Strategic advisory retainer
Cyber Security Advisor
Independent Data Security Advisory
Many security leaders lack an independent sounding board for difficult decisions, board conversations, and regulatory scrutiny. The hard calls, board preparation, and regulator interactions all benefit from an experienced external perspective.
This engagement is typically relevant where:
- You carry responsibility for data and AI security and want an experienced peer to think alongside.
- You are navigating a significant programme decision, regulator conversation, or architectural reset and want an independent view before you commit.
- You want someone who can review and challenge important stakeholder-facing materials before they are shared.
- You are preparing for a regulatory examination and want a read-through from someone who has been on both sides of those conversations.
"I have a team, I have the tools, and I have the budget. What I don't have is someone outside the structure I can think aloud with."
Why this matters
Many security leaders have capable teams. What they often lack is an independent perspective when difficult decisions arise.
This retainer provides that perspective, helping clients test strategic decisions, challenge architectural direction, prepare for board and regulatory conversations, and navigate complex organisational decisions.
It exists alongside the leader's own team, never in place of it.
What is included
- Monthly executive briefing, typically 90 minutes, framed around the strategic decisions currently in play.
- Ad-hoc access through email, Slack, or call, with response within one working day on all non-urgent matters.
- Review and challenge of board, audit, or regulator-facing materials on data and AI security topics, on request.
- Architectural sparring on programme decisions and vendor selections as they arise.
- Regulator or audit preparation conversations, including read-throughs of the leader's intended narrative.
- Attendance at one quarterly session, in person or remote, with location agreed in advance.
Outcomes it supports
A note on scope
- Strategic thought partnership rather than operational delivery or BAU governance.
- Alongside the client's team and programme, never in place of it.
How it is different
This is independent data security advisory alongside the client's own team, not fractional CISO cover, interim leadership, or a route to further delivery. The value comes from experience leading data, cloud, and security programmes across complex enterprise environments.
If your primary need is a one-time diagnostic rather than ongoing support, start with the Data Exposure Review. If you need to validate a specific investment decision, the Security Decision Review is the faster route.
Commercials
From £6,000 per month for standard scope, rising to £8,000 to £10,000 per month for multi-entity, multi-jurisdiction, or active M&A integration scope. Three-month minimum commitment, rolling monthly thereafter with 30 days notice on either side.
Detailed engagement scope, assumptions, and deliverables are confirmed in the proposal following the initial conversation.
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