Executive Summary
A&A Digital Tech is a trusted digital consultancy delivering secure, high-performance IT solutions across UK public sector departments. With 20+ years of experience in data engineering, DevOps, enterprise architecture, and digital transformation, A&A Digital Tech maintains rigorous alignment with ISO/IEC 27001 and Cyber Essentials standards. All personnel are BPSS-cleared, supporting access to sensitive systems. A security-first approach is embedded across operations, backed by robust annual training, tested business continuity plans, and supplier diligence. A&A Digital Tech’s integrated governance framework reinforces cybersecurity and resilience in every service, providing assurance to clients requiring agility, compliance, and dependable delivery.
The Challenge
Operating in high-assurance Client’s environments, A&A Digital Tech faced the critical challenge of ensuring all staff — including new starters, contractors, and temps — were trained and competent in information security, data protection, and cyber threat response. This was vital to maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 and GDPR.
Objectives
🎯 Ensure 100% compliance with information security and data protection policies
🔐 Embed a security-aware culture across the organisation
⚠️ Mitigate human risks like phishing, data loss, and remote work vulnerabilities
📜 Align to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and GDPR frameworks
Approach & Implementation
📘 Policy-Driven Framework
Developed and maintained an ISMS aligned with ISO/IEC 27001:2022, with formalised policies on security, data protection, training, and enforcement.
🎓 Induction and Onboarding
All new staff receive security briefings and policy induction within 10 working days, including signing confidentiality agreements and reading key policies.
📊 Competency and Training Plans
Implemented a role-based competency matrix and annual training plan including internal/external courses on cyber awareness, data handling, and business continuity. Evaluation records are centrally maintained.
🔄 Ongoing Awareness and Assessments: Delivered annual refresher training (last held July 2025 via MS Teams) covering:
🧠 GDPR principles
🗃️ Data classification, retention, and disposal
🔑 Cyber hygiene: phishing, MFA, secure file sharing
🚨 Incident response/reporting protocols
Interactive quizzes and scenario exercises ensured engagement and understanding.
⚖️ Disciplinary Enforcement
Clear disciplinary procedures reinforce the importance of compliance and enable consistent incident handling.
📦 Business Continuity Alignment
Training includes modules on emergency and cyber incident response to ensure operational continuity.
Outcomes
✅ 100% staff completion of July 2025 refresher
⏱️ Faster incident reporting and improved response protocols
📋 Positive internal and external audit outcomes on ISMS effectiveness
🤝 Increased client trust, especially in high-compliance environments
Lessons Learned
🔍 Introduced follow-up assessments based on quiz performance
📅 Annual review of training materials ensures alignment with evolving threats and regulatory updates
Conclusion
Through structured policies, immersive training, and continual improvement, A&A Digital Tech has built a resilient, security-conscious workforce. This has become foundational in supporting public sector clients operating in high-assurance environments, ensuring compliance with ISO 27001 and GDPR while mitigating operational and reputational risks.
