At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new cyber security team and develop strategies to protect residents' information.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary, 36-hour work week, and commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to build a culture of security and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cyber security in a vibrant London borough and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in cyber security leadership and a passion for team development.
The predicted salary is between 66150 - 80850 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to help build something new at one of London’s most ambitious boroughs. Southwark is establishing a brand new Digital and Resident Experience Service, and as Head of Cyber Security and Information Governance, you’ll be one of the people shaping it from the ground up, building a team, a culture and a way of working that keeps residents, communities and services safe for years to come. You’ll join at a genuinely exciting time for the council, as we invest in our people and technology to better serve more than 300,000 residents across Southwark’s diverse communities. This is your chance to build and grow a specialist team, develop their skills and give them a real sense of purpose, while working alongside colleagues who care about the difference technology makes to people’s everyday lives. If you’re a security leader who wants to build something new, develop people and make a genuine impact on the communities we serve, we’d love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Build and lead a new specialist cyber security team within Southwark’s Digital and Resident Experience, growing capability, developing people and creating a culture the team is proud to be part of.
- Develop and own Southwark’s cyber security strategy, roadmap and improvement plans, aligned to corporate priorities and the council’s ambitions for the borough.
- Direct and assure the outsourced Security Operations Centre and govern vulnerability management practice, holding providers and suppliers to account for service performance.
- Own the council’s cyber incident response plans and lead the response to security incidents, keeping our services and our residents’ information safe.
- Lead security compliance and assurance activity, and information governance and data protection, working closely with colleagues across the council to embed a security-conscious culture.
What We're Looking For
- A strong track record of leading and building a cyber security function within a large, complex organisation, ideally within local government or the public sector.
- Strong working knowledge of security operations, vulnerability management and security compliance frameworks such as PSN, Cyber Essentials, PCI DSS and UK GDPR.
- Experience of leading the response to cyber security incidents, including coordination with major incident management and external agencies.
- A genuine passion for developing people, building inclusive teams and creating a culture where colleagues can do their best work.
- A commitment to using technology and security to protect and improve outcomes for Southwark’s residents and communities.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert. To be considered for interview, you will be asked to submit your CV and a supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4) demonstrating how you meet the key criteria outlined in the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Contact Information:
Internal Staff: For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Naseem Golamgouse via email.
External Candidates: For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Chris Hatcher via email.
Additional Information:
- Working Hours: 36 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
- Location: 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH
- Type of contract: Permanent
Recruitment Timeline
- Advert close date: 11:59pm on Monday 28th September 2026
- Shortlisting date/s: Monday 5th October 2026
- Technical Interview date/s: week commencing 12th October 2026
- Final Panel Interview date/s: week commencing 19th October 2026
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Head of Cyber Security and Information Governance in London employer: Southwark Council Careers
As the largest local authority social landlord in London, Southwark is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees are empowered to thrive. With a strong commitment to tackling inequalities and enhancing community well-being, we offer our HR Business Partners the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying professional growth opportunities within a supportive team. Join us in shaping a fairer future for Southwark's residents and experience the unique advantage of working in a vibrant borough that values its people and their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Cyber Security and Information Governance in London
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including Southwark Council Careers, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through Southwark Council Careers
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at Southwark Council Careers. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Cyber Security and Information Governance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at Southwark Council Careers insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to Southwark Council Careers that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council Careers
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at Southwark Council Careers to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at Southwark Council Careers.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
