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- Tasks: Lead protective security efforts, manage risks, and ensure compliance with government standards.
- Company: Join CCS, a dynamic organisation focused on maintaining security across various domains.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, remote work options, and flexi-time.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in security while fostering a culture of awareness and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of UK Government Security Policy and experience in risk assessments required.
- Other info: Flexible working model with a mix of home and office collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 58000 £ per year.
Job description
Job Title: Security Risk and Assurance Lead
Band: 5
Salary: £57,954 – £65,400
Location: Liverpool/Newport/Norwich/Birmingham
Terms: Permanent
Hours: Full Time/Compressed Hours
Closing Date: 17/07/25
Insight into CCS – Webinar
Don\’t miss out on gaining valuable insight into CCS and our recruitment process!
Join us on Monday 7th July at 5:30 PM. Please use this link to register your attendance for this session or any of our upcoming sessions.
Are you ready to lead on protective security, advising with authority, managing risk with precision and ensuring governance that protects CCS and upholds Government security standards?
Job Summary
The Security Risk and Assurance Lead will focus on protective security across various domains, including personnel, cyber, and supplier risks. This role will ensure adherence with Government standards and regulations while delivering assurance.
The successful candidate will provide expert security advice, develop risk management strategies, and foster a culture of awareness, building strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organisation and government.
Directorate Overview
Finance, Planning and Performance oversees our financial reporting, develops budgets and projections, formulates business plans, tracks implementation progress, measures success metrics and manages corporate risk.
Team Summary
The Security and Assurance Team is a multidisciplinary unit dedicated to maintaining holistic security within CCS. This team plays a crucial advisory role, encompassing governance, risk management, and assurance across various security pillars, including cyber, personnel and physical security, incident response, and supplier security. Through a collaborative approach, the team ensures that comprehensive security measures are integrated and effectively managed across all areas of the enterprise.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead the analysis and derivation of business-supporting security needs, undertake protective security related risk assessments, conduct tailored threat assessment and other risk management activities, and ensure activities are consistent with applicable regulations and legislation
- Independently undertake risk management activities within a given area of practice or expertise, usually within established security and risk management governance structures
- Provide assurance by identifying deficiencies in the testing, monitoring, and management of security controls, ensuring ongoing compliance with legal, regulatory, and organisational standards for robust data protection
- Provide expert security advice that highlights protective security related risks, so risk or service owners can make well-informed and auditable decisions
- Develop risk management-related policies and assurance frameworks, ensuring their ongoing relevance and compliance with regulatory standards as well as broader organisational and government policies
- Provide tailored expert advice to a range of stakeholders on how to remedy identified risks by proportionately applying security capabilities, using published guidance, standards, and drawing on a range of experts as well as personal expertise
- Review internal controls after a security breach, providing advice on fixing any vulnerabilities found. Agree on and oversee the most suitable remedial solutions, controls, and safeguards for the organisation
- Support the delivery of security awareness programs to educate staff on security best practices and promote a security first culture throughout the organisation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Communicate effectively with senior leadership and other teams across CCS and wider Government
- Represent the security function at a senior level and act as an escalation point for business stakeholders
Essential Criteria (to be assessed at application stage):
- Strong understanding of the UK Government Security Policy framework and its application across Government. Familiar with supporting frameworks such as the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), ISO 27001, and NCSC and NPSA guidance to ensure integrated protective security
- Demonstrable experience in conducting threat and risk assessments, security audits and assurance activities to identify vulnerabilities and recommend proportionate mitigation. Skilled in applying risk-based approaches to inform protective security decisions and resilience planning
- Experience in developing and implementing security policies, standards and governance frameworks aligned with risk appetite and standards. Able to translate strategic security objectives into procedures that ensure compliance and accountability
- Proven ability to advise senior stakeholders on protective security matters, translating complex risks into actionable guidance. Effective communicator who promotes a strong security culture and aligns security priorities with business needs
- Demonstrated resilience in demanding situations, including the management of security incidents. Proficient in coordinating and handling security breaches, with experience in post-incident analysis to identify vulnerabilities and suggest remedial actions
Success Profiles (to be assessed at interview):
You will be assessed against the following Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Seeing the big picture
- Making effective decisions
You will also be assessed against the following Technical skills linked to the Government Security Profession Career Framework:
- Protective Security – Practitioner
- Risk understanding and mitigation – Practitioner
- Applied Security Capability – Practitioner
(A link to the Civil Service Success Profiles Framework is provided below)
Success Profiles Framework
What we will offer you, here are some of the benefits you can expect:
- Competitive salary
- Generous pension scheme
- A discretionary non-contractual performance related bonus
- Working remotely in addition to working in advertised office location
- Flexi time scheme (available for B1-B6)
- Minimum 25 days annual leave to a maximum service related 30 days excluding bank holidays
Explore fully how we will reward your work.
Want to make a difference? Find out more about the rewarding work that we do in our candidate pack.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil ServiceD&I Strategy.
We want to make our recruitment process accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you, please contact recruitment@crowncommercial.gov.uk
Working flexibly, delivering outcomes
CCS is a flexible business with a smarter working model where our colleagues benefit from a mix of home and office working. Successful candidates are expected to work from one of the office locations listed. Our current office attendance approach requires a minimum of 26 days per quarter (approx 2 days per week, which may be subject to change) in CCS office locations or off site meetings with suppliers, customers, partners, networking / industry events. This is pro rata for those who work part time. Our smarter working principles mean that our people have the advantage of both office and offsite based collaboration and learning, as well as working from home. This way of working allows us to honour our commitment to being a responsible business, offer flexibility and better work life balance as well as ensuring we deliver our business with confidence and in accordance with our CCS values.
Selection Process
Candidates who are successful at sift will be contacted as soon as possible following the closing date and advised of the interview process in more detail. The sift will commence WC 21st July and interviews will be held WC 4th August either at one of our offices or via video with interview times and dates to be confirmed. (Subject to change)
To find out more about our recruitment process please click here
Please note: 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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months, which the Civil Service may use to fill future suitably similar vacancies across government for candidates who are considered appointable following interview. Should you be placed on a reserve list and want to be removed please contact recruitment@crowncommercial.gov.uk.
Complaints procedure
Our recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners\’ Recruitment Principles details of which can be found at http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact recruitment@crowncommercial.gov.uk in the first instance.
If you remain unsatisfied with the response you receive you can then contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
Complaints Procedure
Our recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission\’s Recruitment Principles details of which can be found at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact recruitment@crowncommercial.gov.uk in the first instance.
If you remain unsatisfied with the response you receive you can then contact the Civil Service Commission at info@csc.gov.uk
Internal candidates should apply using their Workday account. Please use the careers hub for your application.
- Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, UK
- Greater Manchester; Liverpool; Leeds, UK;
- Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, UK
- Greater Manchester; Liverpool; Leeds, UK;
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Security Risk and Assurance Lead employer: Crown Commercial Service (CCS)
Contact Detail:
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Risk and Assurance Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UK Government Security Policy framework and its application. Understanding this will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its requirements.
✨Tip Number 2
Attend the Insight into CCS webinar on 7th July. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the organisation, ask questions, and show your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or professionals in the field of security risk management. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially give you an edge during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in conducting threat assessments and developing security policies. Being able to articulate your past successes will showcase your expertise and suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Risk and Assurance Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Security Risk and Assurance Lead position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key accountabilities listed in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, focus on your experience with protective security, risk assessments, and compliance with government standards. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage risks and provide expert security advice.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for this role. Make sure to illustrate your ability to communicate complex security issues clearly and concisely. Provide examples of how you've successfully advised senior stakeholders or led security awareness initiatives.
Tailor Your Application Documents: Customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'risk management', 'security audits', and 'stakeholder engagement', to ensure your application stands out and aligns with what the company is looking for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Crown Commercial Service (CCS)
✨Understand the Security Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the UK Government Security Policy framework and supporting frameworks like the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) and ISO 27001. Being able to discuss these frameworks in detail will demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-life security incidents or risk assessments. Prepare examples from your past experience where you successfully identified vulnerabilities and implemented effective solutions, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Security Risk and Assurance Lead, you'll need to communicate complex security issues to various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be ready to explain how you've effectively communicated security risks in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
The role requires strong leadership skills, so be prepared to discuss your experience in leading teams or projects. Highlight instances where you've influenced decision-making or fostered a culture of security awareness within an organisation.
