You may have noticed there's been a break in our blogging over the last couple of months as the Civil Service communicates less during the pre-election period, in line with the General Election Guidance. This period is over, and we can talk publicly about our work once more.
Since our last blog in March a lot has happened across the Government Security Profession. We had a fantastic conference in Watford in March with 140 security professionals from 28 government departments and organisations. I was able to announce at the conference that we have some money set aside to develop a careers framework for security professionals - my top priority this year. The framework will give civil servants a clear structure of roles and training to work to, and will give managers who are recruiting a set of criteria to measure against. I'm aiming to make the first version of the framework available in the autumn.
The conference gave us the chance to meet and talk about important issues for the first time as a community. Olly Robbins, Director General of the Civil Service, opened the event and confirmed that he sees the security profession as having a key role in developing brilliant government services. We heard how the profession is developing in HMRC with new apprentices arriving and training courses underway. We also had some live demonstrations of physical, cyber and telephone attacks. We’re hoping to hold another event later on this year. If you attended in March or you would be interested in coming to our next event, please share your views or suggestions by commenting on this blog.
I want to use this blog as a place to talk about the many different aspects of working in our profession. If you would like to contribute to this blog please don't hesitate to get in touch with me @ jonathan.lloyd-white@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
9 comments
Comment by Angie posted on
I'd really like to attend the next security profession event. (I'm already signed up to notifications on this blog.)
As a matter of interest, could any notes or presentations from your first event be distributed to members of the security profession who (like me) either didn't get an invite, or were otherwise unable to attend?
Really pleased to hear a security careers framework is on the way, this should really help those of us already in security to develop our careers and attract in new talent and ideas. Will this also include security competences across the spectrum, or is that something for another day?
Comment by katmckee posted on
Hi Angie
The Security event on the 19th March was an interactive session where guest speakers from across the Security Profession gave presentations and practical demonstration on various security functions. The main purpose of the event was for Security Professionals across Government to build relationships and networks. We didn't issue any notes after the event.
The Head of Profession Development Group are currently planning the next event and as soon as the date and location are agreed, invitations will be sent out to Departmental Security Officers for further cascade.
The Group is working on developing a security skills framework and this will include security competencies to cover the different roles across the Security Profession.
Comment by Neil @ CDIO Finance posted on
Jonathan, Is there any chance of providing access to the material used on the day, perhaps hosted on GOV.UK as a useful reference for Gov Security Professionals and interested GOV.UK users?
Comment by katmckee posted on
Hi Neil
I've just replied to Angie's similar comment above. We will think about how we share the material we use at the next event, for those who might not be able to attend but are interested in the topic.
Kat
Comment by Karl Almond posted on
I'd urge anyone who has the opportunity to attend the next event to book themselves a place - the first event was excellent. It provided a real insight in to the breadth and depth of security work that takes place right across government, and highlighted the fantastic skills and knowledge base that we have across the departments. The challenge for the profession is to make the second event as good!
Comment by Kay Risby posted on
Thanks for your feedback Karl. We're already thinking about our next event which we've pencilled in for March 2016. More details to follow
Comment by Amanda posted on
Hi there.
I'm interested to understand how you reach out to Security practitioners in Government. I have been here two and a half years and in that time I have seen a survey of security qualifications and skills, that was sent to me by an IKM colleague (or I would never have seen it), but nothing else that from or that even mentions a security Head of Profession. Unfortunately the email address on the survey was void as well so this seems to the be the only way to engage with the group - or am I missing something?
I promote security staff networks in my organisation which are ever growing as we 'come across' posts, so I was glad to come across this blog. Is there anything else I should be doing to stay in touch?
Comment by Kat McKee posted on
Hi Amanda, thanks for getting in touch. Our Profession is an emerging one and it's really important that we build links between security professionals as you suggest. Our mailbox address is mailbox.s&idcrossgovt.securityprofession@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk - you can share any thoughts and ideas you may have on how we can develop the Security Profession - we'd love to hear from you. We held the first ever event for security professionals earlier this year and feedback from people who came was really positive. We are looking to organise another event around February/March year and we will be looking for input on that too. Look forward to hearing from you.
Comment by Amanda posted on
Thanks Kat. Happy to support however I can. Let me know how/ whether I can get involved