UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) 
Maldon District Council’s experience with the CAF for local government
In this testimonial, Maldon District Council share their experience of participating in the latest pilot phase of the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) for local government.
The council highlights the transformative benefits of the framework, including:
- structured tracking and monitoring
- improved system review processes
- increased senior management buy-in
The council explains how the tools and templates were invaluable throughout the process, helping to strengthen their cyber resilience but also in reshaping how IT is perceived and managed within the organisation.
Transforming perceptions and processes
The CAF has driven a complete shift in the way Maldon District Council approaches IT and cyber security. The framework has helped elevate IT’s role to a strategic partner within the council, with departments proactively managing their budgets and contracts.
Other key outcomes of undertaking the CAF include:
- cross-department awareness – all 20 departments now understand the criticality of their systems, the importance of interconnectivity, and the cyber security measures in place
- improved management oversight – senior leadership feels better equipped to address cyber risks and ensure system resilience
- resource allocation – managers are actively involved in decision making and resource organisation, improving efficiency and reducing risks
Throughout the process, the Local Digital team has provided regular support. Maldon highlighted that the peer check-in sessions have been particularly helpful as it helped them to feel part of a team, understand everyone is in the same boat, and ask any questions.
Advice for other councils
Maldon District Council highly recommends the CAF for local government as an effective and practical framework for improving cyber resilience. Compared to other accreditation process, the CAF offers:
- a broader and more comprehensive approach to cyber security
- a more streamlined timeline, achievable faster than other assessments that can take up to three years
The council emphasises that while the CAF requires effort, it is manageable and delivers fantastic benefits.
Learn more and get involved
The initial stages of the CAF for local government are available as part of a phased release, enabling you to start using the tool while we continue to develop it based on feedback.
Learn more on the CAF for local government webpage.
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Categories: CAF testimonials