To be safe in a digital world we believe that there is a need to understand people and their behaviours as well as understanding the digital space and its ever changing fast paced information technology and infrastructure.

Digital Safety is concerned with understanding all the threats that arise from engagement with digital technology, from abuse, to fraud, to loss of privacy, and the dangers of disinformation. Ultimately, Digital Safety is not just about what we do online but also how it affects us in our everyday lives.

It is concerned also with the opportunities that technology offers to make us safer in all aspects of life, from developing ‘digital shields’ that safeguard those experiencing abuse, or an App that alerts people when they are in danger.

Barbara S. currently serves as the General Secretary for the World Police Summit Barbara has led and served in Specialist Human Intelligence Operations and Technical Commands within the national and international law enforcement and government environment, both within territorial policing and Serious and Organised Crime for more than 3 decades. During this time Barbara was also involved as a national executive lead for woman in policing, developing national policy and developing the strategic equality plan for serious organised crime squad. With extensive senior leadership experience in national and international policing including covert operations, operational leadership, programme management, and capability building. In 2014 her work was recognised, and she was invested as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her outstanding contribution to both leadership for women in law enforcement and services to covert intelligence operations. Barbara’s specialist operations work saw her delivering international projects, chairing a covert global task force of 22 countries for five years (including 5 eyes) and eventually commanding the National Crime Agency Communications Data Unit which included holding a leading role in the UK for implementation of new legislation.

Mark A. has worked as a Senior Project Manager for the Home Office, National Crime Agency, the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence. Mark is experienced in delivering national projects including the introduction of new legislation and transformational business change. Mark has in-depth technical knowledge, working as a technical project manager having begun his career with IBM as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Mark played an instrumental role in the successful migration of the Regional Organised Crime Units on to the National Crime Agency covert communications system.

Harvey E. is our Security Architect. His track record includes pioneering solutions to enhance operational efficiency in diverse sectors. He possesses a strategic vision, interpreting contexts and guiding strategies in evolving industry landscapes. An adept communicator and trusted collaborator, Harvey forges key vendor partnerships, mobilises global workforces, and advises board-level Executives. Harvey’s expertise encompasses IT architecture and strategy development, specialising in aligning digital platforms with critical standards like PCI-DSS, GDPR, and ISO27001. He excels in implementing and managing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) systems, enhancing security and access efficiency. Additionally, Harvey designs and maintains security processes, standardising rigorous Firewall reviews and innovating coding solutions for data security. He provides authoritative guidance in DevSecOps and Risk Management, influencing security policies and has been CISSP qualified since 2016.

Stuart Y-C. is the Digital Safety Expert, bringing over 26 years of investigative experience from Cleveland Police. As a specialist detective, he served in key departments including Child Abuse Investigation and Cybercrime, where he became a subject matter expert in cryptocurrency investigations. He holds industry recognised qualifications including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, and ISC-certified Cybersecurity credentials. He is also an Associate Member of both the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CiiSec) and the Institute of Cyber Digital Investigation Professionals (ICDIP). With a strong background in safeguarding and digital threats, Stuart now leads innovative work in promoting online safety and resilience across communities.

Josh T. is a CompTIA Security+ certified Cybersecurity Technician with a strong focus on implementing essential security controls and supporting day-to-day cybersecurity operations. He is experienced in securing endpoints, managing user accounts and permissions, and applying device hardening techniques to reduce vulnerabilities. Skilled in identifying common threats, supporting incident response efforts, and helping ensure systems are securely configured and maintained.

George S. is a fully qualified Youth Worker and Post-16 Teacher, bringing over eight years of experience in the youth and community sector. George supports our work in schools and colleges, helping to create meaningful opportunities for young people. In 2016, he co-founded CLQ Esports, which is now part of the DS Family. Over the past decade, George has worked extensively across the gaming and esports industry. By combining the power of gaming and esports, DS and CLQ aim to help young people develop leadership, communication, and a wide range of transferable skills through play and collaboration.