Personnel Security Lead Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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Location
About the job
Job summary
The DWP Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC) offers a uniquely challenging and fulfilling opportunity for people interested in making a genuine difference to society.
CRC is an innovative and responsive operation delivering a range of services to help DWP protect, monitor and respond to malicious behaviour or activity and threats to, or compromises of, financial and personal data assets.
DWP is the UK’s biggest government department; few other organisations globally provide the same opportunity to apply next-generation digital technology on a massive scale to issues with touch the lives of so many. We support more than 20 million people every day to help them find work and save for their future. We provide financial assistance worth over £200 billion each year to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected. With 800 locations and around 100,000 colleagues, we’re bigger than most retail operations.
The Personnel Security Lead role sits within the Personnel Security Team part of Security and Data Protection part of the Cyber Resilience Centre (CRC).
We operate within a challenging multi-stakeholder environment, engaging within internal customers, delivery teams and stakeholders, as well as with external third- party suppliers and other Government Departments to support the build and maturity of DWP’s security capabilities.
Job description
The Personnel Security Lead role sits within the Personnel Security Team part of Security and Data Protection. The Personnel Security Lead will report to the Head of Personnel Security and will have line management responsibility for 1 x SEO. The Personnel Security Lead will:
- Manage the progression of the National Protective Security Authority, Personnel Security Maturity Model Project, a major on-going initiative that aims to assess DWP’s maturity in relation to the Insider Threat by engaging with a variety of stakeholders to help increase our current understanding of that threat.
- Undertake risk assessment and advising Ministers and Private Office on Security and protocols for Ministerial visits.
- Provide high level security business partnering to Private Office and other senior stakeholders.
- Manage Personnel Security policy in relation to the Cabinet Office Security Policy Framework and relevant DWP policies.
- Undertake leak investigations and report to the Permanent Secretary and Cabinet Office.
- Act as the primary point of contact with People, Capability & Place on security related issues such as insider threat and Personnel security behaviours.
- Provide appropriate advice and permissions for staff working abroad and manage the monitoring of those DWP devices taken overseas without the appropriate authority.
- The role will require strong stakeholder management and negotiations across a wide variety of cross-cutting organisations and Departments including the Government Security Group; part of the Cabinet Office, and National Protective Security Authority. Additionally, the role requires personal authority and acumen in handling often very sensitive and personnel discussions with individuals.
- As part of the Transforming Government Security agenda, the Candidate will be expected to develop and evolve the Personnel Security service offer within DWP, while refining that service to meet the nuances of the Department.
- The post holder will be expected to engage and influence at a senior level with both internal and external stakeholders to create a service that aligns with the pan-Government agenda while ensuring that a quality service is provided to all.
Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain close working relationships with stakeholders both internal and external to DWP and across Government to ensure that best practice is shared, relevant views are canvassed, represented and the work of the team and DWP is championed.
- Manage the development of a range of Personnel Security policies and procedures to help mitigate against the threat of an insider attack. Working with the National Protective Security Authority and other agencies to ensure that up-to-date intelligence is shared and translated internally to ensure DWP are at the forefront of mitigating against the insider threat.
- Work collaboratively with counterparts in other lead departments and Cabinet Office, sharing best practice and lessons learned, and in the development of new Cross-Government Personnel Security policies and products.
- Understand the impact of relevant threat areas (including cyber) and threat actors and advise on relevance to the overall DWP threat posture, by interacting with wider departmental businesses, agencies, and functional capabilities.
- Advise DWP’s Deputy Director of the Cyber Resilience Centre and Chief Security Officer on relevant policy and personnel security issues, and briefing them, the DWP Permanent Secretary and senior Security Advisors on evolving Transforming Government Security matters.
- Influence and manage relationships with senior colleagues including Director Generals, Directors, policy leads and specialists to ensure that they recognise the importance of personnel security and accept recommended controls and procedures, explaining clearly and persuasively the need for proportionate personnel security.
- Represent DWP on a range of personnel security working groups such as the National Protective Security Authority’s Personnel Security Working Groups and the Cabinet Office Government Security Groups, including the Cross-Government Leak Forum, using them as an opportunity to share our expertise, best practice and influence emerging Government policy.
- Act as the lead investigator during leak enquiries, directing the course of the investigation, undertaking electronic investigations, working with colleagues within Cyber Resilience Centre and others, conducting interviews both on an informal and formal basis, maintaining logs etc.
- Act as Ministerial / Private Office security business partner undertaking Ministerial briefings as and when required.
- Support the Head of Personnel Security with the introduction of several initiatives, including the Think Before You Link social media app, closer working with National Protective Security Authority’ and Cabinet Office Leak team.
- Line management of 1 SEO ensuring regular 1-2-1s are followed and all aspects of the people performance process are followed.
- Prioritise team focus and manage team performance skilfully.
- Working in an often highly pressurised, time sensitive, reactive environment.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Experience of leading a team in a Personnel Security or an Operational environment
- Experience of building strong working relationships with senior stakeholders and influencing strategic direction
- Experience of working in an investigative environment, analysing, and challenging information
- Experience of written and verbal briefing skills to Senior Leaders/Managers
- Experience of interacting with stakeholders, regardless of grade, and managing their expectations
For roles located in Wales, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable.
Qualifications are desirable but not essential because DWP has a comprehensive Security Profession learning and accreditation offer and prioritises investment in building skills and experience as part of our wider employee value proposition.
The successful applicant must have or be willing to work towards:
- CISMP Accreditation.
- NIST Cyber Security Professional: Foundation
- CPNI Protective Security in the National Infrastructure Foundation Course.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Generous holiday allowance of 23 or 25 days for new starters (dependent on grade) based on full-time work pattern, which increases to 30 days over time, in addition to public/bank holidays.
Salary Information
Salary for this role is:
£50,155 - £60,781 for National based roles.
£53,874 - £64,715 for Outer London based roles.
£55,149 to £65,950 for Inner London based roles.
Our offer to successful candidates will be based on an assessment of your skills and experience as demonstrated at interview.
Existing Civil Servants
For existing Civil Servants, Civil Service rules on successful appointment will apply.
This role can be based out of either Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow or Sheffield corporate hub locations.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Stage 1: Application
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV & personal statement (1,000 words). All applications will be assessed and sifted based on the essential criteria in the responsibilities section of the advert, using the information you provide in your completed application form.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Applications must include:
- A completed Personal Details application form.
- A curriculum vitae* with education, professional qualifications and full employment history, giving details of key achievements relevant to the skills and experience outlined in this job description.
- A personal statement. In no more than 1000 words, please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria, outlined in the 'Person Specification' section of the job advert.
Stage 2 – SIFT & INTERVIEW INFORMATION:
Applications will be sifted at regular intervals from the date the posts are advertised. Sifting for this role will be concluded as soon as the advert closes.
The final stage of the process will be an interview where you will be assessed against the behaviours outlined in the advert. These are, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing and Working Together.
Interviews will be conducted online using MS Teams dates will be confirmed.
Only candidates that have been successful at the previous stage will be invited to attend an interview.
Further Information
Find out more about Working for DWP
Any move to DWP 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
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]
You must meet the security requirements before you can be appointed. The level of security needed is Developed Vetting (DV). You will need to either have DV clearance or be willing to apply for DV clearance for this role. You will not be able to start in-post until DV clearance is obtained.
For meaningful checks to be carried out, you will need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time, to enable appropriate checks to be carried out and produce a result which provides the required level of assurance. Whilst a lack of UK residency in itself is not necessarily a bar to a security clearance, and expectation of UK residency may range from 3 to 5 years. Failure to meet the residency requirements needed for the role may result in the withdrawal of provisional jobs offers.
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.
Before applying for this vacancy, current employees of DWP should check whether a successful application would result in changes to their terms & conditions of employment, e.g. mobility, pay, allowances. Civil Servants that would transfer into DWP from other government organisations, following successful application, will assume DWP's terms & conditions of employment current on the day they are posted, unless DWP has stated otherwise in writing.
Diversity
At DWP we are committed to creating a great place to work for all our colleagues; an inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the diversity of the society we serve.
We want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, and we offer a range of flexible working patterns and support to make a fulfilling career at DWP accessible to you.
Diverse perspectives and experiences are critical to our success, and we welcome applications from all people from all backgrounds with the experience and skills needed to perform this role.
As one of the largest government departments, almost every individual in the UK is a direct customer of DWP at some point in their lives. DWP’s mission is to improve people’s quality of life, both now and in the future. We do that by focussing on delivering excellent services that make a difference to millions of people. We trust and empower our people to deliver these services to customers every day, including the most vulnerable in society.
We seek to be an exemplar of the modern Civil Service, and to build on our achievements for the benefit of those we serve. When we are at our best, we care, we deliver, we adapt, we work together and we value everyone, and we seek to ensure that these values guide the way we serve our country, our communities, and our fellow citizens.
Hybrid working
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home.
This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account.
If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
Places for Growth and Social Mobility
As part of the Places for Growth Programme, we are committed to delivering a more geographically diverse Civil and Public Service that will better serve the public and ministers.
As part of this initiative, we are continuously reviewing how we recruit into each location.
Postings
Posting will be made in merit order by location, this will be based on the geographical requirement at the time.
A reserve list may be held for a period of 6 months from which further appointments can be made. Reserve list candidates will be posted in merit order by location.
Successful candidates will be posted to a specific role and will have the opportunity to express a preference as part of the selection process, although final decisions may come down to business need, and the skills and development needs of candidates. Standard promotion rules will apply, and successful candidates will be placed on the pay scale and terms and conditions of DWP.
The roles available will be based in:
- Birmingham 3 Arena Central, Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2AX
- Blackpool Peel Park, Brunel Way, Blackpool FY4 5ES
- Glasgow Atlantic Quay, Glasgow G2 8SP
- London – Caxton House, 6-12 Tothill Street, London, SW1V 9NA.
- Leeds – Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 7UA.
- Manchester – 2 St Peter’s Square, Manchester, M2 3AA.
- Newcastle – Benton Park View, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1BA.
- Sheffield – Hartshead Square, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 2FD.
- (Cardiff) Treforest, Ty Taf, Main Avenue, Treforest CF37 5YN
Some Travel may be required.
The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences. If evidence of plagiarism is found your application will be withdrawn.
Reasonable adjustment
At DWP we value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including those that are underrepresented in our workforce.
We consider visible and non-visible disabilities, neurodiversity or learning differences, chronic medical conditions, or mental ill health. Examples include dyslexia, epilepsy, autism, chronic fatigue, or schizophrenia.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
1.Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
2.Complete the “Reasonable Adjustments” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission here to visit Civil Service Commission
