The Charities Security Forum (CSF) has proceeded with plans for a mentoring scheme to enhance knowledge and practice across the non-profit sector, particularly at the smaller end.

The objective of the scheme, plans for which were first revealed by Civil Society in May, is to identify and offer a valuable expert resource by facilitating the pairing of less experienced or non-security practitioners with more experienced members.

To officially launch the scheme, CSF is inviting anyone from charities and non-profit organisations operating in the UK to its next quarterly meeting on 22 July.

Brian Shorten (pictured), CSF co-founder and head of security at Cancer Research UK, said: “One of the aims of the Charities Security Forum is to try to spread best practice within a community that often doesn’t have anyone dedicated to security.

“There are some who have not even heard of PCI (the card payment standard for information security), for instance, yet they will be dependent on credit card donations.”

Meanwhile, fellow founder Martyn Croft, chief information officer at the Salvation Army, highlighted the problem of charity websites being used by thieves to test stolen payment card credentials: “It’s an area of information security where the CSF has unique knowledge and will be pleased to advise.”

In addition, the Forum will be conducting a survey to reveal the most pressing current challenges and resource gaps. The results, to be announced in the autumn, will help mentors and participants focus on the most concerning issues.

The Charities Security Forum was established in 2007, and currently has 60 member charities including the likes of Oxfam and NSPCC.