84305 - Personnel Security and Vetting Lead
Role Profile
Position Personnel Security and Vetting Lead
Location National
Band/Grade G7
Contract Type Permanent
Overview
The Ministry of Justice’s (MoJ) Security and Information Group (SIG) has a broad range of responsibilities including personnel, physical and cyber security through to information management and records compliance. Our aim is to ensure the MoJ holds information in compliance with legislation; that all information is correctly stored, accessible, and shared appropriately; and our information is protected, and the risks managed.
The MoJ Group Security Team sits within SIG and is enabling good security practices through the provision of personnel security policies, guidance, and education, by understanding personnel risks from all parts of the Ministry of Justice and providing assurance to the departmental SIRO, the Permanent Secretary, and other senior stakeholders that these risks are being effectively managed in the delivery of MoJ objectives.
We are seeking to recruit people from a diverse group of backgrounds to make sure we have a wide range of skills to strengthen our security capability across government. We value the fact that our different backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences, and ways of working produce a more effective team. Each one of us has a part to play in helping government to keep the United Kingdom secure.
Role Purpose
MOJ is recruiting a new Personnel Security and National Security Vetting Lead, are you who we are looking for?
Over the last couple of years, MOJ has successfully implemented several changes and developments in the field of Personnel Security, but there is more to be done and we are looking for someone who can lead and deliver with professionalism, expertise, and enthusiasm. We are about to embark on work to deliver a Personnel Security Strategy, alongside a plan on how we will implement necessary changes to enable us to meet Government Standards.
Working as part of the MOJ’s Security and Information Group (SIG) you’ll use your experience and passion to push forward MOJ’s ambitious goals in the security arena. You’ll lead a team of committed professionals to achieve clear, positive and ongoing improvements to our services, and the department-wide security culture. You’ll make sure the team both receives and delivers value for money and take action to ensure that MOJ is prepared for and aligned to relevant government standards and security programs.
We welcome level transfers and applications for promotion. The role is part of the Government Security Profession, and is eligible for sponsored membership to the Security Institute or other relevant professional body.
We welcome applications both from individuals with experience in Government security, and from credible and experienced professionals outside the profession. If you are looking to make a move into the Government Security Profession and have built up relevant and transferable skills, then please consider putting in an application.
If the job sounds interesting to you and you meet most of the requirements for the role, but still are not sure whether to apply, we’d encourage you to take the chance and put yourself forward as you might be exactly who we are looking for.
Job Description, Duties and Responsibilities –
Reporting to the Security Adviser (SA), the postholder will lead and enable the delivery of personnel security and national security vetting services across MOJ, its Executive Agencies and Arm's Length Bodies by:
• Overseeing MOJ’s National Security Vetting (NSV) service, ensuring that value for money is received, clearance capacity is used appropriately, and that HMG & MOJ policy is adhered to across the department. Where standards are not met or risks identified, developing clear and actionable strategies to rectify and seek improvement.
• Managing the operational relationship between MOJ and its NSV provider, ensuring that service expectations are met, and that the rights and requirements of the department are accounted for within their service delivery model.
• Preparing MOJ to exit operational servicers from its NSV provider and stand up internal operational services, as part of Cabinet Offices plans to deliver centralised vetting decision making across government.
• Monitoring central and cross HMG security programs, ensuring MOJ is prepared for any changes and that MOJ’s voice is heard in the development of new policies and programs.
• Driving forward MOJs development of personnel security strategy and governance, including developing timely and relevant security policies and Personnel Security Notices (PSNs).
• Identifying and setting the strategic and workstream objectives for Personnel Security, ensuring that delivery remains on track across the performance year, including developing and driving forward MOJ’s counter insider threat workstreams.
• Ownership of the Personnel Security risk register, ensuring that risks are documented, managed, and responded to in a credible and proportionate manner.
• Managing MOJ’s Personnel Security Sub-Committee, ensuring that stakeholders are informed and consulted on relevant security issues as appropriate, escalating to the Information Security Risk Board as appropriate.
• Overseeing MOJ’s approach to overseas travel, identifying gaps in service provision and driving forward improvements in policy and practice whilst ensuring compliance with cross HMG expectations and standards.
• Leading, motivating and managing a team of approximately 11FTE staff based across the UK, including having direct line management of approx. 3FTE, ensuring that staff have clear objectives and are working as one to deliver for MOJ.
• Working closely with the security governance team to monitor compliance with HMG Personnel Security standards, for example those standards monitored via the Departmental Security Health Check (DSHC), developing clear action and rectification plans where standards are not yet being fully achieved.
• Identifying areas of work that can benefit from increased use of automation and/or use of data to drive performance and cost savings, taking action to implement improvements and process changes as required.
• Supporting the wider team as part of unauthorised disclosure (leak) investigation and improvement activity.
• Supporting the wider work of the Chief Security Officer, Security Advisor, Group Security, Security and Information Group, and the MOJ as required.
Skills & Qualifications Essential criteria
Essential skills:
• Proven experience and expertise in risk management and risk-based decision making.
• Proven ability in and a commitment to service development and improvement.
• Proven and credible experience in problem solving and strategic thinking.
• Proven and credible experience of line management and team leadership.
• High level written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and a ‘self-starter’ approach to work and personal development.
• Eligibility for and willingness to undergo and maintain SC clearance.
Desirable skills:
• Previous experience in Government Personnel Security.
• Proven experience of financial management and controls, within a burden share model.
• Qualifications in business, change and/or security relevant topics.
• Eligibility for and a willingness to undergo DV clearance and/or STRAP induction if requested.
Application Process
This vacancy will be using Success Profiles to assess Behaviours. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a panel interview.
We will assess you against the following behaviours during the selection process:
• Changing and Improving
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership
• Working Together
Hybrid working
The flexible working arrangement of Hybrid working means the individual must be present at their base office for a minimum of 2 days every week, however this is based on business need and could be subject to change going forward. This hybrid working arrangement is not contractual and as a result staff could be asked to attend their base location more frequently.
Flexible working hours
The Security Information Group offers flexible working subject to local agreement.
This post is advertised as Permanent & Full Time. The unit is supportive of and encourages flexible working and compressed hours candidates will also be considered.
This role can be based Nationally, with the possibility of occasional travel into London and across England and Wales.
New entrants to the Civil Service will join on the minimum of the pay range.
Existing Civil Servants will have their salary calculated in accordance with the Department’s pay on transfer / pay on promotion rules.
Working Arrangements & Further Information
The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.
For nationally advertised roles, the successful candidate(s) will be appointed to a MoJ office location, which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed on the completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.
MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.
All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.
Flexible working hours
The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices.
Benefits
The MoJ offers a range of benefits:
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.
There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Pension
The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.
Training
The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.
Networks
The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.
Support
- A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
- Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
- For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
- Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
- Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order
- To Shared Service Connected Ltd (0845 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com);
- To Ministry of Justice Resourcing team (resourcing-management-office@justice.gov.uk);
- To the Civil Service Commission (details available here)
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.
You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the SSCL Recruitment Enquiries Team.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the wider society that we serve. We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and a sense of belonging. To find out more about how we do this visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/equality-and-diversity.
26/02/2024, 23:55 hours.
For questions about the role please contact jennifer.logan@justice.gov.uk.
If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@gov.sscl.com Please quote the job reference - 84305.
To apply for roles in MOJ you will need to confirm your employment history for at least 3 years prior to the date of application so that pre-employment checks (BPSS) can be undertaken. If you have spent significant time abroad (a total of 6 months in the past 3 years) you would be required to give a reasonable account of the reasons why.
For some roles you will be required to successfully complete National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorism (CTC), Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) level as a condition of appointment. To meet CTC/SC/DV requirements you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3/5/10 years prior to the date of application (The level of checks that are required are stated in the advert).
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may still be considered if, for example:
- You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government
- You were studying abroad
- You were living overseas with parents
In such cases you will need to be able to provide referee cover for the period(s) of residence overseas. The duration of overseas residence and the country of abode will also be taken into account.
Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles. This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.
We have provided detail of the assessment stages and areas being assessed to help you prepare for completing your application form, and to advise of what will be assessed following this, if you successfully pass the application stage.
Application form stage assessments
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
You must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application, including your CV, statement of suitability and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
Interview stage assessments
A Great Place to Work for Veterans
The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Redeployment Interview Scheme
Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ are committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.
MoJ are able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidate's will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
· UK nationals
· nationals of the Republic of Ireland
· nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
· nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
· individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
· Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
This Vacancy is closed to applications.