Deputy Director, Operational Assurance (Border Force)
Border Force is a law enforcement command within the Home Office. We secure the UK border by carrying out immigration and customs controls for people and goods entering the United Kingdom.
Our people work across airports, seaports, rail terminals and postal hubs, as well as in intelligence and central operational functions. Together, they protect national security, facilitate legitimate travel and trade, and help keep the public safe.
Why this role matters
This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Border Force's most influential corporate and operational functions. Operational Assurance provides the Director General and Border Force Board with confidence that risks are being understood and managed appropriately, that operational controls are functioning effectively, and that lessons are translated into meaningful improvements. This is not a traditional compliance role. At its core, this role is about making Border Force better: improving operational professionalism, strengthening public confidence and supporting better outcomes for border security.
The role comes with a permanent seat on the Board and is line managed by the Director General.
Key accountabilities
You will:
- Lead and develop a geographically dispersed Directorate of approximately 100 colleagues, creating a high-performing and inclusive culture.
- Provide assurance to the Director General and Border Force Board on the effectiveness of key controls, organisational performance and risk management arrangements.
- Set the strategic direction for assurance activity across Border Force and ensure a consistent, risk-based approach is embedded throughout the organisation.
- Lead Border Force's second-line assurance function, ensuring assurance findings are evidence-based, proportionate and focused on improving outcomes.
- Oversee the development and effectiveness of first-line assurance arrangements across operational and enabling functions.
- Own and maintain the Border Force Strategic Risk Register on behalf of the Border Force Board.
- Lead Border Force's approach to integrity, ethics and professionalism, promoting the highest standards of conduct and organisational behaviour.
- Oversee the Insider Threat Programme and associated interventions to identify, assess and mitigate corruption and integrity risks.
- Provide leadership for misconduct management, ensuring investigations and casework are managed consistently, fairly and effectively.
- Manage Border Force's relationship with external audit, inspection and scrutiny bodies, ensuring recommendations are addressed and improvements delivered.
- Oversee public correspondence functions, ensuring concerns are handled effectively and lessons are identified and acted upon.
Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £86,000 to £96,000 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: London
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 3 Nov 2026
Closing date: 23 Nov 2026
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident
Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
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Deputy Director, Operational Assurance (Border Force) employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
