Understanding the Risk Protection Arrangement and Cybersecurity Coverage
Mon 24 April, 2023
Protecting your School
Schools have a multitude of responsibilities when it comes to protecting their stakeholders and assets. Alongside these duties, schools must also ensure they have appropriate liability cover in place. In 2014, an alternative insurance cover specifically designed for schools was introduced, known as the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA). Soft Egg, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions for schools, can assist your institution in meeting the requirements of the RPA while safeguarding against cyber threats. In this article, we will delve into the details of the RPA and emphasise the importance of cybersecurity coverage.
What is the Risk Protection Arrangement?
The Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) was created based on independent analysis that demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of the UK government covering risks for academy trusts instead of relying on commercial insurers. Initially launched in September 2014, the scheme expanded from 1st April 2020 to include local authority maintained schools. The primary goal of the RPA is to protect schools from losses caused by unforeseen and unexpected events. Under the RPA, any losses that occur are covered by the UK government.
Who is eligible for the RPA?
The RPA is available to public sector schools, and as of September 2021, over 8,500 schools were members of the scheme. The cost of joining is determined based on the number of pupils in a member school. The RPA provides cover comparable to that offered by commercial insurance policies, including categories such as employers' liability, third-party liability, governor liability, professional indemnity, damage to school property, travel coverage, legal expenses, business interruption, and most importantly, cover for cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Coverage under the RPA:
Recognising the rising importance of cybersecurity, the RPA has extended its coverage to include protection against cyber security incidents. To be eligible for this coverage, schools must meet specific criteria outlined by the Department for Education (DfE). Soft Egg can assist your school in meeting these requirements, ensuring comprehensive coverage against cyber threats. The criteria for cyber coverage include:
Offline Backups: Schools must have offline backups in place to protect critical data from potential cyber attacks or data breaches.
Cyber Security Training: All employees and governors who have access to the RPA Member's information technology system must undergo National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Cyber Security Training. Soft Egg can provide customised training solutions to meet these requirements.
Register with Police CyberAlarm: Schools need to register with Police CyberAlarm, a free threat monitoring service provided by the police, to enhance their cyber defence capabilities.
Cyber Response Plan: Schools must have a Cyber Response Plan in place, outlining the steps to be taken in the event of a cyber security incident. Soft Egg can assist in developing a tailored response plan for your school.
Partnering with Soft Egg for Enhanced Cybersecurity:
Soft Egg specialises in providing comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for schools. Our expertise and experience in working with educational institutions ensure that we understand the unique challenges and risks faced by schools. By partnering with Soft Egg, your school can meet the RPA's cybersecurity criteria, strengthen your defences against cyber threats, and ensure the safety and security of sensitive data.
Conclusion:
The Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA) offers schools in the UK the opportunity to obtain comprehensive insurance coverage, including protection against cyber threats. Soft Egg, with its deep understanding of the RPA requirements and expertise in cybersecurity, can assist your school in meeting the criteria and implementing robust measures to safeguard against cyber attacks. By partnering with Soft Egg, you can ensure the security of your school's systems, protect sensitive data, and meet the statutory duties of liability coverage. Safeguard your school with Soft Egg and take advantage of the RPA's cybersecurity provisions. Contact us today to strengthen your school's defences against cyber threat