At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cyber risk initiatives and drive legacy technology improvements across government.
- Company: Join the Government Digital Service, a leader in digital transformation.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with clear career paths and support for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on government technology and enhance public sector resilience.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in governance, assurance, and risk management.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
As Cyber Risk Lead (Legacy Coordination and Assurance) you will guide the delivery of legacy and assurance activity, translating the requirements of the Government Cyber Action Plan (GCAP) and Firmer Foundations programme into meaningful actions that drive legacy technology interventions and remediation across government.
This role will work across the Accountability and Assurance functions of the Government Cyber Unit (GCU), and the Firmer Foundations of the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) – Digital Transformation, Government Digital Service. This role is not primarily a technical specialist or reporting role; it is a strategic integration role for someone who can understand digital, technology and cyber processes, connect workstreams, deliver requirements into delivery teams, and turn complex technical and programme information into clear advice and action to drive forward progress.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Acting as the primary interface between the Accountability and Assurance functions of GCU, and OCTO on legacy-facing and relevant technology modernisation work.
- Developing strong working relationships across GCU, OCTO, Government Departments, Mayoral Strategic Authorities and wider stakeholders.
- Translating GCAP outcomes, accountability priorities and assurance requirements into practical requirements for legacy remediation delivery.
- Developing government’s understanding of legacy risk by bringing together insights from assurance activities, legacy remediation programmes, public sector engagement and broader governance activities.
- Identifying lessons emerging from successful legacy remediation and legacy reduction activity across the public sector and embedding them in programme delivery.
- Identifying opportunities for legacy technology interventions to support GCAP outcomes.
- Identifying where legacy technology risks intersect with wider cyber, operational and organisational risks, ensuring these connections inform policy, governance and assurance activity.
- Working with the Technology Risk Group (TRG) to align legacy technology initiatives with strategic risk priorities, agreed risk appetite approaches and wider technology risk management objectives.
The post holder may be required to support out of hours on call rotas for responding to cyber and digital resilience incidents, for which remuneration and/or flexible working arrangements will be available.
Person specification
We’re interested in people who can:
- Demonstrate analytical and strategic thinking skills relating risk to corporate governance, organisational strategic direction and planning.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders across teams, communicating tailored threat information to relevant stakeholders, organisations and stakeholder groups.
- Identify connections, dependencies and opportunities across multiple workstreams.
- Translate and communicate complex information to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leaders championing protective security within the wider security function.
- Demonstrate experience of governance, assurance and risk management and work on major cross-government programmes.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cyber security, digital transformation, technology risk or organisational resilience helping organisations to derive and reason their security needs.
Recruitment Timeline
Sift completion: 2/12/2026. Candidates that do not pass the interview but have demonstrated an acceptable standard may be considered for similar roles at a lower grade. A reserve list will be held for a period of 12 months, from which further appointments can be made.
Government Digital and Data is a community of experts leading digital transformation in government, creating more efficient services that have a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The profession has technical specialists of all levels and backgrounds. They share a commitment to put users first and deliver world-leading government products and services.
Job roles within the profession range from trainee to Senior Civil Servants who lead on the very future of government itself.
Working in Government Digital and Data
The UK government is recognised as a global leader in digital transformation. Government Digital and Data experts design, build and manage essential services that impact millions of people's lives daily. With an unprecedented number of digital transformation projects underway, the potential to help solve complex problems and shape our society’s future is enormous.
Examples of Government Digital and Data roles:
- User Researcher
- Content Designer
- Software Developer
- Delivery Manager
- Business Analyst
- Product Manager
- Technical Architect
As a Government Digital and Data specialist you will be working at the cutting edge of how people interact, and are empowered by government. You’ll work in collaborative multidisciplinary teams on a range of projects and services that focus on user needs and deliver real value to society. You’ll be part of a cross-government profession with clearly defined career paths, support and learning and development.
Cyber Risk Lead (Legacy Coordination and Assurance) in London employer: Civil Service World
The General Dental Council (GDC) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a collaborative and innovative work culture. Located in Birmingham, with the flexibility of hybrid working, GDC offers unique opportunities to lead impactful change and digital transformation initiatives while contributing to public health outcomes. Join a dedicated team where your expertise will be valued, and your contributions will directly enhance regulatory effectiveness.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Risk Lead (Legacy Coordination and Assurance) in London
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Civil Service World, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Civil Service World
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Civil Service World. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Risk Lead (Legacy Coordination and Assurance) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Civil Service World insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Civil Service World that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Service World
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Civil Service World to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Civil Service World.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
