart’s achievement underlines NCCG’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cybersecurity, ensuring a secure digital environment for its learners, staff, and community. 

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Graham Engineering sold to a2e Industries Graham Engineering

Graham Engineering sold to a2e Industries

01 Jul 2025

2

Training 2000 celebrate 'Good' rating by Ofsted Training 2000

Training 2000 celebrate 'Good' rating by Ofsted

01 Jul 2025

3

Fox Group acquires J Fisher and Sons Colin Fisher, Paul Fox CEO and Gary Fisher.

Fox Group acquires J Fisher and Sons

01 Jul 2025

4

Beever and Struthers strengthen leadership team with new partners Dean Curtis and Joe Diston

Beever and Struthers strengthen leadership team with new partners

01 Jul 2025

5

Fashion brand CAPO tops the list of the northwest’s fastest-growing private companies Adam Morning and Dan Wilkins from Capo

Fashion brand CAPO tops the list of the northwest’s fastest-growing private companies

27 Jun 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Business Bike Club – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
01 Jul 2025 - 01 Jul 2025

Business Bike Club – July

Various, Lancaster, LA

08:00 - 09:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Jul 2025 - 02 Jul 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July

St John's Hospice, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA2 6ST

08:00 - 10:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin