At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of security policies and guidance to enhance Defra's security culture.
- Company: Join Defra, a key UK government department focused on environmental protection and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of shaping security policies that protect our environment and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and a passion for security and governance.
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 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 food industry while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. With a commitment to employee growth, Defra provides extensive training and development opportunities within a supportive work environment that values transparency and inclusivity. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the future of our planet and enjoy the benefits of working in a dynamic team dedicated to public service.
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Policy and Governance Lead
✨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 land you a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Defra's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of safeguarding the environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to security policy and governance. We want to see your expertise shine through, so be ready to share examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Security Policy and Governance Lead
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 Defra's mission and the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise:Demonstrate your knowledge of security policies and governance in your application. Use examples from your past work to illustrate how you've contributed to policy development or stakeholder engagement, as this will show us you understand the role's requirements.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received properly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Policies Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in current security policies and frameworks relevant to Defra. Brush up on the Government Security Classifications Policy and any recent legislative changes. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to translate complex policy into actionable guidance, as this is crucial for the role. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled feedback and adapted processes accordingly.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think about instances where you identified gaps in processes and took initiative to improve them. Share specific examples that illustrate your problem-solving skills and your proactive approach to enhancing security culture within an organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle real-world security challenges. Practice articulating your thought process in these scenarios, focusing on how you would apply your knowledge and experience to develop effective solutions while ensuring compliance and fairness.
