In episode 36, Mandy Haeburn-Little chats with two of the team at Nationwide Building Society, a valued member of our portfolio of National Cyber Resilience Centre Group National Ambassadors. Rachel Vigor, Business Services, Governance, Risk & Controls Director and Sharon Gould, Supplier Security Manager, Business Services GRC, join Mandy on this episode.

The conversation opens with Rachel providing a snapshot of Nationwide's history and what it stands for. She outlines what it means to be a Mutual and why being owned by its members enables Nationwide to operate with genuine social and community purpose. So, rather than paying shareholders, they are able to spend their money building a safe and secure organisation, giving back to local communities, offering competitive rates, and sharing it with their members.

Rachel and Sharon talk about the company's approach to risk, outlining why it is important and how it encourages open, honest and transparent conversations that not only maintain operations and keep members safe but can also identify opportunities.

Speaking specifically about risk in relation to the supply chain, they highlight how they are leveraging new technology to establish risk profiles and enhance technical controls. Again, they are keen to emphasise that working with suppliers, particularly around SMEs and cyber security, is an extremely collaborative approach, with clear communications about their expectations while being realistic about the resources available to smaller organisations.

They also talk about their current dual-branded NCRCG/Nationwide supply chain campaign to encourage SMEs to join their local Cyber Resilience Centre. In addition, they explain why they are working closely with IASME to promote and endorse Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus.

Finally, Rachel is asked the burning question about Nationwide's acquisition of Virgin Money. She explains that it's early days, but reassures listeners that they'll use the experience of over 250 previous acquisitions to proceed with care as they integrate the two dynamic brands!