Advisory board appointment process
AICS advisory board – Stage 2 candidate questions
Stage 2 is a more detailed conversation for candidates progressing through the AICS advisory board appointment process. It helps the institute understand your experience, judgement, independence and fit with AICS’s professional purpose.
What Stage 2 involves
Stage 2 is designed to move beyond an initial expression of interest and into a practical discussion about how a candidate may contribute to AICS. The conversation will usually explore your professional background, your understanding of cyber security as a public-interest profession, your governance experience, and your ability to provide independent advice.
The interview is deeper than the first stage. Candidates should be ready to discuss examples from their work, including situations where they have had to exercise judgement, manage competing interests, protect confidentiality, or advise senior decision-makers. The aim is not to test technical knowledge alone. AICS is looking for people who can think clearly, communicate responsibly, and support the development of accredited courses, chartered membership and professional standards.
Stage 2 may also include referee checks. Referees may be asked to comment on professional conduct, reliability, communication style, discretion and the candidate’s ability to work constructively with others. Candidates should make sure their referees are aware they may be contacted and can speak to relevant professional experience.
What AICS is looking for
AICS is seeking advisory board members who can contribute informed, balanced and ethical advice. The institute values candidates who understand the responsibilities that come with professional recognition, including the importance of accredited learning, continuing professional development and chartered membership pathways.
Candidates do not need to represent every part of the cyber security field. The board benefits from a mix of perspectives across education, governance, incident response, law, risk, technology, policy, assurance and related areas. What matters is the ability to contribute with care, independence and respect for the institute’s members and students.
Professional judgement
Candidates should be able to explain how they approach complex issues, especially where technical, legal, commercial and ethical considerations overlap.
Independence and integrity
AICS looks for advisers who can give frank, constructive advice while respecting confidentiality and managing conflicts of interest.
Support for professional standards
Advisory board members should understand the importance of recognised pathways such as MAICS, GAICS and FAICS.
Constructive participation
The role requires preparation, respectful discussion and a willingness to help the institute make sound decisions over time.
Timeline and next steps
After Stage 2, AICS will review interview notes, referee feedback and any relevant governance considerations before deciding whether to progress a candidate further. The timing may vary depending on candidate availability, referee responses and the number of appointments being considered.
Candidates should confirm their availability promptly and prepare for a focused Stage 2 conversation. It is helpful to reflect on relevant examples before the interview, including work involving leadership, advice, professional standards, education, risk or public-interest cyber security outcomes. Candidates should also review any code of conduct briefing material provided by AICS and be ready to discuss how they would approach confidentiality, conflicts and professional obligations.
Prepare for your Stage 2 conversation
If you have been invited to Stage 2, please confirm your availability, check your referee details, and prepare examples that show your judgement, independence and contribution to the profession.