Ascentor’s advisers are Cyber Risk Management experts with deep experience of information security practice, technology and standards.
Knowing our subject inside out is one thing; using it to make a difference is another. We’re a team of practical problem solvers whose focus is to get you business results. We’re on your side, cutting through the complexity and sharing our expertise to bring you a positive result.
Dave James
Managing Director
An advocate of pragmatic, benefits-based cyber risk management, Dave’s hands-on experience as an accreditor and information assurance practitioner helped shape Ascentor’s values and principles. A co-founder of Ascentor back in 2004, Dave leads and inspires the team.
Simon Jones
Business Development Manager
With over fifteen years’ experience in the information security sector, Simon is a well-known face in the corridors of our defence and security customers. His military roots mean he understands the critical role information risk management and cyber security play in keeping organisations safe.
Pete Curran
Principal IA Consultant
Expertise: Peter covers all government-related IA work with an emphasis on HMG IA policy and practices. He is expert in the technical aspects of IP networking technologies such as VPNs, SSL/TLS, secure email and cryptography including PKI.
Badges: MSc in Information Security (Distinction) from Royal Holloway University, BSc (Hons) Nautical Studies, CCP, CISSP, CCNA, ECNE, ITPC, Prince 2.
Style: Good sense of humour and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
Loves: Hiking, reading, theatre, opera and classical music.
Bert Curtin
Senior IA Consultant
Expertise: Bert has a strong technical background with military and government experience. He specialises in system analysis, risk identification and mitigation, and security accreditation. He is expert in HMG policy and NCSC standards.
Badges: BSc (Hons) IT and Computing, CCP, BSc Telecomms Systems Engineering, CISSP, A.Inst.ISP, Associate ITPC, Prince 2 Practitioner.
Style: Adaptable and pragmatic.
Loves: Windsurfing, DIY and weekends!
Paul Trethewey
IA Consultant
Expertise: Ex-Royal Corps of Signals, Paul has intelligence, electronic warfare and information operations experience. He joined Ascentor Ltd in 2009 and specialises in accreditation, risk assessment and risk management, often fulfilling Security Assurance Coordinator roles.
Badges: Master’s Degree (Distinction) Combined Studies, SCCP SIRA, M.Inst.ISP, CISSP, CISM, MoR Practitioner, ISO 27001:2013 Lead Auditor, Business Continuity Management Practitioner, CISMP, CompTIA Network+, MAPM, Prince 2 Practitioner, ITIL V3 Foundation and EU GDPR Practitioner
Style: Personable and focused on getting the job done.
Loves: Walking, DIY and travelling.
Dave Ward
IA Consultant
Expertise: With extensive technical knowledge, Dave designs and implements networks and policies for systems handling sensitive information. He manages all Ascentor’s Cyber Essentials Scheme and IASME audits and assessments.
Badges: BEng (Hons) Computer Systems Engineering, CCP IA Architect, Cyber Essentials Scheme and IASME Assessor, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).
Style: Laser-focus on a positive outcome.
Loves: Cycling and cooking.
Matt Blunt
ICT Technical Specialist & CE / CE+ Lead Assessor
Expertise: Project Management and Systems Administration, Cyber Essentials and IASME Governance Standards, Penetration Testing and Security Hardening
Badges: BSc in Mathematics from the University of Warwick, Cyber Scheme Team Member Certification, Cyber Essentials and IASME Governance Lead Auditor
Style: Level headed and patient with a keen eye for detail
Loves: Anything with 2 wheels, keeping fit, long walks on the beach
Kev Needham
ICT Network Manager & CE / CE+ Assessor
Expertise: Experienced IT Infrastructure and Project Manager, Cyber Essentials & Cyber Essentials Plus assessor, 3rd line Infrastructure engineer for on premise AD, Azure, Microsoft 365.
Badges: Prince II Practitioner, Passed Technical Cyber Auditing, CE Procedures, Assessor workshop and IASME Assessor skills training courses.
Style: Methodical with attention to detail, likes things to be right, if it’s not done properly then don’t do it at all
Loves: Cars, fishing, music, snooker & watching boxsets
Dave Wood
IA Consultant
Expertise: Dave has a strong procedural background with extensive military and security service experience. He specialises in ISO 27001 gap analysis, risk identification, mitigation and security accreditation. He has extensive knowledge of ISO 27001, HMG policy and NCSC standards.
Badges: BSc (Hons) Communications Management, CISM, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor, Prince2 Practitioner, ITIL Foundation, ITIL Service Operations.
Style: Consistent and reliable.
Loves: Football coach for local youth team
Martyn Roberts
Senior Project Manager & IA Consultant
Expertise: Martyn is an expert in managing projects with a high IA dependency especially, defence and government IT and infrastructure projects conforming to JSP440, JSP480 and TEMPEST standards. He draws on his experience of designing, building, installing, maintaining and repairing static and mobile communication systems.
Badges: BSc Telecomms Engineering, MAPM, Managing Successful Programmes Practitioner, Prince 2 Practitioner, Management of Risk Practitioner, Change Management Practitioner, AMPG, Agile PM Practitioner, PRINCE2 Agile PM Practitioner, CCP, CISSP, CISM, COMPTIA Network+ and Security+, BCS IA Architect Practitioner, ISO 27001:2013 Lead Auditor, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), ITIL V3 Foundation
Style: Dogged determination with an adaptive approach.
Loves: Outdoor sports, hiking and orienteering.
Susan Dimond-Brown
IA Consultant
Expertise: Susan fulfils Security Assurance Coordinator and accreditation roles on sensitive government projects. Her expertise includes government infosec policy and strategy guidance including security risk assessments, risk mitigating controls and the application and use of ISO 27001, SPF and IAMM.
Badges: CISSP, CEH, CHFI, ITPC HMG Practitioner and Accreditor.
Style: Dedicated and customer-focused with deep attention to detail.
Loves: All kind of sports (except darts and snooker), walking, reading and playing golf.
Nigel Griffiths
IA Consultant
Expertise: Nigel has a military comms background and now fulfils lead accreditation roles on sensitive government projects. He is Prince 2 trained and he is expert in government infosec policy and strategy guidance including security risk assessments, risk mitigating controls and the application and use of ISO 27001, SPF and IAMM.
Badges: HND in Electronics and Telecommunications engineering, CISSP, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Prince 2 Practitioner, ISO 27001 auditor trained.
Style: Versatile and results-focused; loves a challenge.
Loves: Rugby, reading, Greek food and computers
We’re always on the look out for good IA Consultants, especially those with a strong technical background. If you have a few years experience of applying IA rules within a HMG based project and like the idea of working for a SME with ambitious growth plans please do get in touch, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact us using [email protected] with the subject title ‘Recruitment enquiry’.
