About the job

Job summary

As Head of Information Security Assurance you will head up the team at UK Security Vetting (UKSV) that will lead our information security assurance and data protection efforts as we seek to raise our security stance across the organisation.

We are looking for someone who has the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, handling complex issues linked to the security of the national security vetting system, the Accreditation Check (aviation sector) system, and our future vetting platform. 

As the keeper of 6.5 million national security vetting records, including circa 0.4 million paper files, we are the UK’s foremost provider of vetting to the Government: keeping that data secure is a critical part of our mission as we seek to move off our current platform into a cloud-based environment.  

Job description

Our security architects and digital colleagues lead the work to secure the system through appropriate technical measures. You will work closely with them and other colleagues in UKSV to ensure that all policy and other factors are thoroughly considered before technical measures are implemented or (often far reaching) decisions are taken.

You will provide a non-technical challenge function to the operational technical teams in UKSV and our supplier, CGI, and will be in charge of that bilateral relationship from a security perspective.

You will keep senior colleagues up to date on risk and will be expected to lead all discussions with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) with technical colleagues (they will lead on all the technical detail), supporting them in achieving our objectives.

You will work closely with the Grade 7 that heads up the Personnel and Physical Security team, largely sharing the insider risk portfolio, and working together on organisational security issues, including cultural change.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Our security architects and digital colleagues lead the work to secure the system through appropriate technical measures.

• You will work closely with them and other colleagues in UKSV to ensure that all policy and other factors are thoroughly considered before technical measures are implemented or (often far-reaching) decisions are taken.

• You will provide a non-technical challenge function to the operational technical team in UKSV and our key suppliers, and will be in charge of these relationships from a security perspective.

• You will keep senior colleagues up-to-date on risks, and will be expected to lead all discussions with the National Cyber Security Centre (NSCS) with technical colleagues in supporting on all technical issues.

Person specification

As Head of Information Security Assurance within UK Security Vetting, we are looking for people who have the following expertise and attributes:

• Good attention to detail.
• Risk management and assurance.
• Negotiation and influencing, especially to/with technical colleagues and audiences.
• Strong communication, both written and oral.
• A background in IT security would be helpful, and you must be willing to learn and undertake the necessary courses.
• You should be a forward thinker, and not shy to challenge.

Experience

Essential:

• Government Security.

• Risk management and assurance knowledge.

• Cyber security and information security, including Government.

• Frameworks and best practice

Training:

You will receive all training required to undertake your new role in UKSV from our in-house Training team and from your departmental colleagues.

During your first week you will attend the UKSV All Staff Induction, which will introduce you to the Cabinet Office, provide you with more information about UKSV, and get you ready to start your new role.

Additional information:

A minimum 60% of your working time should be spent at your principal workplace. Although requirements to attend other locations for official business will also count towards this level of attendance.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £53,400, Cabinet Office contributes £14,418 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Application process

At the sift stage you will be assessed on the Behaviours and Experience elements of the Success Profiles.

You will be asked to provide a 250-word statement on the Behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Changing and Improving, Leadership and Making Effective Decisions. 

To assess experience you will be asked to provide a 500-word personal statement as part of the application process.

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be undertaken, only using the lead behaviour of Communicating and Influencing may be assessed at sift, as well as the 500 word personal statement.

Selection process

At interview, you will be assessed on the Behaviours and Experience elements of the Success Profiles. 

The Behaviours being assessed are Communicating and Influencing, Changing and Improving, Leadership and Making Effective Decisions. 

Expected timeline (subject to change)
Expected sift date – 20/06/2024
Expected interview date/s – 01/07/2024
Interview location - Google Meets Video Conference

Reasonable adjustments
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact Government Recruitment Service at: cabinetofficerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 

• Complete the ‘assistance required’ section in the ‘personal information’ page of your application form to provide information we should be aware of that will enable us to support you further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Further information
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'contact point for applicants' section.

Please note that this role requires DV clearance, which would normally need 10 years UK residency in the past 10 years. This is not an absolute requirement, but supplementary checks may be needed where individuals have not lived in the UK for that period. This may mean your security clearance (and therefore your appointment) will take longer or, in some cases, not be possible.

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to Cabinet Office from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out. 

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. 

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.