Chief Information Security Officer

This is an excellent opportunity to help create a leading digital security function in the NHS. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) will lead and manage the overall information security function. The CISO leads IT security activities within the Trust, managing the information and technology risk to the Trust’s IT facilities and information from internal and external threats. This role advises the Trust at a strategic level on existing and emerging threats, owns and develops the Trust’s information security posture using a risk-based approach and takes a comprehensive approach to information security.

We are looking for an experienced information and security professional with strong leadership skills, excellent digital and cyber security knowledge and a successful track record of delivery in senior information security roles. You will need to possess highly developed digital and cyber security skills and be accustomed to working at a senior level leading and delivering IT security in a sensitive and complex environment. You will be accustomed to working with executive teams and be able to clearly engage with internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will provide clear leadership and direction to motivate staff and teams to ensure delivery of the Trust’s strategic aims and objectives.

In return, you could be part of an upward journey, within which there is both permission and support to be innovative, to ensure the Trust develops a leading digital function.

Originally formed in 2000, ELFT has long been recognised as a centre of excellence for mental health care, innovation and improvement. We care for a population of more than 750,000 and we are proud to serve one of the most culturally diverse parts of the UK. In Bedfordshire and Luton, we are now responsible for a further 630,000 people’s mental health and community health care needs. Wherever patients receive our services and from whichever team, our values of care, respect and inclusivity underpin all that we do. Valuing the diversity of our local population is fundamental to realising our vision to provide outstanding healthcare to our diverse community. In September 2016, the Trust was proud to be rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, and the Trust was once again rated at ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC in June 2018 and 2021.

Our Board have clear ambition to be a ‘Digital First’ organisation. Our digital strategy is a collaboration between the Trust senior management team, the Digital Team, and a wide range of stakeholders who firmly believe in building upon our digital capabilities to ensure ELFT are regarded as pioneers in Digital. The scale of response to the COVID-19 pressures, particularly enabling remote and mobile working, and setting up the Stratford vaccination centre, has been remarkable. However, there are also significant challenges to address. Digital tools and services are now fundamental to the management and delivery of our services. This is an extremely exciting time to be joining our Trust on this journey.