At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide independent assurance on cyber security and data protection frameworks.
- Company: Join a leading consultancy partnered with a major UK Government Agency.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive market rates, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a highly regulated sector.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of enhancing cyber resilience in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in DSPT and CAF, with strong analytical and stakeholder management skills.
Cyber Security Assurance and Maturity Lead Consultant for DSPT & CAF
6-month contract Remote Working (UK) Outside IR35 Market Rates
The Opportunity: Our consultancy client is partnered with a major UK Government Agency and are seeking an experienced DSPT & Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) Assurance Specialist to provide specialist assurance across a significant data security and cyber resilience programme. The organisation is currently undertaking a programme focused on compliance with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) and the NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF). The programme is developing proposals, controls and actions to address identified gaps. The requirement now is for an experienced assurance professional who can independently assess whether those proposals and actions are appropriate, effective and delivering the intended improvement in organisational maturity; providing an evidence-based view of the current state, assess the effectiveness of remediation activity, identify remaining gaps and help ensure that improvement plans translate into sustainable security and data protection outcomes.
You'll be a credible assurance professional comfortable with reviewing evidence, challenging proposed solutions and determining whether controls are actually operating effectively; equally comfortable discussing cyber risk with technical specialists and presenting clear, concise assurance findings to senior programme and organisational stakeholders. Previous experience of DSPT and CAF within NHS, healthcare or Government environments is highly desirable.
Skills and Experience:
- Essential
- Significant professional experience in cyber security, information assurance, security governance, risk or compliance, with demonstrable experience assessing organisational maturity against security or data protection frameworks.
- Practical experience working with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) and working with the NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF).
- Experience undertaking assurance, audit, assessment or independent review activity within NHS, healthcare, Government or another highly regulated environment, reviewing evidence and determining whether controls and remediation activity are genuinely effective.
- Strong understanding of cyber security governance, risk management and control frameworks.
- Ability to translate framework requirements into practical assurance questions, evidence requirements and measurable outcomes, with strong analytical skills and the ability to identify gaps, risks, weaknesses and dependencies.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the confidence to challenge senior stakeholders constructively, producing clear assurance reports, recommendations, action plans and executive-level briefings.
- Desirable
- Experience working within the NHS, DHSC, UK Government or Government Arm's Length Bodies.
- Previous experience acting as an independent DSPT assessor or assurance provider.
- Experience with CAF-aligned DSPT assessments.
- Knowledge of NHS information governance and data protection requirements.
- Experience with ISO 27001, NIST, Cyber Essentials / Cyber Essentials Plus or similar security frameworks.
- Experience with risk and control frameworks, audit methodologies or maturity models.
- Experience supporting cyber transformation, remediation or organisational improvement programmes.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Provide independent assurance across DSPT and CAF-related activities, proposals and remediation plans.
- Assess the organisation's current maturity against relevant DSPT and CAF requirements.
- Review existing assessments, evidence, controls, improvement plans and supporting documentation.
- Evaluate whether proposed actions are appropriately designed to address identified risks and gaps.
- Assess whether completed actions and controls are operating effectively and producing the intended outcomes.
- Identify weaknesses, residual risks, dependencies and areas requiring further remediation.
- Provide clear, evidence-based assurance findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Challenge assumptions and proposed approaches where evidence does not demonstrate sufficient assurance.
- Support the development and maintenance of maturity assessments, assurance plans, action plans and evidence repositories.
- Map findings and recommendations against relevant DSPT and CAF outcomes, principles and indicators of good practice.
- Work closely with Cyber Security, Information Governance, Data Protection, Risk, Compliance and Programme teams.
- Support the establishment of appropriate measures and evidence to demonstrate sustainable improvement.
- Contribute to governance forums, assurance reviews and senior-level reporting.
- Help ensure that improvements are embedded into business-as-usual processes rather than treated solely as point-in-time compliance activity.
NB: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic level of security clearance before undertaking the assignment.
Cyber Security Assurance Assurance Specialist (DSPT / CAF) - Home-Based in Altrincham employer: ISR Recruitment
As a leading player in the public sector digital transformation space, we offer an exceptional work environment for Quality Assurance Engineers looking to make a meaningful impact. Our remote working model allows for flexibility while collaborating with a multidisciplinary Agile team dedicated to delivering high-quality digital services. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities to enhance your skills in cloud-based data platforms and contribute to significant government projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cyber Security Assurance Assurance Specialist (DSPT / CAF) - Home-Based in Altrincham
✨Get Engaged in Cybersecurity Communities
Dive into online forums or local meetups, like OWASP events or Cybersecurity conferences. These spaces are packed with pros who can share insights and might even know about temporary roles at places like ISR Recruitment.
✨Showcase Your Skills Publicly
Link your GitHub or create a series of blogs sharing your knowledge on cybersecurity topics. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and attract attention from hiring managers, especially when they see your passion in action.
✨Stay On Top of Temp Opportunities
Keep an eye on platforms that list temporary positions specifically in tech. Websites focusing on contract roles in cybersecurity can lead straight to employers like ISR Recruitment.
✨Make Contact with Recruiters Specialising in Cybersecurity
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on cybersecurity roles. They often have insights into temporary roles before they’re advertised and can put your name forward to companies like ISR Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Cyber Security Assurance Assurance Specialist (DSPT / CAF) - Home-Based in Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In cybersecurity, it's vital to highlight your skills with relevant tools and technologies. Make sure your CV showcases your experience with firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and any cybersecurity frameworks you've worked with. This gives ISR Recruitment a clear view of your capabilities right off the bat.
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP, flaunt them! These not only validate your skills but also show that you’re committed to the field. Add a section to your CV specifically for this, because in a temporary role like this, those credentials can really set you apart.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:For a temporary position, we want to see your willingness to learn and adapt quickly. Make your cover letter specific to the role at ISR Recruitment; mention why you’re excited about the opportunity and how it fits your career goals. A personal touch can make a big difference!
Don’t Forget the Soft Skills:In cybersecurity, technical skills are crucial, but so are soft skills like teamwork and communication. Make sure to weave examples of how you've collaborated with teams or communicated complex ideas into your application. This shows that you're not just a tech whizz but also a great team player, perfect for a temporary role at ISR Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at ISR Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you’re familiar with the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques, like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and malware analysis. During the interview with ISR Recruitment for the Cyber Security Assurance Assurance Specialist (DSPT / CAF) - Home-Based, be prepared to discuss specific scenarios where you tackled security threats or vulnerabilities.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Prowess
Cybersecurity is all about thinking on your feet. Expect technical questions that require you to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. You might be presented with a mock security breach scenario, so practising your responses to potential threats can be a game changer!
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
As this is a temporary role, showing that you're adaptable and quick to learn is crucial. Talk about times you've picked up new skills or reacted to changing situations quickly. Employers want to know you can hit the ground running and keep things secure during your short stay at ISR Recruitment.
✨Bring Relevant Certifications
If you have any relevant cybersecurity certifications, like CompTIA Security+ or CEH, be sure to mention them. This can really help you stand out during a temporary hiring process, as it showcases your commitment to the field and your readiness to take on the Cyber Security Assurance Assurance Specialist (DSPT / CAF) - Home-Based role at ISR Recruitment.
