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Head of Data Security - CDDO

Government Digital Services -

Full-time (Permanent)
Up to £71,000(National) or £77,900 (London) - based on capability. The base salary of this grade is £61,710 (National) or £65,790 (London).
Published on
7 December 2022
Deadline
15 January 2023

You will be part of  CDDO and the Data Strategy and Standards (DS&S) Directorate at an exciting time as we build a new data governance and policy function and establish a Data and Technology Architecture Design Authority (DTADA) to sit alongside the established Data Standards Authority. 

Our team has some big ambitions. We want to improve services for end users and improve how new policies are developed through the effective use and reuse of data.   A key part of that will be to establish a Data Architecture that is appropriate for system-wide and cross-government adoption, underpinned by agreed principles, policies and standards. Within this function we recognise the need to develop pan government approaches to common data protection and security challenges. We need great people to make that happen. 

This will involve solving complex or/and complicated problems to deliver on the commitments in the National Data Strategy and DS&S’s forward plan. You’ll be working with colleagues from other government departments, as well as external partners, and challenging others to be ambitious in transforming the way data is used and shared across government to help deliver joined-up, trusted, public services that meet the needs of their users.  

You will be expected to work flexibly and collaboratively on a range of projects where your expertise and skills are needed and will support a culture of agile working across your team. You will work closely with the leads in other teams (notably data architecture) to establish task and finish squads to support new standards development.

 As the Head of Data Security you’ll:

  • act as a senior advisor on best practice cross government data security development, in relation to our data enterprise architecture, able to deploy multiple levers to ensure the best outcomes. 
  • work closely with colleagues in CDDO Securing Government Services, the Government Security Group (GSG) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to ensure that our work embodies best practice and keeps abreast of the latest cyber security thinking.
  • apply your creativity to how our standards and frameworks are presented so that our reform remit and our ambitious, but achievable, goals are easily understood so that we sustain support for our plans. Excellent verbal and written communications skills are critical to performing this role effectively
  • integrate our data architecture with consistent security frameworks and principles, including Secure By Design and GovAssure (the Government version of the NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework), influencing the development and application of these where appropriate. 
  • develop a strong market intelligence and horizon scanning function 
  • represent the programme with internal and external senior digital leaders and policy advisors.
  • be part of the DS&S senior team, who you will partner with to lead the delivery of the long term vision and near term strategy for the programme so that it reflects strategic requirements of the whole of government, fits with wider public sector domains, and keeps pace with technology innovation
  • ensure stakeholders across government are both informed about and consulted on priorities, progress and plans, and understand the strategic importance of making effective use of data security standards to meet their business goals


Who you'll be

This role requires:

  • experience of leading work on data security strategy and frameworks, with demonstrable experience in the effective application of data security by design in a way that enables innovative use of data
  • a robust understanding and care about the value of data and technology to transform lives, awareness of the National Data Strategy and commitment to work with colleagues in all digital disciplines, as well as those in more traditional government roles.
  • demonstrable application of dynamic security risk management in digital delivery or services, a strong understanding and evidence of designing security architecture and applying cyber/data security controls in digital delivery or services
  • an understanding of agile delivery and development best practices
  • ability to balance changing priorities, deal with ambiguity and uncertainty, using astute judgement to make decisions in the absence of full facts
  • strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills, including relationship building, listening, negotiating and influencing, with an ability to build effective relationships with senior management and operate successfully in a complex environment
  • strong experience of team leadership, recruitment, line management and coaching staff


Additional Information

 The standard selection process for roles at CDDO consists of:

  • An application screening process - Simply, hit apply.  We only ask for a Cover letter (up to 750 words) and a CV.  Important tip - please ensure that your cover letter includes how you meet the skills and experience listed in the “who you’ll be” section above.
  • An interview - We will asses you against the behaviours/Technical listed above, your experience
  • A presentation at Interview  

CDDO offers hybrid working for all employees. This means that everyone does some working from home/remote working and also spends some time in their local office. You will agree to your hybrid working arrangement with your line manager in line with your preferences and business needs. 

If we receive a high number of applications, we may decide to include an additional round (this would typically be a short telephone interview or assessment/exercise depending on the type of role).

Security level for the role; This role requires SC clearance. If further clearance is required in the future, you will be expected to complete this. Further details are outlined in Security vetting for employees.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. For further information see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prison-leavers-project-improving-outcomes-for-prison-leavers

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