Chief Information Security Officer at the Home Office – £150,000 Salary | UK Civil Service Jobs 2026
Looking to take on one of the UK’s most senior cyber security leadership roles? The Home Office is recruiting a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead cyber security strategy across one of the UK’s largest and most complex government digital estates.
Offering a starting salary of up to £150,000, an outstanding Civil Service Pension with a 28.97% employer contribution, and flexible working arrangements, this permanent Senior Civil Service opportunity is ideal for experienced cyber security leaders ready to shape national cyber resilience.
Job Summary
- Position: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Organisation: Home Office
- Reference Number: 469665
- Salary: Up to £150,000
- Job Grade: Senior Civil Service (SCS) Pay Band 2
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Business Area: Chief Digital and Innovation Office
- Job Type: Digital
- Working Pattern: Full-time, Flexible Working, Job Share
- Vacancies: 1
- Application Deadline: 11:55 PM, Friday 31 July 2026
Job Location
Successful applicants can be based in:
- Croydon
- London
- Manchester
- Sheffield
About the Role
The Home Office Digital team designs, develops and operates technology supporting some of the UK’s most important public services.
As Chief Information Security Officer, you will lead cyber security across a digital estate consisting of more than 600 systems, supporting services including:
- Over 13 million Electronic Travel Authorisations
- Around 3 million visa applications annually
- More than 130 million border checks each year
- Approximately 7 million passport applications annually
- Over 140 million police checks involving people, vehicles and property
Reporting directly to the Chief Digital, Data and Technology Officer (CDDTO), you will shape the department’s cyber security strategy while protecting critical national infrastructure and maintaining public trust.
This is one of the most influential cyber security leadership roles within UK Government.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Lead the Home Office Cyber Security function.
- Develop and implement the Home Office Cyber Security Strategy.
- Set cyber security standards, policies and governance frameworks.
- Provide expert cyber risk advice to Ministers and senior executives.
- Sponsor and oversee major cyber transformation programmes.
- Lead responses to significant cyber security incidents.
- Direct cyber investment towards the highest priority risks.
- Build a strong cyber security culture across the organisation.
- Manage a cyber portfolio worth over £30 million.
- Lead approximately 200 cyber security professionals.
- Develop high-performing teams through mentoring and leadership.
- Strengthen partnerships across government, industry and national cyber organisations.
Major Transformation Projects
The successful CISO will lead several strategic programmes, including:
- Embedding cyber security specialists across Digital First product teams.
- Creating a new enterprise cyber practice.
- Expanding cyber operations capabilities.
- Enhancing Security Operations Centre (SOC) capabilities.
- Developing workforce planning, recruitment and career pathways.
- Implementing the Government Cyber Action Plan (GCAP).
- Improving cyber resilience across the Home Office.
Essential Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate extensive experience in:
- Senior cyber security leadership within large organisations.
- Leading cyber security strategy and enterprise-wide transformation.
- Managing cyber risk and responding to major cyber incidents.
- Delivering large-scale digital and cyber programmes.
- Leading complex teams across multiple locations.
- Managing significant budgets and supplier contracts.
- Influencing Ministers and executive-level stakeholders.
- Driving organisational change and improving cyber maturity.
- Building collaborative relationships across government and industry.
- Developing diverse, inclusive and high-performing teams.
Applicants must also be able to obtain or already hold Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance.
Salary and Benefits
The Home Office offers an excellent reward package including:
- Starting salary of up to £150,000
- Civil Service Pension with 28.97% employer contribution
- Flexible working arrangements
- Full-time permanent employment
- Job share opportunities
- Tailored learning and professional development
- Inclusive and diverse working culture
- Career progression within the UK Civil Service
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
- A maximum two-page CV highlighting relevant achievements and career history.
- A 1,250-word Statement of Suitability demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria.
Candidates should provide clear evidence of their leadership achievements, measurable impact and experience leading cyber security at enterprise scale.
Security Requirements
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Pass a criminal record check.
- Obtain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
- Meet Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements.
Nationality Requirements
Applications are open to eligible:
- UK nationals
- Irish nationals
- Commonwealth citizens with the right to work in the UK
- Eligible EU, EEA and Swiss nationals
- Other applicants meeting Civil Service nationality requirements
Why Join the Home Office?
This role provides a unique opportunity to influence cyber security across services relied upon by millions of people every year.
As Chief Information Security Officer, you will shape national cyber resilience, advise Ministers, lead major digital transformation programmes and protect some of the UK’s most critical public services.
Application Deadline
Friday, 31 July 2026 at 11:55 PM (UK Time)
Apply Now
Interested candidates should submit their application before the closing date through the UK Civil Service Jobs portal.