Job summary

At DSIT we’re all about improving people’s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process

Job description

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is the digital centre for Government, where we are collectively responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital Government. As the Government Cyber unit, our mission is to protect public services and the wider Government from cyber threats, set strategic direction for Government and the public sector on cyber security, finding standards and policies through the Government Cyber Security Standard and the Cyber Policy Handbook. We assure system and organisation cyber security via initiatives such as GovAssure. Our team leads the operational response to cyber threats, vulnerabilities and incidents through the Government Coordination Centre (GC3) and manages the GCSS Portfolio to implement strategy across central Government and departments.

The Business Support Team aids the unit in the delivery of our objectives by providing robust and consistent support on Finance, HR and Comms as well as other ad-hoc project support. We recognise that our staff have responsibilities and priorities outside of work so our approach is to work smart so flexible working arrangements are available and we actively promote hybrid working including a combination of time spent in the office with colleagues and days at home where appropriate.

We are proud of how our culture embraces a diverse workforce: we come from all walks of life and bring our different backgrounds, cultures, genders, experiences and skills to collaborate as a collective team to deliver more effectively. We strive for a collegiate and inclusive culture which enables voices at all levels to be heard - everyone plays their part in helping to keep the UK Government secure. We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, welcoming and valuing diversity. We commit to supporting and developing our staff to reach their full potential and maximise their contributions. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of the Government Cyber Unit. The Business Support Team works together with the Cyber Private Office to help the unit deliver its goals. As Business Support Officer you will be an active and key member of the collective team, working to the Business Support Lead and directly supporting the delivery of our unit objectives. Our days can be fast paced and we have a unique platform to see the delivery of the Cyber unit’s work - you will be privy to key areas such as how we shape cyber policy, deliver the Government Cyber Strategy and respond to cyber attacks.

As Business Support Officer, you be working closely with the Business Support Lead to deliver cross-cutting unit priorities and projects. You will act as a pivotal link between the unit and senior stakeholders, regularly liaising with the Private Office to ensure the smooth running of business objectives.

In this role, you will support on workforce management and recruitment, tracking new starters and leavers while ensuring that hiring aligns with the unit’s strategic ambitions. You will have ownership of regular business returns and will act as a delegated authority to respond to varied queries within tight deadlines. By managing unit-level workforce data and wide-scale communications, you will build the confidence to interact with colleagues across a range of departments and external organisations at the most senior levels.

We are committed to supporting our colleagues across Learning and Development. We know it can take time to learn a new role and/or new department. You don’t need to be an expert in all-things-Cyber to work in our team and we’ll tailor your learning and development to you, to help you deliver your role and reach your full potential. As part of our Learning & Development package we are supportive of organising opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge to progress in your career within Cyber and/or wider Government.

This role is available on a part-time basis for 2 days per week.

The successful candidate would be expected to work Thursdays and Fridays.

Person specification

The Cyber Business Support team are a busy team with diverse responsibilities so you will be exposed to a broad portfolio of work. We work to improve processes and ways of working as well as delivering and supporting HR processes, unit coordination and collaboration and new initiatives including wellbeing and EDI across the unit. As Business Support Officer, you will be responsible for (not limited to):

Supporting on Knowledge and Information Management - assessing unit Information Management practices for quarterly commission

Supporting the organising and delivering engagement and activities for the Senior Leadership, including Fortnightly Unit calls

Support management of Unit level communications alongside Business Support Lead

Working with our Business Support Lead to plan and deliver unit Away Days, including venues, agendas, collating materials and relevant packs

Liaise with recruitment to track and support new starters and leavers, as well as aiding the Business Support Lead with ensuring that recruitment strategically aligns with the units ambitions

Support with Unit onboarding, including managing central induction packs

Supporting on Workforce Planning and maintaining organisational design information

Supporting SLT with management of In-Year Rewards, our response to yearly People Survey - including leading on development and delivery of a People Survey Response Plan, and other ad hoc projects and initiatives

Essential Criteria

We need someone with:

Strong communication skills with an ability to build and maintain working relationships

An excellent eye for detail

Sound judgement and initiative - i.e. taking lead on improving process and/or ways of working

Good IT skills and/or a motivation to learn new IT skills

Motivation to help and support colleagues, work through problems and be flexible to changing priorities/requirements

Desirable Criteria

Experience of working within Business Support or Private Office

Experience of working within Cyber Security

Experience of working closely with Senior Civil Servants or equivalent

Behaviours

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

Managing a Quality Service

Communicating and Influencing

Working Together

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

Managing a Quality Service