vCISO
Enterprise-Grade Security Leadership Without the Full-Time Cost
In today’s threat landscape, you need more than just tools and compliance checkboxes – you need strategic security leadership that protects your business, enables growth, and builds stakeholder confidence. Gibson Watts delivers senior cybersecurity leadership to ambitious companies navigating digital transformation and regulatory complexity – giving you C-suite security expertise exactly when you need it, without the permanent overhead, scaled to your stage.
the security leadership gap.
Most growing businesses need sophisticated security leadership but can’t justify £200K-£400K+ for a full-time CISO. Without this expertise, they face critical challenges:
Compliance Blindspots Organisations navigate GDPR, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001 without expert guidance, leading to costly violations, failed audits, and reputational damage.
Reactive Security Posture Businesses deploy disconnected tools and miss critical vulnerabilities, responding to incidents rather than preventing them.
Board & Investor Concerns Leadership lacks the security narrative that boards, investors, and partners demand, creating friction in funding rounds and M&A due diligence.
Resource Misallocation Companies overspend on unnecessary tools while neglecting critical gaps, wasting budget without improving their actual security posture.
The choice has been binary: hire an expensive full-time CISO or go without. Neither works for growing companies.
investment grade security foundations.
Risk Assessment & Management We conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement frameworks aligned to your industry, providing clear visibility into your security posture and exposure.
Security Programme Development We design tailored security programmes that balance protection, compliance, and operational efficiency without over-engineering.
Compliance & Audit Readiness We prepare your organisation for GDPR, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 requirements, ensuring compliance doesn’t become a blocker.
Incident Response Planning We develop response plans and tabletop exercises that prepare your team to minimize damage and meet regulatory notification requirements.
Security Architecture Review We evaluate your architecture and controls, identifying gaps in network security, endpoint protection, and access management.
Third-Party Risk Management We establish vendor risk processes that protect you from supply chain vulnerabilities.
due-diligence & investor readiness.
Security Due Diligence Preparation We prepare your documentation and controls for rigorous due diligence, identifying and remediating gaps before investors discover them.
Board-Ready Security Reporting We design executive reporting that demonstrates risk management maturity and strategic thinking.
Compliance Documentation We create comprehensive compliance evidence libraries that accelerate due diligence timelines.
Security Roadmap & Budget Planning We develop multi-year roadmaps with realistic budget models that give stakeholders confidence in your risk management approach.
regulatory compliance & certification.
GDPR Compliance Programme We implement comprehensive programmes including data mapping, privacy impact assessments, and required documentation.
ISO 27001 Certification Support We guide you through certification from gap analysis to successful audit, implementing information security management systems.
PCI DSS Compliance We prepare payment-handling businesses with required controls and documentation for merchant validation.
SOC 2 Readiness We lead readiness initiatives through certification, implementing controls that unlock enterprise customer opportunities.
A carefully selected network of C-suite security leaders with deep expertise across industries, threat landscapes, and regulatory frameworks.
Successful Implementations We have a proven track record of delivering results across incident response, compliance certification, and security transformation programmes.
Industries Protected We understand the unique security challenges of your industry and deliver tailored solutions that address sector-specific threats.
Satisfaction Our clients consistently choose to work with us again and refer us to their networks.
Annual Cyber Attacks
Nearly half of all companies suffer at least one cyber attack per year.
Employee-Triggered Breaches
The vast majority of cyber breaches are triggered by employee error.
Average Breach Cost
The average cost of a data breach in 2023.
Satisfaction
Our clients consistently choose to work with us again and refer us to their networks.
why fractional makes sense.
Access Expertise at Your Stage Get seasoned CISO leadership calibrated to your security maturity – whether you’re implementing your first formal security programme or preparing for SOC 2 Type II. You wouldn’t hire a full-time Chief Legal Officer before you need one; apply the same logic to your CISO function.
Cost-Effective Excellence Secure executive-level security strategy for a fraction of a full-time salary. Redirect those savings toward security tools, training programmes, or extending your runway.
Flexibility That Scales Ramp services up during compliance certification, down during steady-state operations. Need intensive support for three months before your ISO 27001 audit? We’re there. Lighter touch once you’ve certified? We adjust.
Speed to Impact Skip the 3-6 month hiring process. We onboard in weeks, not months, bringing battle-tested frameworks that have supported hundreds of successful compliance certifications.
Our fractional CISOs have:
- Led security functions through multiple compliance certifications and audits
- Responded to and recovered from major security incidents
- Built security programmes for businesses from £500K to £50M+ revenue
- Advised boards on cyber risk and security strategy
The Results:
- 95% of our clients successfully achieve compliance certification within target timeframes
- Zero security incidents attributed to gaps identified in our assessments
- Average security programme maturity improvement of 2-3 levels within 12 months
what working together looks like.
Discovery & Assessment (Week 1-2) We audit your current security posture, identify gaps against industry frameworks, and build a prioritised roadmap for security maturity.
Foundation Building (Month 1-3) We implement core security infrastructure: risk frameworks, compliance documentation, incident response plans, and governance structures.
Strategic Partnership (Ongoing) Your fractional CISO becomes an integral part of your leadership team – joining board meetings, advising on technology decisions, and guiding you through security challenges.
Compliance & Certification Support (As Needed) When it’s time to certify or face audit, we intensify our support: preparing documentation, implementing controls, and ensuring you enter processes from a position of strength.
Trusted by PE-backed companies, high-growth SaaS businesses, and organisations navigating security transformation across the UK.
engagement options.
Foundation
- Monthly security posture reporting
- Quarterly programme reviews
- Strategic advisory (4 hours/month)
- Board presentation support
Growth
- Everything in Foundation
- Comprehensive risk assessments
- Weekly strategic advisory (16 hours/month)
- Compliance programme management
- Vendor risk management
Transformation
- Everything in Growth
- Intensive strategic partnership (32+ hours/month)
- Active compliance certification management
- Security architecture reviews
- Dedicated team access
Custom
- Compliance certification projects
- Incident response & breach management
- Interim full-time CISO coverage
- M&A security due diligence
Pricing is tailored to your specific needs, stage, and complexity. Contact us for a custom proposal that matches your requirement.
Next Steps
Ready to build investment-grade security foundations?
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss:
- Evaluate your current security posture and controls
- Identify gaps that could concern investors, customers, or regulators
- Outline a pathway to security maturity and compliance readiness
- Discuss how fractional CISO support could protect and accelerate your growth