Head of Cyber, Band 8b

Head of Cyber, Band 8b

The closing date is 02 August 2026.

The Head of Cyber Security is the expert responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of digital services and patient information across acute, community, mental health and primary care partners within the Gloucestershire Integrated Care System (ICS). Protecting staff, systems and safeguarding patient data from harm by ensuring technology and information that underpins patient care remains safe, available and trustworthy is of utmost importance and enables delivery of safe patient care by our 15,000+ staff with confidence, transparency and compliance.

The post holder will provide strategic and operational leadership of the Cyber Security Team and act as the expert adviser to the Chief Delivery & Governance Officer, SIRO, Caldicott Guardian and Audit Committees on all cyber-security matters, working closely with the Information Governance lead and DPO.

They will ensure compliance with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) aligned with the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) and the delivery of the NHS Cyber Security Strategy to 2030 and full participation in the regional "Defend as One" model.

The role combines governance, assurance and hands‑on leadership of proactive and preventative tactics, threat intelligence, incident response, vulnerability management, strategy and cultural change to build cyber resilience across the Integrated Care System (ICS).

The post holder will be an experienced cyber security leader with a proven track record of managing and improving cyber resilience within large, complex or multi‑organisation environments. They will possess deep technical and governance expertise across areas such as threat detection, vulnerability management and incident response, with the ability to translate complex technical risk into clear, articulate, actionable information for senior executives and boards with assurance and confidence.

They will demonstrate a thorough understanding of national and international cyber standards, including the Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF), Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT), ISO 27001, and the NHS Cyber Security Strategy to 2030. Experience of successfully leading cyber compliance programmes, external audits and penetration‑testing remediation is essential.

The successful candidate will bring experience in leading multidisciplinary cyber teams, developing capability through mentoring and training and fostering an open culture of shared responsibility for cyber security. They will have strong stakeholder‑management and influencing skills, with the ability to build transparent and trusted relationships across digital, information governance and clinical teams, while working collaboratively with regional and national partners under the Defend as One approach.

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on‑site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Act as the senior specialist for cyber security across the ICS, setting strategic direction and delivering the countywide Cyber Security Strategy and annual workplan.

Act as the primary countywide interface with NHS…