Chief Information Security Officer

An exciting opportunity is now available at Police Digital Service for a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Salary at £150,000 per annum

The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the organisation's vision, strategy, and programme to ensure information assets and technologies are adequately protected. As a key member of the executive team, the CISO will provide strategic leadership in cyber security, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and the unique needs of UK policing.

About Police Digital Service

Police Digital Service strives to be the go-to partner for technology developments and programmes across UK policing. Our team provides technical advice and delivers services to help policing and law enforcement organisations across the UK prioritise and focus on technology efforts.

Our Values are:

• We value People
• We do the right thing
• We are innovative
• We are one Team
• We are proud and passionate

Why Join us?

• Balance is important and we want you to take time off to recharge - we offer 28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days after 5 years of service. Holiday Purchase also available
• Flexible working hours - We trust you to do your job and we appreciate that life doesn't always fit around a 9 to 5 workday. We operate core hours of 10 to 4, Monday to Friday (37hr week)
• We care about your well-being - we have an EAP that offers not just welfare benefits but also retail discounts
• Plan for the future - we offer an excellent pension scheme and life assurance cover
• Put your mind at rest regarding your health - offering remote GP, mental health and physiotherapy appointments via video consultation
• Family - Enhanced maternity and paternity pay along with a flexible return to work
• Community - one paid day off per year for volunteering

Key Responsibilities:

• A comprehensive and actionable cyber security strategy, reviewed and updated annually.
• A robust incident response plan with quarterly simulation exercises.
• Regular risk assessments with actionable mitigation plans.
• Achieving and maintaining compliance with relevant regulatory standards and certifications.
• Development and delivery of a cyber security awareness programme for all staff.
• Quarterly reports to the board detailing the organisation's security posture, incidents, and improvements.
• Successful implementation of key security technologies within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Establishment of strong partnerships with vendors and third-party providers to enhance security capabilities.
• Creation of a cyber security dashboard to provide real-time visibility into key metrics and risks.
• Regularly updated training programmes for staff, tailored to roles and responsibilities.

What you need to succeed in the role:

• Proven experience as a CISO or similar senior leadership role in cyber security.
• Extensive knowledge of cyber security frameworks, standards, and best practices.
• Strong understanding of risk management, incident response, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA) are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the UK policing landscape and associated security challenges is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and deliver results in high-pressure environments.

Further information on the requirements for this role can be found in the attached candidate pack.

Diversity, equity and inclusion:

We are committed to equal opportunities for all and will not discriminate on any grounds. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible span of experience. All applicants will be considered without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, nationality, neurodiversity or disability status.

Working Arrangements:

This is a remote role with occasional national travel required for meetings.