NCC Group safeguards Comic Relief for fourteenth year as charities navigate growing cyber threat

18 March 2026 - NCC Group is proud to support Comic Relief as its trusted technology partner ahead of Red Nose Day 2026 which takes place on Friday 20 March.

This continues with over a decade of partnership that has helped ensure the charity’s digital platforms remain secure, resilient and ready to support millions of donors across the UK. In 2025, Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day raised over £34 million from donors around the world in a single day, presenting a high stakes cyber resilience challenge.

Broadcast nationally on the BBC and amplified by extensive publicity from leading UK celebrities and major media outlets, Comic Relief raises and manages tens of millions of pounds in public donations each year. To deliver this at scale, the charity relies on a robust digital infrastructure capable of handling year‑round online giving as well as dramatic surges in traffic during flagship campaigns such as Red Nose Day and Sport Relief. Maintaining the security of sensitive financial information, and the public’s trust, is critical to its mission and operations.

Defending charities from cyber-crime is vital, as cyber threats continue to evolve and charities remain attractive targets. According to the UK Government’s Cyber security breaches survey 2025, nearly a third (30%) of UK charities reported having experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The report estimates that UK charities experienced approximately 453,000 cyber-crimes of all types in the last 12 months. Charities reported an average cost of their most disruptive breach at £8,690, over double that experienced by businesses (£3,550) – excluding those who reported that the cost of their most disruptive breach was £0.

Against this concerning backdrop, NCC Group provides ongoing security testing, assurance and specialist expertise to protect Comic Relief’s extensive digital estate. Given the charity’s national profile and year-round activity, security must be maintained continuously, not just during peak fundraising periods.

Chris Brown, UK Market Leader, NCC Group commented: “Comic Relief has changed millions of lives for the positive, and I’m thrilled that we at NCC Group play a role in helping them deliver on their mission.

“Comic Relief’s national visibility and year‑round work, places unique demands on the charity’s digital infrastructure. Over 14 years of partnership, we’ve seen first‑hand the scale and impact of Comic Relief’s mission, and we’re committed to providing the expertise and assurance needed to help protect its platforms as it supports life‑changing projects in the UK and around the world.

“As Red Nose Day 2026 approaches, we’re delighted to play our part in helping Comic Relief operate securely and with confidence.”

Tim Beech, Interim Director of Technology & Data, Comic Relief commented: “Our long-term partnership with NCC Group continues to play a vital role in providing the highest levels of security in our technology infrastructure at Comic Relief. Having this confidence enables us to concentrate on our mission of

helping those facing the toughest times of their lives – to eat, sleep safely, and live without fear. We are proud to have NCC Group as our trusted and valued technology partner.”