Job summary

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

We are recruiting for a Vetting Officer (HEO) here at DfT Corporate Security to be part of our warm and collaborative Digital, Information and Security Group, where you will be responsible for delivering on personnel security and vetting across all functions across the Department for Transport Group (DfT).

Job description

Government Security is undergoing a step-change, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of it. As part of HMG’s Security community, you will be delivering and improving how we manage internal security and risk in a complex and changing environment. The role is also part of the wider Government Security Profession; a community with a mandate to establish transformation, including vetting and responsibility for an entirely new security model.

The role will require engagement internally and externally with the wider DfT family, transport sector organisations, Cabinet Office, United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and other government departments to influence policy, understand the latest advice and guidance and translate central policy initiatives into successful implementation for DfT. The role will also require direct engagement with staff and candidates for vetting.

Person specification

We are seeking to recruit people from a diverse group of backgrounds to make sure we have a wide range of skills to strengthen our security capability across government. We value the fact that our different backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences, and ways of working produce a more effective team. Each one of us has a part to play in helping government to keep the United Kingdom secure.

The successful candidate will be an established self-starter with the ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to tight deadlines, with excellent written and oral communication skills. 

If you are passionate about security and want the challenge of keeping a key government department secure, then this job is for you. We can offer the training you need to support your development and are prepared to consider both level transfers and appointments on promotion for the right candidates (for Civil Service applicants).

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to the SEO Vetting Manager, you will:

• Support the SEO Vetting Manager and G7 Head of Personnel Security and Vetting in delivering the operational requirements of departmental National Security Vetting (NSV) within DfT
• Lead on the provision of an efficient service, including advice and guidance
• Lead on management of the vetting enquiries inbox, dealing with enquiries from colleagues and customers effectively and efficiently, using your communication skills to good effect
• Support the SEO Vetting Manager with the day-to-day relationship with the Clustered vetting provider (Home Office's Protective Security Centre) and GRS
• Provide regular statistical returns to stakeholders as required
• Identify personnel security risks, process gaps and policy breaches within the vetting space and take effective remedial action
• Ensure the vetting team maintain the NSV contact list and offer appropriate training and support to new and existing contacts
• Support the SEO Vetting Manager to ensure that other vetting functions and processes, including new sponsorships, transfers, sharing of MI/Data, and renewals of clearance are delivered to the appropriate standard and in line with the relevant policies
• Contribute to the efficient and timely delivery of national security vetting decisions and support the end-to-end running of the overall vetting systems:
• This will include responsibility for the accurate and timely processing of a range of business critical activities such as good quality decisions and recommendations on granting, refusing and withdrawing such clearances, working sensitively and proactively with stakeholders
• Support and help to progress HMG's Vetting Transformation Programme within DfT, keeping abreast of the latest policy developments and changes, working towards the successful mapping and implementation of the new vetting level standards across teams and directorates
• Deputise for the SEO Vetting Manager as and when required
• Represent DfT Corporate Security at relevant internal and external meetings and government forum as required
• Contribute to the effective planning, delivery of other vetting related projects and tasks, as necessary
• Continually explore and undertake personal and professional development.

This is not an exclusive or exhaustive list, the post holder will be required to perform any additional duties reasonably expected of them within the scope of the grade and within the limits of their skill, competence, and training. Additionally, since this is a new role, there may be some alterations to your duties and responsibilities during this time so you will need to be adaptable and flexible.

Due to the operational and sensitive nature of this security role, this position is available on a full-time only basis. DfT promotes flexible working wherever possible and we will endeavour to support your personal circumstances if you do require flexibility in your working pattern, but please be aware that this post will require the candidate to work full time hours spread across Mon-Fri per week due to business needs. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Changing and Improving

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Delivering at Pace

Benefits

Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits.

This includes:

• a generous annual leave entitlement
• attractive pension options with an average employer contribution of 27%
• flexible working
• good career development opportunities
• a variety of career paths
• inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.