Chief of Staff to the Chief Security Officer

The Chief Security Officer has one of the most significant security roles in the UK. DWP touches the lives of more than 20 million people and is responsible for circa £300bn of annual welfare spend. The department employs around 90,000 FTEs and operates from over 750 physical locations. Working to the Finance Director General, the Chief Security Officer sits on the Finance Group Executive Team with overall responsibility for identifying DWP's key security and data protection risks and setting relevant policies and standards across the organisation to deliver balanced and appropriate security controls. This enables the business to deliver the pension and benefits system to some of the most vulnerable people in UK society. We are seeking a Chief of Staff to support the Chief Security Officer. This is a high-profile, fast-paced opportunity, offering significant exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making at a pivotal point for the organisation. The postholder will work at the heart of the security leadership function, helping to shape the future operating model and strategic direction as well as ensuring continuity. The postholder will be expected to operate with confidence and credibility, contributing actively to Senior Leadership Team discussions, providing insight, challenge and perspective, and supporting the CSO in navigating complex, system-wide issues.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic support

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the CSO's remit, priorities, risks and stakeholder landscape.
• Provide strategic advice, challenge and support to aid informed decision-making.
• Identify emerging issues, risks and opportunities and ensure the CSO has clear visibility of matters requiring attention.
• Support the development and delivery of security strategy, governance and organisational priorities.

Executive briefing and communications

• Lead the development of briefing packs, submissions and other materials to support ministerial, Permanent Secretary and senior stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure the CSO is appropriately prepared for meetings, boards, visits and external engagements.
• Coordinate clear and consistent messaging across Security and Data Protection and wider departmental stakeholders.

Governance and leadership support

• Support the effective operation of senior governance forums and leadership meetings.
• Attend senior meetings and boards on behalf of, or alongside, the CSO, capturing key decisions, risks and actions.
• Monitor progress against agreed actions and ensure effective follow-through across the organisation.
• Assist the CSO in driving performance, accountability and delivery across the Security and Data Protection function.

Coordination and stakeholder management

• Act as a central point of coordination between the CSO, Senior Leadership Team and key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain effective relationships across DWP, wider government and external partners.
• Coordinate cross-functional activity, ensuring delivery remains aligned with strategic priorities.
• Support engagement with senior leaders, directors, deputy directors and corporate partners.

Risk, insight and continuous improvement

• Provide oversight of strategic risks, dependencies and organisational priorities.
• Analyse complex information from multiple sources and present clear recommendations to support executive decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve governance, reporting, communication and operational effectiveness.
• Support the development of management information, reporting and assurance products for senior audiences.

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