Head of Data and Information Security

The London School of English; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent higher education provider in Greater London seeks a Head of Data and Information Security to lead cyber security governance. This role involves developing comprehensive strategies, overseeing compliance, and managing incident responses. The ideal candidate will build strong relationships, lead cyber incident management, and provide expert guidance on security risks. The position supports work-life balance, financial benefits, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Working from home opportunities

Generous annual leave

Tax-efficient pension scheme

Relocation allowance

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive cyber security and information governance strategy.
• Establish and oversee information security and data governance policies.
• Conduct cyber security and information risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Work with leaders and technical teams for security monitoring and incident response.
• Provide oversight for third-party security risk management.
• Embed a culture of data protection and cyber security.
• Lead cyber incident management and ensure preparedness.
• Advise on incident response processes.
• Coordinate responses to significant cyber incidents.

Job description

The London School of Science & Technology (LSST) is one of UKs leading, largest and fastest growing independent higher education provider with over 8000 students, 6 campuses and 3 university partnerships.

We believe no matter what your background, your age or personal circumstances everyone is entitled to access a good education. We have one of the highest National Student Survey scores of 96.7%, placing us in the top 15 in the UK.

Job Purpose

The Head of Data and Information Security provides strategic leadership and institutional oversight for cyber security and information governance at The London School of Science and Technology. The role is accountable for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of LSSTs information assets and for reducing cyber and information risk across the institution.

The post holder will define, implement, and maintain LSSTs cyber security and information governance framework, working closely with Infrastructure Services, including IT Operations teams, who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of technical security controls.

Duties Of The Role

• Develop and deliver a comprehensive cyber security and information governance strategy aligned with institutional objectives and the requirements of a complex higher education environment.
• Establish, maintain, and oversee information security and data governance policies, standards, and procedures.
• Undertake cyber security and information risk assessments and maintain oversight of cyber and information governance risks.
• Ensure institutional compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and sector guidance.
• Work closely with senior leaders, service owners, and technical teams to ensure effective security monitoring, incident detection, response, and recovery.
• Provide oversight and assurance for third-party and supplier security risk management.
• Build strong working relationships across the institution and embed a culture of shared responsibility for data protection and cyber security.
• Lead LSSTs cyber incident management and business continuity arrangements, ensuring institutional preparedness.
• Provide expert guidance on incident response processes and support local response arrangements.
• Coordinate and lead the institutional response to significant cyber or information security incidents, ensuring timely resolution and effective internal and external communications.
• Design and deliver a comprehensive information security and data protection awareness and training programme.
• Provide authoritative advice and assurance to the Executive and senior leadership on cyber security and information governance risks and controls.
• Translate complex technical and security risks into clear, actionable guidance to support informed decision-making.
• Engage actively in external and professional networks to maintain awareness of emerging threats, regulatory developments, and sector best practice.
• Ensure LSSTs approach to data and information security remains current, proportionate, and effective.

Work-Life Balance

We aim to support and provide a healthy work-life balance for employees who may have personal commitments through the following:

• Flexible working hours
• Working from home opportunities
• Generous annual leave (28 days including bank holiday) increasing to 33 days after three years of continuous service)
• Additional leave between Christmas and New Year, in addition to all public holidays
• Special leave and compassionate leave for important occasions

Financial Benefits

The financial well-being of our staff is vitally important to us. We aim to provide:

• A progressive pay structure with competitive salaries
• Tax‑efficient pension scheme by Aviva
• Relocation allowance
• Gift Vouchers
• Hardship assistance in exceptional circumstances

Personal and Professional Development

We are committed to the ongoing professional development of our staff. We provide various internal and external training programmes which include:

• A range of job‑specific training programmes to support your career path
• Graduate and trainee schemes for entry‑level academics
• Subsidised Advance HE membership
• Team building and celebratory events

Equal Opportunities

LSST IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND REPRESENTING THE DIVERSITY OF THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE.