As the living, growing home of our national story, The National Archives is already a special place to work. We’re an institution nearly 200 years old with a collection spanning 1,000 years of history. But it’s where we go next that makes things really interesting.
Job Overview
Salary: £44,000 - £47,500 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Band: F / Senior Executive Officer
Closing date: Wednesday 1st July 2026 at midnight
We are looking for a Cyber Security Officer to join our Technology Strategy team at The National Archives. This role will shape and strengthen our security posture, ensure ongoing accreditation, and help embed best practice across the organisation. It involves identifying vulnerabilities across networks, platforms, and hardware, guiding remediation, overseeing compliance with ISO27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, GovAssure, ISO/IEC 42001 and 42005, and supporting a security culture through training and awareness initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Identify and assess security risks across network systems, cloud platforms, software, and hardware and advise on remediation.
- Remain aware of and monitor cybersecurity measures (including ISO27001, Cyber Essentials Plus, GovAssure and ISO42001/42005) to protect against unauthorized access, data breaches, use of AI and other cyber threats.
- Monitor ERP Smart Audit for compliance alerts and highlight issues to product owners.
- Work with third‑party providers and assessors to conduct regular security audits and assessments.
- Collaborate across The National Archives to assure incident response plans and procedures are up to date, robust, tested and uniform.
- Collaborate across the organisation to ensure robust security practices are integrated into all aspects of work.
- Provide training and awareness programmes to staff on cybersecurity best practices.
- Stay updated with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, intelligence and technologies.
- Support the Cyber and Information Management team, including the Cyber Security Engineer.
Working Conditions
- Normal office environment.
- A combination of onsite and home working is available. Applicants must be able to work from our Kew site at least 60% of the time.
Person Specification
Essential
- Strong knowledge and understanding of cyber security frameworks and standards, particularly in the UK Government / Public sector.
- Demonstrable experience of working in a cyber security role, preferably within a government or large organisation.
- Ability to work under pressure, prioritise and manage workload.
- Excellent problem‑solving skills for routine and complex problems and strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to deliver training to a wide audience.
Desirable
- Professional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, ComptTIA Security+, CEH, OSCP, CISA, CCSP or equivalent.
- Degree or equivalent in Cybersecurity or another relevant subject.
No sponsorship is offered for this role.
Other Requirements
SC clearance (or willingness to obtain SC clearance) is required. Applicants must have been resident in the UK for at least the past three years.
Benefits
Generous benefits package including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at the on‑site café and opportunities for training and development. Annual leave of 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year and to 30 after six years) plus 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum.
Reasonable Adjustments
- Contact the National Archives at careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk before the closing date to discuss any adjustment needed for the application or interview process.
- Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application with details of any required support.
Nationality Requirements
- UK nationals.
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland.
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK.
- Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre‑settled status under the EUSS (or valid application for settled or pre‑settled status).
- Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who met the EUSS eligibility on or before 31 December 2020.
- Turkish nationals and certain family members who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service.
Contact Point for Applicants
- Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team
- Email: careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk
The Civil Service is committed to attracting and retaining talent wherever it is found.
