The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC) has strengthened its team and is delighted to welcome Detective Inspector Paul Hall as its new head of cyber and innovation, and Rachel Jones as client relationship manager.

In his new role, Paul, who brings to the position 22 years’ policing experience, will be responsible for supporting local businesses and supply chains in strengthening cyber resilience across Wales He will also be working alongside academia and private sector experts to raise awareness of cyber threats as well as provide solutions that will help prevent organisations from becoming victims of Cyber Crime.

Paul joined the South Wales Police in 1999 and has performed operational roles in Swansea, Port Talbot, Cynon Valley and Maesteg as well as working across Criminal Investigation Departments, Proactive Drug Investigation teams and various uniformed roles. Paul is also a qualified police search officer and has supported many major events including the Olympics, the NATO Wales Summit and the G7 Summit in Cornwall.

He has also been part of the Specialist Crime Division where he was responsible for the technical surveillance capabilities as well as overseeing covert policing operations and the acquisition of communication data to assist with major crime investigations.

Commenting on his new role, Paul says: “Over the course of my policing career I have witnessed first-hand the significant changes in how crime is now being committed. Cybercrime is now the number one threat to organisations and individuals and I’m really keen to work with key partners to reduce the impact it can have on a victim. To be working for the WCRC is a very exciting opportunity for me and I’m looking forward to putting my previous policing experience to great use in this role.”

Client Relationship Manager Rachel Jones will be supporting the centre in liaising with prospective members and clients to ensure they have the information they need on the various WCRC services, as well as providing up-to-date insight on cyber resilience and the impact this is having on the Welsh business community.

Commenting on her new position at the WCRC, Rachel says: “I’m delighted to be joining the centre which is already working really hard to provide guidance to businesses across Wales about effective cybercrime defences, and putting my skill sets to such good use in supporting the team.”

Detective Superintendent Paul Peters and Director of the WCRC, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome both Paul and Rachel to the WCRC. They both bring great experience and enthusiasm to their roles and will be huge assets to us as we push forward in driving our membership and service offering. Paul’s career to date is outstanding and has established an excellent reputation within the force, which I know the WCRC will benefit from greatly and with Rachel providing an excellent customer experience, we have cemented a really solid team of colleagues.”