Head of Cyber Security

About the Role

Lead the Mission to Protect Islington’s Public Services. Ready to make a real impact by defending public services from cyber threats? Islington Council is looking for a Head of Cyber Security – a strategic, inspiring leader passionate about safeguarding our community’s data and digital services. In this high-profile role, you’ll set the direction of our cyber security strategy and lead a talented team of experts to keep the council’s systems secure, resilient, and ready for the future. This is more than an IT job – it’s an opportunity to protect critical public services that thousands of residents rely on every day.

As our Head of Cyber Security, you’ll be the council’s go-to authority on all things cyber. You will advise senior leaders on emerging risks and best practices, ensuring we not only meet but exceed national cyber security standards and guidance. You’ll develop and enforce robust security policies, oversee governance and compliance, and champion a culture of vigilance across the organisation. From shaping long-term defence strategy to leading swift, effective responses to incidents, you’ll make sure Islington’s essential services and data are safe at all times. Importantly, you’ll coach and empower a dedicated cyber security team (and the wider organisation) to be proactive guardians of our digital environment. The impact of your work will be felt borough-wide – maintaining public trust and keeping vital services running securely.

About You

You’re an experienced cyber security professional who thrives on strategic challenges and big-picture thinking. You have a talent for leading people and projects, and you’re comfortable communicating complex cyber risks in plain language to everyone from technical teams to senior executives. You stay current with the latest threats and innovations, and you’re always looking for ways to improve and innovate. Just as crucially, you care about public service and understand the importance of protecting a diverse community through strong cyber defence. If you’re a natural collaborator who can inspire others and make sound decisions under pressure, this role will give you the platform to shine.

Our Values and Workplace

At Islington Council we live by our CARE values – Collaborative, Ambitious, Resourceful, Empowering. Our work and our culture because we believe public service is all about caring. In practice, this means we work together as one team, we aim high to achieve the best for our residents, we find creative solutions with the resources we have, and we empower and trust our people at every level. As Head of Cyber Security, you’ll embody these values. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the council, drive ambitious security improvements, use your expertise resourcefully to address complex threats, and empower every staff member to take cyber security seriously. We’re a friendly, inclusive workplace where new ideas are welcomed and everyone is driven by a shared purpose: to serve our community.

Working Arrangements

We understand the importance of work-life balance. This role offers a hybrid workstyle – you can work remotely for much of the week, with at least one day in the office (Islington, London) to connect with your team and stakeholders face-to-face. We value flexibility as long as the job gets done. Please note that due to the sensitive nature of this position, the successful candidate will need to pass a Basic DBS check and BPSS security check. Also, this role is politically restricted, reflecting its high level of responsibility and the need to remain impartial in safeguarding public trust.

Why Join Us?

This is a chance to lead a critical function at the heart of public service. You’ll have the freedom to set strategy, the resources to build a robust cyber defence, and the mandate to truly influence how we protect our borough in the digital age. Beyond the technical aspects, you’ll be joining a council that genuinely cares about its people. We offer ongoing professional development, the support of a committed leadership team, and the knowledge that your work directly contributes to the well-being of Islington’s residents.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re excited by this opportunity and believe you have the skills, experience, and drive to lead Islington’s cyber security, we’d love to hear from you. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds – your unique perspective and experience will strengthen our team and the community we serve. Join us in our mission to protect and empower Islington through technology. Apply today and help shape the future of cyber security in our borough. Together, we can keep Islington safe and secure for everyone.

Contact Leila Ridley, AD – Information and Digital Governance leila.ridley@islington.gov.uk

Our Offer to You

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Pre-Employment Checks

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues. We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace. Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.