‘Our People’ is a regular feature focusing on staff at the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the work we do every day to keep the nuclear industry safe and secure. It aims to bring our jobs to life while increasing understanding of our role among key stakeholders.
Today, we hear from Sherlock di Schiavi, Head of Security Architecture at ONR.
Sherlock is responsible for the day-to-day security measures required to keep ONR’s corporate network secure.
His role involves reviewing overall technical solutions and implementing specific security layers to enhance the confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of data.
This ensures that, as he explains, “only the right people have access to the right information at the right time”.
Sherlock’s favourite parts of his role include problem-solving when changes to the network trigger new issues and applying maths to measure risks and understand and manage uncertainty.
One of his most notable accomplishments at ONR has been introducing and implementing technical security designs that have enhanced ONR’s defences by establishing a systematic approach to safeguarding its systems, networks and data.
Sherlock has a diverse education and employment background, with his passion for cybersecurity beginning when he was a child. He says, “I learned about how systems can be disrupted and manipulated, which quickly evolved into a passion for protecting and securing systems.”
Before joining ONR in July 2023, Sherlock’s previous roles include a variety of positions within different private and public sector organisations, including the British Army.
He feels his military experience equipped him with a diverse skill set that serves him well in his role at ONR, including meticulous attention to detail, strategic and analytical thinking, leadership and collaboration, commitment and adaptability, and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Sherlock has faced challenges through his career, particularly due to his diagnosis of autism. However, he feels ONR is a supportive environment, and said: “ONR has sought to embrace my differences and help me feel comfortable to work in my own way, meaning I can use my unique skills and experience to their full potential.”
Sherlock currently sits on multiple nuclear steering committees, fostering closer relationships between ONR and nuclear infrastructure providers to enhance security awareness across the sector. He also regularly shares his expertise as a speaker at conferences.
Outside of work, Sherlock enjoys mathematical proofs, climbing, fencing and archery. He also spends as much time as he can with his nine-year-old daughter, who thinks he is part robot!
Looking to the future, Sherlock describes his goals as “continuing my work interfering with and disrupting potential cyberattacks from malicious actors, so we can stay ahead of threats and ensure ONR’s systems remain secure”.