CISO-AS-a-Service: Flexible Cyber Security Leadership for the NHS

Helping NHS Organisations Access Cyber Security Leadership - When and How They Need It

The driving force behind M8 Solutions is our commitment to ensuring that digital systems across the NHS continue to enhance patient care and improve the experiences of patients, families, and staff. These systems are vital to the delivery of safe, high-quality services and they must be protected to maintain continuity, resilience, and trust. With cyber threats growing in scale and sophistication, the role of a capable and appropriately skilled Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) within every NHS organisation has never been more critical.

But recruiting and retaining Cyber Security leadership is not always realistic for every organisation. Some NHS organisations already have skilled staff in place, while others face constraints around cost, capacity, or specialist expertise. That’s where CISO-as-a-Service (CISOaaS) comes in.

What is CISOaaS?

CISOaaS is the outsourcing of CISO responsibilities instead of hiring a permanent, in-house Cyber Security leader or until an in-house leader is appointed. NHS organisations can access the same level of strategic Cyber Security insight and leadership flexibly. Whether that’s ongoing support, project-specific expertise, or independent oversight.

Why NHS Organisations Choose CISOaaS 

Many NHS organisations already have dedicated in-house Cyber Security, IT, and/or Information Governance teams. CISOaaS is not about replacing these teams but more about providing Cyber Security leadership as an additional layer of support.

NHS organisations choose this model because it offers:

• Cost efficient executive-level Cyber Security guidance without the long-term overheads of a full-time hire.
• External independent oversight from specialists provides fresh eyes on risks, policies, and processes that internal teams may miss.
• Flexible support tailored to periods of high demand, new projects, or interim cover.
• Access to experienced Cyber Security leaders who bring cross-sector knowledge and awareness of emerging NHS cyber challenges.
• A neutral board-level external voice that helps executive teams understand risk and make confident decisions.

What M8 Solutions Delivers Through CISOaaS

Our CISOaaS model hands-on leadership tailored to NHS Cyber Security priorities, including:

Strategic Planning And Policy Development

Aligning security strategies with NHS England Transformation goals, national frameworks, and government risk registers.

Risk Assessment And Management

Identifying vulnerabilities, conducting Penetration Testing, and implementing mitigation plans.

Training And Awareness

Raising alertness through phishing simulations and Cyber Security awareness programmes.

Incident Response And Management

Building and testing response frameworks to minimise impact and meet Information Commissioners Office (ICO) reporting requirements.

Security Operations 

Overseeing daily Cyber Security activity, guiding Zero Trust and IAM practices, and ensuring tools and defences run effectively.

Leadership And Collaboration

Translating technical issues into actionable business intelligence and governance priorities.

Emerging Technologies and Trends

Horizon scanning for AI, quantum computing, and new cyber threat vectors.

Vendor And Third-Party Management

Assessing and managing third-party risks across NHS ecosystems.

Organisation Reporting And Metrics

Providing regular executive reports and metrics to measure performance and drive continuous improvement.

Compliance And Audit

Supporting DSPT, CAF, NIS2 and wider NHS Cyber Security assurance expectations.

Compliance And Audit

Supporting DSPT, CAF, NIS2 and wider NHS Cyber Security assurance expectations.

The M8 Solutions Difference

We don’t overcomplicate Cyber Security with jargon or unnecessary upsells. Our approach is built on trust, partnership, and a deep understanding of NHS challenges.

Our service delivers executive-level guidance without the commitment of a full-time hire, integrating seamlessly with your team to strengthen your organisation’s security posture. We provide a comprehensive suite of CISOaaS services tailored to your organisation’s unique needs, ensuring resilience against evolving cyber threats and alignment with your strategic goals. Every element of our service is fully customisable to fit your organisation’s size, structure, and existing capabilities.

As Tracy Scriven, CEO of M8 Solutions, puts it:

Secure the Future of NHS Care

CISOaaS enables NHS organisations to strengthen their Cyber Security posture with agility and confidence. It provides strategic choice allowing you to access trusted, senior cyber leadership exactly when you need it, without compromise.

To explore how our CISOaaS service can support your organisation download our

CISOaaS Information Pack HERE. Or contact our team for a confidential discussion HERE.