Senior cybersecurity leadership, when and where it matters most

Burning Tree’s Fractional CISO solution provides organisations with experienced, board-level cybersecurity leadership without the commitment or cost of a full-time appointment. We step in to provide direction, stability, and confidence — helping organisations navigate risk, regulation, and transformation with clarity and purpose.
This is not a remote advisory service or a junior virtual CISO model. It is hands-on leadership, delivered by seasoned security executives who have carried accountability at the highest level.

Our Advisory Services Framework, including Fractional CISO support, provides organisations with flexible, senior cyber leadership and strategic guidance to strengthen security governance, align risk with business priorities, and accelerate the delivery of resilient security capabilities without the need for a full-time executive.

Why Organisations Choose a Fractional CISO

Many organisations face moments where strong cybersecurity leadership is critical — but a permanent CISO may not yet be in place, may not be required full-time, or may not be the right immediate solution.
Common scenarios include:

  • Leadership transition or vacancy
  • Regulatory pressure or audit scrutiny
  • Security incidents or near-misses
  • Rapid growth, transformation, or M&A
  • Immature or fragmented security capability
  • Board demand for clearer cyber oversight

In these moments, organisations need credibility, calm leadership, and trusted advice — fast.

What Burning Tree’s Fractional CISO Delivers

Our Fractional CISO service provides leadership across the full cybersecurity landscape, including:

  • Executive & Board Engagement
    Clear communication of cyber risk, maturity, and priorities in business language.
  • Cyber Strategy & Roadmap
    Definition of realistic, risk-based strategies aligned to organisational goals.
  • Governance & Operating Model
    Establishing roles, accountability, policies, and decision-making structures.
  • Risk Management & Assurance
    Oversight of cyber risk, regulatory alignment, and independent assurance activities.
  • Security Programme Leadership
    Direction and prioritisation across IAM, architecture, operations, resilience, and transformation.
  • Incident Preparedness & Response Oversight
    Leadership during incidents, crises, and recovery phases.
  • Team Development & Capability Building
    Supporting internal teams, mentoring leaders, and building sustainable capability.

Governance & Leadership

Strategy, policies, accountability, decision-making structures, and board engagement.

Risk Management

Risk identification, prioritisation, treatment, and integration with enterprise risk management.

Identity & Access Management

Identity lifecycle, access governance, privileged access, authentication, and identity resilience.

Security Architecture & Controls

Network, infrastructure, cloud, data, application, and Zero Trust-aligned controls.

Security Operations & Monitoring

Detection, response, SOC capability, incident management, and resilience.

Third-Party & Supply Chain Risk

Assurance processes, vendor oversight, and dependency management.

Culture & Human Risk

Awareness, behaviours, roles, and organisational readiness.

Future Readiness

Preparedness for emerging risks such as post-quantum cryptography, AI, and regulatory change.

How Our Approach Is Different

Burning Tree’s Fractional CISO solution is shaped by real accountability — not theoretical models.
We bring:

  • Former CISOs and senior security leaders
  • Experience operating under regulatory scrutiny
    • Deep understanding of identity, risk, and resilience
  • Independent, vendor-neutral judgement
  • A values-led approach rooted in integrity and stewardship

We are not here to sell tools or create dependency. Our role is to strengthen leadership, build confidence, and enable informed decisions.

Flexible, Proportionate Engagement

Our Fractional CISO engagements are tailored to your needs and context. Support may be provided:

  • A set number of days per month
  • On a fixed-term or transitional basis
  • As part of a wider transformation programme
  • Alongside permanent recruitment or succession planning

We integrate seamlessly with executive teams, technology leaders, risk functions, and external partners.

From Stabilisation to Sustainability

Many clients engage us initially to stabilise their security function. Over time, our focus shifts to:

  • Improving maturity and resilience
  • Embedding governance and repeatable processes
  • Developing internal capability
  • Supporting the transition to a permanent leadership model, where appropriate

Our success is measured by how confident you feel without us.

Why Burning Tree Is Trusted

Organisations trust Burning Tree’s Fractional CISO service because:

  • We bring instant credibility at board level
  • We understand both business and technology realities
  • We lead with integrity and objectivity
  • We provide clarity in complex, high-pressure situations
  • We focus on outcomes, not activity

Who This Solution Is For

Burning Tree’s Fractional CISO service is ideal for:

  • Boards seeking independent cyber leadership
  • Organisations in transition or growth
  • Regulated and high-trust environments
  • Businesses needing senior oversight without full-time cost
  • Leaders who value trusted, values-led advice

Trusted leadership, when it matters most

Whether you need immediate leadership, steady guidance, or strategic oversight, Burning Tree’s Fractional CISO solution provides the experience and confidence to move forward securely.