The GovPass Programme within the GPA is modernising Access Control Systems across HMG. Delivering a new UK government standard for card encryption improving building security and enabling greater interoperability through its innovative technology.

GovPass is operating across the UK in HMG Estate and in some of the most iconic buildings and departments, with an ambition to expand this further over the coming years.

Client Details

The Government Property Agency is the largest property holder in government, with more than 2.1 billion in property assets and over 55% of the government's office estate.

We are transforming the way the Civil Service works by creating great places to work, leading the largest commercial office programme in the UK, working towards halving carbon emissions from government offices, and achieving greater value for taxpayers. And we are looking for innovative, solutions-focused people to join our team.

Representing the best covenant in the UK - His Majesty's Government - we are leading transformational programmes such as the Government Hubs Programme, Whitehall Campus Programme and Net Zero Programme, as well as delivering modern, cost-effective real estate service solutions.

Innovation and progress are at the heart of our behaviours. We foster a culture of lifelong learning, where curiosity and self-improvement are encouraged. And we're dedicated to becoming a leading, inclusive employer both in the external market and throughout the Civil Service. Our strong emphasis on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is not just about driving inclusion across our organisation, it is also about ensuring our services meet the needs of government departments and the civil servants who use our spaces.

Join our dynamic and diverse team that leads with purpose, improving sustainability, nurturing social value, driving inclusivity and flexibility, and kickstarting economic growth. We are driven by purpose, and you can be part of it too: where you make a meaningful impact; where you influence; where your voice really matters; where you help to shape our future direction.

Description

The GovPass Programme within the GPA is modernising Access Control Systems across HMG. Delivering a new UK government standard for card encryption improving building security and enabling greater interoperability through its innovative technology.
GovPass is operating across the UK in HMG Estate and in some of the most iconic buildings and departments, with an ambition to expand this further over the coming years.

The Security Architect is a critical role in the GovPass Product Team and will be responsible for designing and developing security for the GovPass Service and Products, maintaining security documentation and developing architecture patterns and security approaches to new technologies. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to develop, maintain, and enhance security architectures that support the delivery of public services. The role will support the Product Manager by offering technical solutions and advice to ensure the product remains secure and aligns with business objectives.

Working wider across the GPA, this role will also be pivotal in shaping and influencing cross directorate product management practices and strategies as part of the wider GPA agenda. As the GovPass product stabilises or as the needs of government change over time, there is scope to take on other product related responsibilities in the future.

Responsibilities:

Recommend security controls and identify solutions that support a business objective
provide specialist advice and recommend approaches across teams and various stakeholders
communicate widely with other stakeholders, agencies and National Technical Authorities
Advise on important security-related technologies and assess the risk associated with proposed changes
Inspire and influence others to execute security principles
Help review other people's work
Recommend a security risk assessment approach and vulnerability analyses recommending mitigation strategies from the results
Identify areas for improvement within existing security frameworks and recommend enhancements

Profile

Person Specification:

Strong communication skills, comfortable briefing at a senior level
Customer focused and organised with an ability to rapidly analyse complex problems and find solutions
Resilient, adaptable and comfortable working in a fast paced and evolving environment
Driven and focused to deliver within the public sector
Collaborative and inclusive ways of working and can build trust across diverse teams and stakeholders
Working knowledge of security architecture principles and best practices.
Demonstrable experience in security architecture, risk assessment and incident response

Experience & Technical Skills:

Essential criteria:

Experience in designing and implementing security solutions, preferably in a government or public sector environment.
Working knowledge of security standards and frameworks, including Secure by Design, ISO 27001, NIST or similar
Understanding of security architecture patterns, methodologies, and best practices.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on innovation and efficiency.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Desirable criteria:

Knowledge of Automated Access Control Systems

Qualifications and Accreditations

Essential criteria:

Relevant Security Architecture qualification (e.g., CISSP, CISM or equivalent).
Demonstrable experience working on technical projects and managing stakeholders.
Demonstrable experience of working within security standards and frameworks

Desirable criteria:

Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security or technical related field.
Professional Membership (e.g. BCS, CITP) or a willingness to obtain within 12 months of taking up post
SC Clearance before taking up post (will be required before role can be started) and a willingness to undergo DV if required

Job Offer

A salary range of 41,055 - 45,155 per annum
28.9% Civil Service Pension
Hybrid working
Multiple offices: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Cardiff, Swindon, Nottingham