Speakers

Steve Davies, Head of Cyber Security, DLA Piper

As the Head of Cyber Security at DLA Piper, I lead a global team of security professionals who are responsible for protecting the firm's data, systems, and reputation from cyber threats. With over 10 years of experience in the information security field, I have successfully developed and executed cybersecurity strategies and initiatives that align with the firm's... business objectives and risk appetite.

My core competencies include security architecture, engineering, and operations, as well as crisis management, compliance, and vulnerability management. I have in-sourced Security Operations, established Security Engineering capabilities, and driven vulnerability management processes across the firm. I have also implemented SIEM solutions, intrusion detection systems, and technical guardrails for public cloud adoption, leveraging my expertise in Cloud Security and SABSA. My mission is to foster a culture of security excellence and resilience, and to enable the firm to deliver innovative and secure solutions to its clients. more

Rob Flanders, Head of Threat and Incident Response, BAE Systems

Rob has 10 years’ experience in Cyber Security, covering Threat Intelligence, Incident Response, Security Architecture and Risk Management. Rob's experience is in Defence and UK Government, delivering technical security focussed capabilities including leading GBEST assessments on behalf of government departments and supporting development of Threat Intelligence... capability across the public sector. Rob now leads Major Cyber Incident Response and Strategic Threat Intelligence at BAE Systems.
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Ash Spencer, Head of IT and Security, Minster Law

Ash has over 30 years in customer-facing, operational IT, with extensive experience in developing and implementing technology strategies, balancing security concerns against end user practicality.  He loves governance and has significant experience in establishing information security, disaster recovery, and business continuity frameworks, while aligning to and... complementing operational procedures. With a robust background in programme management across public and private sectors, he has led several large digital transformations and business improvement initiatives, recovering numerous failing programmes, and delivering successful multi-million-pound projects. Ash has a passion for continuous improvement and places a strong focus on learning and development to ensure his teams keep evolving and growing, to adapt to and support the needs of the business.  more

Neil Bell, Information Security Manager, Forster LLP

Neil has almost 20 years of information security, data protection, IT security and cyber experience with over 30 years of compliance and IT experience. He has been leading the security function at Forsters since February 2024 but has been a CISO for a global cyber insurer and enterprise security lead for both the National Trust and UCAS.

Jonathan Freedman, Head of Technology & Security, Howard Kennedy

Jonathan Freedman is the Head of Technology & Security at London law firm Howard Kennedy, with a background in Enterprise Architecture and systems engineering within the UK professional services sector spanning more than 18 years, now focusing on information and cybersecurity. Working closely with teams from across the firm, his role includes both the review,... development and implementation of new technology within the firm and leading the firm’s internal cybersecurity/cyber awareness programs. In addition, he holds multiple industry certifications including, Certified Ethical Hacker, CGEIT, CISSP, TOGAF, and ISO27001 with special interests in cybersecurity, ethical hacking & penetration testing, data protection, cryptography, secure systems design, mobile device security and technology innovation. more

Chris Worthy, Former Deputy Director, UK Home Office & Independent Consultant

For over 30 years, Chris worked at the heart of the UK government’s domestic national security response. He has extensive experience of leading large multi-disciplinary teams, in high-consequence operations and investigations, as well as related policy work. In 2019 he was appointed Counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington DC, leading the UK’s liaison with... US Government agencies on domestic National Security issues. In late 2022, Chris was asked to jointly set up and lead the Secretariat for a cross-Whitehall Ministerial Taskforce on Defending Democracy, helping to secure the UK from threats of foreign interference. Chris was awarded an OBE in 2007 for his services to National Security. He retired from public service in 2024, and now works as a security consultant advising on State Threats issues.more