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Eligibility criteria for the Cyber Retention Allowance scheme administered by the ONR

Date released
16 April 2024
Request number
202403068
Release of information under
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA)

Information requested

I am writing to make a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 for access to information regarding the eligibility criteria for the Cyber Retention Allowance scheme administered by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). 

To gain a better understanding of the criteria used to determine eligibility for the Cyber Retention Allowance, I kindly request the following information:

  1. The specific skills and qualifications considered essential for eligibility under the Cyber Retention Allowance scheme. 
  2. Any documentation, guidelines, or policies outlining the criteria and requirements for employees to qualify for the Cyber Retention Allowance. 
  3. Any correspondence, memos, or communications between ONR officials regarding the interpretation or application of the eligibility criteria for the Cyber Retention Allowance scheme. 

Furthermore, I would appreciate clarification on whether the eligibility criteria for the Cyber Retention Allowance scheme explicitly stipulates grade requirements, or if the scheme is solely based on possessing a Level 6 qualification.

Information released

We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we hold some of the information relevant to your request. Please see below for our response.

Question 1

Anyone employed by ONR as a Band 3 or Band 2 Cyber Inspectors deemed to be eligible for the Cyber Retention Scheme (now market based rate allowance) and no additional skills or qualifications are required beyond those for the roles.

Question 2

Please find attached three internal business cases which outlines the business need for the creation of the allowance on the basis of recruitment and retention into these specific roles. These were agreed on the basis of being applicable to all employees within these roles at Band 2 and Band 3 exclusively. 

Please note that information relating to individuals constitutes personal data and has been withheld under the remit of exemption s.40(2) of the FOIA.

Question 3

I confirm that we do not hold any correspondence, memos, or communications between ONR officials regarding the interpretation or application of the eligibility criteria for the Cyber Retention Allowance scheme. The criteria is clear that it applies to Band 3 and Band 2’s within this specialism area.

Question 4

The scheme was and continues to be based on the Band 3 and Band 2 cyber roles that individuals occupied. Robust internal processes are available to all staff to raise any issues regarding queries or concerns with application of policies during their employment.

Exemptions applied

s.40

PIT (Public Interest Test) if applicable

N/A