In my first blog of 2018, I’d like to start by wishing you all a very Happy New Year. The first month has flown by and I’m sure this is going to be a busy and exciting year for the Government Security Profession. With the Government Security Profession Unit (GSPU) up and running, it’s going to be full steam ahead. Keep reading if you’d like to know more about what we’ve got planned for 2018.
We are going to run an events programme for the government security community, starting in the spring. As part of this we will be reaching out to identify who is in the security profession/community, and what your expectations might be of membership. If you have any thoughts on this now or any ideas about what you’d like to see at our events, please do let me know by commenting below.
In terms of recruitment and careers, I’m very pleased to say that we will be running the Cyber Security Technologist Apprenticeship Programme again for the 2018/2019 cycle, and exploring opportunities with DCMS to develop a more consolidated Apprentice Scheme offer. We’ll be holding a Cyber Security Apprenticeship networking event on 1st March, where I’m really looking forward to meeting our cyber professionals of the future. Look out for more on that.
GSPU is also reviewing pay and reward structures, and career pathways for security professionals. In addition, the team is developing a workforce plan for the profession that can help drive succession planning, a diversity strategy, and recruitment and talent needs.
The team is also developing a collaboration hub for the profession, and a tool for you to share best practice and network with your colleagues.
The GSPU skills and learning team has a busy 2018 planned too, including delivering a learning programme for the new Security Advisors (SAs) and Senior Security Advisors (SSAs), in addition to updating the profession pages on Civil Service Learning. We’ll be providing pathways for those in the security community who wish to increase their cyber security skills. If there is anything in particular you would like to increase your knowledge on in this area, do let me know.
I’m anticipating a productive and successful year ahead for the profession and I’m looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the engagement events we will run throughout the year.
Jon Ashton, Head of Profession - Government Security
6 comments
Comment by Paul posted on
As the IT Security Manager (DSO) for an arms-length Government Body I would like to know if GSPU will be serving us too? I would very much like to meet and liaise with security professionals in other Government bodies to learn from them and share experiences so that we are all not re-inventing the same wheel every time
Comment by Purvi Kay posted on
Absolutely yes. The profession is for all security professionals within government and this includes arms-length bodies. GSPU will be running UK-wide events for the profession later on in the year. These will be widely advertised so as to get the best attendance possible, and offer a great networking opportunity to security professionals across the country.
Comment by Stuart McIver posted on
Hi, RE GSPU reviewing career pathways, its this an open consultation that UK wide Security teams can contrbute to?, will the events also be UK wide? - thanks.
S.
Comment by Purvi Kay posted on
Yes. GSPU will be running focus groups where a wide range of government security professionals will be invited to provide input and help with developing the career paths and other elements of the profession. They events will be UK-wide, so as to give everyone in the security community an opportunity to contribute towards the development of the profession.
Comment by Alice Bennett posted on
I am interested in being part of GSPU and wanted to enquire if we have any further details on the focus groups, I would be willing to participate and assist if I can. My expectations would be of more partnership working and sharing of best practice so we can learn from each other across civil service and partners. I would also like to know more information about the new Cluster Security Units.
Comment by Ken MacLean posted on
Hi - this sounds really useful, I too am keen to be involved with GSPU and would be happy to help out where possible. Are there plans to come to Scotland and present/meet up here?