Chief of Staff to the Chief Security Officer

Job summary

The Chief Security Officer has one of the most significant security roles in the UK. DWP touches the lives of more than 20 million people and is responsible for circa £300bn of annual welfare spend. The department employs around 90,000 FTEs and operates from over 750 physical locations. ​

Working to the Finance Director General, the Chief Security Officer sits on the Finance Group Executive Team with overall responsibility for identifying DWP’s key security and data protection risks and setting relevant policies and standards across the organisation to deliver balanced and appropriate security controls. This enables the business to deliver the pension and benefits system to some of the most vulnerable people in UK society. ​

We are seeking a Chief of Staff to support the Chief Security Officer.

Job description

This is a high-profile, fast-paced opportunity, offering significant exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making at a pivotal point for the organisation. The postholder will work at the heart of the security leadership function, helping to shape the future operating model and strategic direction as well as ensuring continuity.

The postholder will be expected to operate with confidence and credibility, contributing actively to Senior Leadership Team discussions, providing insight, challenge and perspective, and supporting the CSO in navigating complex, system-wide issues.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic support

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the CSO's remit, priorities, risks and stakeholder landscape.
• Provide strategic advice, challenge and support to aid informed decision-making.
• Identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities and ensure the CSO has clear visibility of matters requiring attention.
• Support the development and delivery of security strategy, governance and organisational priorities.

Executive briefing and communications

• Lead the development of briefing packs, submissions and other materials to support ministerial, Permanent Secretary and senior stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure the CSO is appropriately prepared for meetings, boards, visits and external engagements.
• Coordinate clear and consistent messaging across Security and Data Protection and wider departmental stakeholders.

Governance and leadership support

• Support the effective operation of senior governance forums and leadership meetings.
• Attend senior meetings and boards on behalf of, or alongside, the CSO, capturing key decisions, risks and actions.
• Monitor progress against agreed actions and ensure effective follow-through across the organisation.
• Assist the CSO in driving performance, accountability and delivery across the Security and Data Protection function.

Coordination and stakeholder management

• Act as a central point of coordination between the CSO, Senior Leadership Team and key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain effective relationships across DWP, wider government and external partners.
• Coordinate cross-functional activity, ensuring delivery remains aligned with strategic priorities.
• Support engagement with senior leaders, directors, deputy directors and corporate partners.

Risk, insight and continuous improvement

• Provide oversight of strategic risks, dependencies and organisational priorities.
• Analyse complex information from multiple sources and present clear recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve governance, reporting, communication and operational effectiveness.
• Support the development of management information, reporting and assurance products for senior audiences.

Person specification

Essential criteria

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including producing high-quality material for senior leaders.
• Knowledge and experience of security, including an understanding of governance, risk, assurance and the wider security landscape.
• Strong strategic thinking and sound judgement when dealing with complex and sensitive issues.
• The ability to analyse complex information and translate it into clear advice and recommendations.
• Experience of working effectively with senior stakeholders and influencing across organisational boundaries.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver at pace.
• Experience of working in a governance, policy, corporate strategy, private office or business management environment.

Please note this role may include travelling and occasional overnight stays.

Developed Vetting (DV) clearance; candidates without must be willing to undergo security vetting.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Seeing the Big Picture

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £57,946, Department for Work and Pensions contributes £16,786 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

DWP have a broad benefits package built around your work-life balance which includes:

• Working patterns to support work/life balance such as job sharing, term-time working, flexi-time and compressed hours.
• Generous annual leave – at least 23 days on entry, increasing up to 30 days over time (pro–rata for part time employees), plus 9 days public and privilege leave.
• Support for financial wellbeing, including interest-free season ticket loans for travel, a cycle to work scheme and an employee discount scheme.
• Health and wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme for specialist advice and counselling and the opportunity to join HASSRA a first-class programme of competitions, activities and benefits for its members (subscription payable monthly).
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity and shared parental leave pay after 1 year’s continuous service.
• Funded learning and development to support progress in your role and career. This includes industry recognised qualifications and accreditations, coaching, mentoring and talent development programmes.
• An inclusive and diverse environment with opportunities to join professional and interpersonal networks including Women’s Network, National Race Network, National Disability Network (THRIVE) and many more.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use