Chief Information Security Officer
£58,123- 67,633 plus £1,750 location allowance and excellent benefits, including Civil Service pension
Full time
Based at Hanslope Park near Milton Keynes, with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business need
Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park

An expert in information security and information risk management, this may be the most unique and important opportunity in your career to date. Not only will you assure data that matters hugely to the interests of the UK and our partners around the world. You’ll also have scope to reshape the way we do digital assurance. If you’ve got the skills and vision, this is your chance to step into a leadership role of great importance, with a small team of specialists who are passionate about our essential work.

At FCDO Services, we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings, courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech, and a whole lot more.

Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we're on. In our world, it all matters.

For our organisation, the safety and security of our teams and our information is more than a want, it’s a must. That’s what makes our Corporate Governance team so vital. They’re the people either supporting health and safety at home and overseas or protecting vital data. By following best practices, balancing interests, managing risks, and upholding policies they protect our organisation. Now, you've got the opportunity to join them

Setting the standard for success.
Assuring trust and safety at every level.
Knowing your decisions are valued.
It all matters.

Create a digital assurance culture that protects data in the national interest

As our new Chief Information Security Officer, we appreciate that you’ll bring fresh eyes to every aspect of what we do. Taking the helm of our small Information Security team, you’ll refresh, refocus, reset and revalidate the operation. In a nutshell, your role is about creating a culture in FCDO Services that ensures the security of our information and technology – so that we can all deliver our services in a safe, secure way.

You will manage digital assurance across FCDO Services – from IT, security and logistics, through to translation services and interior design data – and provide expert support to key projects. What’s more, as well as assuring FCDO Services data, you’ll be accountable for the data of our customers.

We’ll look to you to develop our vision and strategy for information security and cyber assurance, and take the lead on its implementation. Crucially, you’ll enable us to be innovative safely and securely. Your broad remit will span everything from the information aspects of crisis management, through to chairing the Digital Assurance Board, and overseeing both regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.

Influence at the highest levels while bringing people on a journey of change

Communication is a key aspect of this role. Our Executive and senior leaders will rely on your trusted advice on how to mitigate risks in their areas and plans. You’ll influence decisions around corporate information security matters including risks, assurance, compliance, threat and vulnerability management. In the event of an information security or IT related incident, you’ll be the primary point of contact, coordinating our response. You’ll also play a proactive role in encouraging a culture of good practice.

Naturally, you’ll have a substantial track record in information security and information risk management, with professional qualifications such as CISSP/CESG and CISA/CISM/CRISC, plus expertise in ISO27001 compliance. But it’s your communication and stakeholder management skills that set you apart, whether you’re solving problems or influencing strategy and policy.

This may be your first leadership role – but you will demonstrate your readiness for the challenge through your tact, openness and ability to bring people on a journey of change and improvement. In return, we’ll support your own ongoing journey of development, with opportunities to gain professional qualifications and complete an excellent leadership and management programme.

Grow your career with full support

Working with us you’ll help keep people, information, and assets safe around the world. It’s a role you can feel proud of; and we aim to make every part of your career just as rewarding. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It's a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting on our website: https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

To find out more about this role, our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

Closing date: 16th February 2025.

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

The following documents provide supporting material for this role. Please note for some documents you may require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you require an alternative format, please contact FCDOServices.Recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk.

Hanslope Park based posts attract a Location Allowance of £1,750 per annum.

FCDO Services are regulated by the Civil Service Commission.