At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage daily security operations and investigate complex incidents.
- Company: Join the Financial Ombudsman Service, a not-for-profit organisation making a difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and extensive personal development support.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in cybersecurity with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Minimum of 64 UCAS points and a passion for cybersecurity.
The predicted salary is between 26936 - 26936 £ per year.
Contract: 24 month fixed‑term apprenticeship with transition to a permanent position upon successful completion.
Salary: £26,936.
Location: London, Exchange Tower.
Reporting to: Information and Cyber Security Lead.
Working hours: 35 hours per week (full time) with 20% of time on off‑the‑job learning.
About the role
Provide essential operational capacity to manage day‑to‑day security workloads, allowing senior analysts to focus on higher‑level investigations.
Responsibilities
- Investigate complex security incidents and conduct root‑cause analysis.
- Deploy and manage security tools, perform vulnerability scans and risk assessments.
- Act as first responder to escalated security tickets, reviewing automated logs and system activities.
- Maintain and update security documentation, playbooks, and SOPs.
- Execute security awareness programmes, phishing simulations and employee training updates.
- Research and evaluate emerging security technologies and OSINT tools.
- Stay abreast of cybersecurity news, emerging threats and zero‑day vulnerabilities to proactively adjust internal defences.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 64 UCAS points, including Maths (acceptable Level 3 qualifications).
- At least 18 years old on enrolment (September 2026); not in full‑time education or receiving funding for other learning programmes.
- Full UK right to work for the duration of the apprenticeship; resident in the UK for 3 years prior to start.
- Understanding of fundamental networking concepts (TCP/IP, DNS), operating systems, cloud environments and modern threat landscapes.
- Problem‑solving and natural investigative skill‑set with examples of experience.
- Passion for threat tracking – demonstrate genuine consumption of cybersecurity news outlets, vendor advisory channels and threat intelligence feeds.
Benefits
- £26,936 salary.
- 25 days holiday entitlement (option to buy or sell).
- Generous pension.
- Private medical insurance, virtual GP, critical illness cover and life assurance.
- Various family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity pay and carers leave.
- Choice of voluntary benefits – technology scheme, cycle‑to‑work, will‑writing, etc.
- Gym membership discounts and an on‑site gym open 24/7 in London.
- Hybrid working – minimum four days in office every fortnight.
- Extensive personal and career development opportunities.
About the Employer
The Financial Ombudsman Service is an independent, not‑for‑profit organisation committed to resolving disputes between consumers (or small businesses) and financial service providers in the UK.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Financial Ombudsman Service is an Equal Opportunity and Disability Confident Employer. All applicants will be treated in a fair and equal manner in accordance with the law, regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Application deadline: 15 June 2026. The role may close earlier than the advertised date if required.
Cyber security officer employer: Financial Ombudsman Service
The Financial Ombudsman Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the vibrant Exchange Tower in London, employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and a range of health and wellness perks, including private medical insurance and access to a 24/7 on-site gym. With a commitment to equal opportunities and a focus on meaningful work in the field of cybersecurity, this apprenticeship provides a unique chance to build a rewarding career while contributing to the protection of consumers and businesses alike.
Contact Details:
Financial Ombudsman Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber security officer
✨Get Involved in Local Cybersecurity Meetups
Join local cybersecurity meetups and workshops to connect with professionals and enthusiasts. These events are goldmines for networking and will help us understand what skills are hot right now. Plus, you never know who’s hiring or who can point you in the direction of an awesome apprenticeship!
✨Leverage Online Platforms and Forums
Dive into platforms like Reddit, Discord, or even specialised forums where cybersecurity pros hang out. Engaging in discussions not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to apprenticeship opportunities shared directly by industry insiders. Let’s make sure we’re in the right spaces to learn and connect!
✨Gain Practical Experience with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participating in Capture the Flag competitions is a fun way to flex your cybersecurity skills and gain real-world experience. Many companies actually scout talent at these events, so when we’re honing our problem-solving abilities, we’re also putting ourselves on the radar of potential employers. Don’t miss out!
✨Apply Directly Through Financial Ombudsman Service’s Website
When you find a potential apprenticeship at Financial Ombudsman Service, jump straight onto their website to apply. Tailor your application to show how your skills and interests align with their needs. Don’t just apply anywhere—let’s make our application to Financial Ombudsman Service shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber security officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Technical Skills:In the cybersecurity field, your technical skills are paramount. Make sure to emphasise any relevant skills you have, such as knowledge of firewalls, network security, or experience with coding languages like Python. Listing any specific software or tools you've worked with can really catch the hiring manager's eye!
Show Off Your Certifications:If you've got any cybersecurity certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ or CEH, mention them prominently in your application. These qualifications not only prove your commitment to the field but also showcase your foundational knowledge, which is super valuable for an apprenticeship role at Financial Ombudsman Service.
Express Your Eagerness to Learn:Since this is an apprenticeship, make sure to highlight your motivation and willingness to learn. In your cover letter, share your passion for cybersecurity and explain why you want to grow your skills with us at Financial Ombudsman Service. This will show your potential as an apprentice and help you stand out!
Include Relevant Projects or Experiences:If you've participated in any relevant projects, whether at school or independently, be sure to include them! Talk about any practical experiences, like securing a network during a class project or attending cybersecurity workshops. This not only showcases your hands-on skills but also shows your proactive approach to learning.
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Ombudsman Service
✨Know Your Cyber Basics!
Familiarise yourself with the key concepts in cybersecurity, like vulnerability assessments and firewalls. They might throw some technical questions your way to gauge your understanding, so be ready to tackle those with confidence!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Since this is an apprenticeship, highlight any relevant projects or coursework you've done. If you've created a small network security project or contributed to an open-source initiative, bring it up! It's a great way to demonstrate your passion and practical skills.
✨Brush Up on Tools of the Trade
Make sure you're familiar with cybersecurity tools like Wireshark or Metasploit. Being able to discuss these tools and how you've used or would use them in real-world scenarios will show that you're not just about theory but can apply your knowledge hands-on.
✨Express Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprentice, your potential for growth is a huge factor. Be ready to share how you plan to develop your skills further and express a genuine enthusiasm for cybersecurity. They’re looking for someone who's keen to dive deeper into the field and make a contribution to Financial Ombudsman Service.
