Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS)
Tailoring Solutions to Customers’ Specific Needs
The Requirement
The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) is the senior college of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, based at Seaford House, Belgrave Square, London. Centerprise International (Ci) was contracted by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to align the site’s existing network specifications with Joint Service Publication (JSP) guidelines and to deploy updated network infrastructure.
Following further engagement with MOD stakeholders, the scope expanded to include Modern Workplace Services, which deliver secure, managed Windows devices for core RCDS and MODNet users. This ensured that end-user computing, identity, monitoring, and support services were aligned with Defence Digital’s security expectations and operational requirements.
Centerprise Overall Solution
Meeting RCDS’s requirements demanded a robust, tailored approach spanning secure infrastructure, user services, and ongoing operational assurance. Ci drew on its in-house expertise across solution architecture, Modern Workplace delivery, secure infrastructure, and service management to deliver an integrated solution aligned with JSP compliance and MOD security policy.
The solution incorporated layered security controls, including next-generation firewalls, zero-trust network access principles, role-based access control (RBAC), and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Through structured engagement with stakeholders, Ci developed a detailed understanding of RCDS’s mission objectives, operational constraints, budgetary considerations, and estate environment. This enabled delivery of a solution that balanced security, usability, and resilience, including secure remote access for authorised users and seamless integration with legacy MOD systems.
All delivery activities were governed by Ci’s ISO 9001-accredited Quality Management System, incorporating additional ISO-aligned controls. Under this contract, the QMS ensured, among other measures:
Delivery by subject matter experts with decades of combined experience, many holding PRINCE2 certification.
Personnel security clearance to UKSV SC as a minimum.
An ITIL v4-aligned service desk providing structured support, including out-of-hours cover and on-site assistance where required.
Meeting the MOD’s Security Requirements
Secure by Design (SbD) principles underpinned the full lifecycle of the engagement, including design, implementation, operational support, and asset disposal in line with MOD policy and Ci’s BS15713 and ADISA (Standard 8 – DIAL Rating 3) accreditations.
In line with SbD, Ci implemented:
Centralised security monitoring using Microsoft Sentinel integrated with Defence Digital Security Operations Centre (DDSOC), alongside network access control via Aruba ClearPass.
Enhanced data protection beyond baseline Microsoft policies using Veeam Backup to Ci’s UK sovereign cloud environment.
Independent assurance through an external Microsoft audit, complemented by an internal MOD ASAT audit.
Integration of the NCSC Mail Check platform to validate email security posture.
As a trusted MOD supplier for over three decades, Ci has applied established processes to meet enhanced security requirements, including SECRET-aligned controls where required. The solution complied with ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, and MOD-specific regulations. Patch management activities were aligned to contract SLAs, and Ci completed the MODCert process to assess and manage cyber risk, supported by test environments, sheep-dip procedures, and defined rollback plans.
Post-implementation, Ci conducted penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, delivered monthly security reporting, and supported tabletop and disaster recovery exercises. Continuous improvement activities were managed through formal change control, ensuring the solution remained secure, compliant, and scalable in line with RCDS’s evolving needs.
Conclusion
This engagement enabled RCDS to modernise both its network infrastructure and end-user computing environment while maintaining strict adherence to MOD and Defence Digital security requirements. Through the delivery of secure Modern Workplace Services, Ci provided RCDS with resilient, well-governed user devices, enhanced visibility of its security posture, and a support model aligned with operational realities.
By combining secure infrastructure design with disciplined service management and assurance processes, Ci ensured RCDS could operate with confidence in a highly sensitive environment. The solution met immediate compliance and security objectives and established a scalable foundation that could adapt to future Defence Digital policy, user requirements, and technological change.
This use case demonstrates Ci’s ability to deliver integrated, security-led solutions for complex MOD environments, supporting mission outcomes while upholding the highest standards of governance, assurance, and operational resilience.
Centerprise International
Hampshire International Business Park
Lime Tree Way
Basingstoke
Hampshire, RG24 8GQ
© Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.
