In today’s digital world, local government and public sector bodies cannot afford to face cyber threats alone. The risks are increasing, the stakes are higher than ever, and the cost of a single breach can be devastating, both financially and reputationally. Membership of SEGWARP ensures you’re part of a trusted network that shares early warnings, practical advice, and proven best practice. With the backing of the LGA and national partners, SEGWARP helps your organisation stay resilient, informed, and protected. Simply put, joining isn’t optional, it’s essential.
South East Government Warning, Advisory and Reporting Point (SEGWARP) is part of a national network of groups created to bring together information security officers from local government. Think of it as a one-stop hub for early warnings, intelligence sharing, and best-practice advice on the latest cyber security threats.
South East Employers runs SEGWARP alongside a dedicated WARP Manager, working in partnership with the LGA, other regional WARPs, local resilience forums, and specialist organisations such as the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU). Membership is open to all public sector organisations in the South East.
What do you unlock with SEGWARP membership?
SEGWARP already has 40 member authorities, and the wider the reach, the stronger the information-sharing. The LGA recommends that all local authorities join a WARP, as the benefits of shared knowledge and mutual support are clear in today’s IT-dependent, highly connected world.
SEGWARP comprises of the following elements:
Warning
SEGWARP members receive the latest news from the National Cyber Security Centre, technical press, police teams and Information Commissioner's Office to help them keep on top of the ever-changing developments in security.
Advice
SEGWARP meets virtually (since COVID) over 12 sessions a year. Attendees are able to discuss their experiences and concerns in a confidential environment where no information will leave the room unless authorised by the speaker. In addition, guest presenters attend to highlight products and services that may enhance cyber-security processes and to share knowledge from outside the public sector.
Supported by SEE, the forums are run by members of the SEGWARP, to meet the needs and interests of its membership. This includes inputting into their content and management, including presenter topics and technical skills sessions offered by peers.
Reporting
WARPs provide a confidential reporting point for information security-related incidents.
Networking
We know that issues and concerns don't conveniently arise when you can discuss them face-to-face with peers. So we facilitate the asking of group questions or polls via a Slack workspace so that you can keep in touch with country-wide colleagues in a way that suits you. The workspace is used by WARPs across the country including colleagues from the NHS, blue-light services, universities and housing associations, giving our members access to the most valued hive-mind possible.
Still undecided? Tune into WARPTalk - the UK WARP podcast hosted by SEGWARP’s own Matt Smith and Bruce Thompson.
WARPTalk brings together cyber security professionals from across local government and the wider public sector. Each episode offers updates, insights, and practical advice on emerging threats, best practice, and the power of information sharing, helping members stay connected, informed, and ahead in an ever-changing digital landscape.
Why WARP? To stay one step ahead of the threat.
Keeping on top of the huge volume of system vulnerability information is very time-consuming. WARP offers members the opportunity to receive early-warning notifications. And, as importantly, the chance to come together to discuss challenges and share best practice in a confidential and trusted environment.
As IT becomes more cloud-based and a broader range of devices are used, it's all the more important to make all your staff aware of how to be vigilant to cyber-threats. The LGA has produced a guide for councillors to explain the basics.
In summary, a WARP provides:
- Safe space to talk and share with peers: support, advice
- Access to information & knowledge: expert speakers from government and industry
- Intelligence sharing: timely alerts on threats, incidents
- Collaboration: projects and policy development
- Representation - the collective voice
SEGWARP network meetings
Just like the podcast, our SEGWARP network meetings bring people together. They’re regular opportunities for information security officers across the South East to connect, share intelligence, and learn from each other. Meetings combine practical updates on emerging cyber threats with space for peer discussion, case studies, and expert input from national partners.
It’s not just about information - it’s about building trusted relationships, strengthening resilience, and making sure no organisation has to face the cyber security challenge alone, that's why we hold a mix of virtual and in-person meetings in London.
The cost of 12 Months of Cyber Confidence...
SEE Member organisations:
- £680 per annum for district and borough councils
- £1050 for unitary councils and Blue Light services
- £1760 for county councils
Non-member organisations:
- £890 per annum for district and borough councils
- £1360 for unitary councils and Blue Light services
- £2300 for county councils
There is a 30% premium for organisations that are not in membership of SEE. We also welcome membership enquiries from any public-sector organisation in the south-east region. Please contact us to discuss membership rates.
For more information or to discuss joining SEGWARP, contact SEE
SEGWARP
See What Others Say About SEGWARP
Wealden District Council
network of contacts
I was initially reluctant to join the SEGWARP meetings, yet another round table group which would take up a day while I had 'real' work to do. But have found them to be very useful in gathering information from people in similar positions with near identical issues. I also have now network of contacts which I can draw on between meetings if problems arise. I would encourage anyone thinking of joining to seriously consider the benefits in can bring you and your organisation.
Guildford Borough Council
Highly Recommend
I have been attending the SEGWARP for several years now and have gained invaluable knowledge from attending these sessions. I now have contacts at the NCSC and SEROCU that I can contact for advice and guidance. I highly recommend joining the SEGWARP and renew my annual membership as a matter of course.
West Berkshire Council
excellent way of sharing knowledge
West Berkshire Council has found this service invaluable - it is cost effective and brings all the alerts we need to be aware of into one place, as well as being assured of the source and relevance of the information. In these times of staff and budget cuts resulting in lack of time to keep up with important IT security changes/risks, the network meetings provide an excellent way of sharing knowledge and experiences as well as keeping up with current and future areas of concern. The 'closed' group is particularly useful for discussing concerns and identifying lessons learned from other LAs.
Reading Borough Council
early alerting and a summary of important security alerts
We consider the advisory notices received from SEGWARP an essential process within the Council's overall Security Governance framework as it provides early alerting and a summary of important security alerts in an easily understood and prioritised form which the Council's ICT Outsourced supplier also finds extremely useful in ensuring Security Compliance is maintained. We would encourage others to include SEGWARP as part of their own Security Governance processes.
Some helpful resources from the Regional Organised Crime Unit, to kickstart cyber-security conversations in your organisation.
- Ten steps to cyber security, provided by the National Cyber Security Centre
- Weekly threat reports and alerts, provided by the National Cyber Security Centre
- Various infographics, provided by the National Cyber Security Centre, including:
- Small business guide
- Small charity guide
- NCSC glossary
- Password guidance
- 10 steps to cyber security
- Common cyber attacks
- Bring your own device guidance
- Managing information risk
General advice on cyber security for business and the public
Social media accounts
- YouTube - CEOP
- YouTube - South East ROCU Cyber Protect
- Twitter - Get Safe Online
- Twitter - South East ROCU Cyber Protect
- Twitter - National Cyber Security Centre
- Facebook - Cyber Aware
- Facebook - Take Five Stop Fraud
- Facebook - Cyber Protect UK
LGA Case Study
Managing a Cyber Attack
The LGA produced a case study on managing a cyber attack against Gloucester City Council, two years after the attack took place. It includes a timeline of the attack, its impact, the recovery process, the cost of the incident, and the lessons learnt by the council.
Get In Touch
Ready to join SEGWARP? Let's Chat!
Fill out the form and we’ll be in touch with everything you need to know about membership, network meetings, and how your organisation can join the fight against cyber threats. Access granted.