At a Glance
- Tasks: Support security policy development and promote a strong security culture within Defra.
- Company: Join Defra, the UK government department dedicated to protecting our environment and food industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: This role is reserved for UK Nationals only.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving innovation for a greener, healthier future.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world‑leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people’s day‑to‑day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group. We have around 1000 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.
Please note that due to the nature of the work this is a reserved post and as such only UK Nationals are eligible to apply. For further information around eligibility and reserved status please refer to the Civil Service Nationality Rules - section 3.
As a Security Policy Advisor, you will be a vital member of the Policy, Strategy and Influence Team. Your mission is to support the development and maintenance of policy frameworks and guidance that enable Defra group Security to grow a good security culture. You will contribute to ensuring our work effectively defends UK interests against the growing threat environment, while remaining fair, transparent, and legally compliant.
Key Responsibilities- Policy translation and evolution: Support the translation of high‑level policy decisions into clear, actionable guidance and streamlined operational processes for users. Helping users to apply the policies consistently. Assist with internal and external consultations on proposed policy changes, analysing stakeholder feedback to refine processes that reflect best practices.
- Expert advice and knowledge management: Provide high‑quality, practical advice on security policy issues. Escalating novel or contentious matters that arise throughout the life cycle where appropriate. Help maintain and update a comprehensive body of policy knowledge, integrating lessons learned from cross‑government best practices to drive continuous organisational improvement.
- Regulatory horizon scanning: Monitor domestic and international legislative developments, including the Government Security Classifications Policy, and International Classifications Policy to ensure that Defra remains compliant with international laws when establishing information exchanges.
- Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with stakeholders across the organisation (including in the Arm’s Length Bodies, information management, data protection and HR teams) and stakeholders in other government departments, to contribute to a consistent evidence‑based approach to security policy.
- Subject matter expertise: Develop and maintain deep technical knowledge of security policies across the pillars of security including physical, personnel and cyber.
- Security education development: Support the design and delivery of high‑impact, practical training and guidance to support users and help to develop a good security culture.
- Briefing & governance: Draft clear and accurate briefings and contribute to advice provided to Senior Leadership and governance boards.
- Continuous improvement: Assist in identifying gaps in current process models and/or operational guidance and contribute to their improvement.
Security Policy and Governance Lead in London employer: Government Recruitment Service
Defra is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the safeguarding of the UK's natural environment and supporting vital sectors such as food and farming. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration within the Digital, Data, Technology and Security team, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and continuous improvement. Joining Defra means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values transparency, fairness, and the development of a robust security culture, all while working towards a greener and healthier future for everyone.
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Policy and Governance Lead in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Defra on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding Defra's mission and values. Show us how your skills align with their goals, especially in security policy and governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to security policy. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Policy and Governance Lead in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Security Policy and Governance Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around policy development and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on demonstrating your knowledge of security policies and frameworks. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate how you've contributed to a good security culture or improved processes.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Defra.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Policies Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in security policies and frameworks relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the Government Security Classifications Policy and any recent legislative changes. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with various stakeholders, including those in HR and data protection. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully engaged with different teams to implement policy changes or improve processes. This will highlight your teamwork skills and ability to drive a consistent approach.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to talk about how you’ve tackled complex security issues in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you clearly convey your thought process and the impact of your actions on organisational improvement.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to translate high-level policies into actionable guidance. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. This preparation will demonstrate your analytical skills and readiness to contribute effectively from day one.
