Information Security Officer (Headquarters, Chelmsford)

Essex Police; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local law enforcement agency is seeking an Information Security Officer in Chelmsford to protect sensitive data and technology. The successful candidate will manage security risks, advise on compliance, and implement security measures. Essential qualifications include a degree or equivalent experience, 5 years in Information Security, and CISSP certification. This full-time role offers a starting salary of £49,716 and involves no weekend or evening work.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in an Information Security environment.
• Knowledge of access control systems and security frameworks.
• Degree standard education or equivalent experience required.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess and mitigate security risks.
• Develop and maintain security policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance on security control implementation.

Skills

Knowledge of emerging threats and vulnerabilities

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Familiarity with secure system design

Time management and workload scheduling

Education

Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience

5 years working in Information Security

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Tools

Microsoft 365 security tools

Job description

Location of Role : Chelmsford

Advert Closing Date : 04 / 01 / 2026

Starting Salary : £49,716.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies)

Part / Full Time : Full Time

Contract Type : Permanent

Working Pattern : Mon-Fri

Weekend / Evening Working : No

Join Essex Police as the Force’s Information Security Officer – in this specialist role you will play a vital part in protecting the Force’s data and technology. We’re looking for a proactive professional who can confidently manage information security risks and shape secure solutions that keep our systems resilient. In this role, you’ll provide expert guidance on the design, implementation, and operation of security controls across all aspects of our information systems. You’ll lead by example, oversee security accreditation processes, and share your knowledge through training and support. If you’re passionate about safeguarding information and influencing best practice, this is your opportunity to make a real impact in a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation.

Core Purpose :

• To protect sensitive police information and systems and to provide authoritative security direction, advice and guidance to the Senior Information Risk owner (SIRO) senior command leads and Information Asset Owners.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, national standards (e.g. ISO27001, NIST) and force policies.
• Maintain confidentiality, integrity and availability of data. You will develop security policies, standards and guidelines appropriate to business operations, technology, national compliance and legal requirements. Ensure that activities remain current against professional, national and industry standards with respect to evolving Cyber threats.
• Conduct regular audit reviews for the full range of information security control types and techniques for the purpose of good Information security assurance, highlighting areas of concern and potential risk. Produce documentation, report and provide presentations to senior business leads, and where necessary include recommendations for appropriate mitigation action to reduce the impact of breach of security for identified risk. To attend Gold Group meetings to provide expertise and advice in the event of a significant incident.

Key Responsibilities :

• Risk management – Identify, assess and mitigate information security risks.
• Policy & Governance – Develop, maintain and enforce security policies and procedures.
• Accreditation & Compliance – Oversee accreditation of systems, including national systems and ensure change is identified and reassurance and audit completed.
• Security breaches – Manage response, identify patterns of behaviour and risk. Report and implement corrective actions.
• Advice & Consultancy – Provide expert guidance to senior leaders, projects and staff.
• Monitoring & reporting – Track security measures produce reports and elevate risk when needed.
• Collaboration – work with IT teams, other police forces and national bodies – attend boards and working groups.

Essential Skills & Knowledge :

• Knowledge of emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
• Demonstrate resilience, good time management skills, workload scheduling and ability to work independently and as a part of the team, with the ability to inspire and lead the team.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Familiarity with secure system design and accreditation processes.

Essential criteria :

• Educated to degree standard or can evidence equivalent experience.
• 5 years of working within Information Security environment, with Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (or equivalent) qualification.
• Knowledge of access control systems, security processes and frameworks (ISO27001,NIST), government policies and procedure legislation in Information Security.
• High understanding and knowledge of system accreditation and auditing frameworks.

Desirable Extras :

• Good understanding of privacy requirements and other relevant legislation and regulations.
• Experience with Microsoft 365 security tools and automation (e.g., Power Automate, Copilot).
• Awareness of AI-driven security solutions.
• Project management and strategic planning capabilities.

Depending on your current vetting level and security clearances, you may be required to complete additional vetting information during the recruitment process.

Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status.

If you’re not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you’re from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn’t apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.

As a Disability Confident Leader we:

• Have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation.
• Are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusionare central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.

Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included.

Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.

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