Security Policy and Governance Lead

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.

Digital, Data, Technology and Security (DDTS) is the trusted team for digital across the entire Defra Group.

We have around 1000 colleagues across DDTS and our ambition is to make it easier and faster than ever for people to interact with Defra. If you are ready to drive innovation and push boundaries, we want to hear from you. Join us and together we will create a great place for living, and a green and healthy future for all.

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Please note that due to the nature of the work this is a reserved post and as such only UK Nationals are eligible to apply. For further information around eligibility and reserved status please refer to the Civil Service Nationality Rules - section 3

As a Security Policy Advisor, you will be a vital member of the Policy, Strategy and Influence Team. Your mission is to support the development and maintenance of policy frameworks and guidance that enable Defra group Security to grow a good security culture. You will contribute to ensuring our work effectively defends UK interests against the growing threat environment, while remaining fair, transparent, and legally compliant.

Key Responsibilities :

• Policy translation and evolution: Support the translation of high-level policy decisions into clear, actionable guidance and streamlined operational processes for users. Helping users to apply the policies consistently. Assist with internal and external consultations on proposed policy changes, analysing stakeholder feedback to refine processes that reflect best practices.

• Expert advice and knowledge management: Provide high-quality, practical advice on security policy issues. Escalating novel or contentious matters that arise throughout the life cycle where appropriate. Help maintain and update a comprehensive body of policy knowledge, integrating lessons learned from cross-government best practices to drive continuous organisational improvement.

• Regulatory horizon scanning: Monitor domestic and international legislative developments, including the Government Security Classifications Policy, and International Classifications Policy to ensure that Defra remains compliant with international laws when establishing information exchanges.

• Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with stakeholders across the organisation (including in the Arm’s Length Bodies, information management, data protection and HR teams) and stakeholders in other government departments, to contribute to a consistent evidence-based approach to security policy.

• Subject matter expertise: Develop and maintain deep technical knowledge of security policies across the pillars of security including physical, personnel and cyber.

• Security education development: Support the design and delivery of high-impact, practical training and guidance to support users and help to develop a good security culture.

• Briefing & governance: Draft clear and accurate briefings and contribute to advice provided to Senior Leadership and governance boards.

• Continuous improvement: Assist in identifying gaps in current process models and/or operational guidance and contribute to their improvement.

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