About us
We are a politically led, cross-party organisation that works on behalf of councils to ensure local government has a strong, credible voice with national government. We aim to influence and set the political agenda on the issues that matter to councils, so they are able to deliver local solutions to national problems.
To find out more information about what it’s like to work at the LGA, please visit http://www.local.gov.uk/benefits-and-working-lga and for information on Equality and Diversity at the LGA, please visit https://www.local.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity-lga
Background:
The LGA Cyber Security Programme is now in its 5th year, with the Digital Programme in its 8th. In January 2021, these programmes were merged to form the Cyber, Digital and Technology (CDT) Programme. In FY21/22 the total budget of the CDT programme was c£6M.
The 2021 government Spending Review (SR21) allocated £37.8 million of additional funding to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) over a three-year period. Funding was uplifted to tackle cyber security challenges facing councils and invest in local authority cyber resilience, protecting vital services and data. Together with maintaining the funding that was announced during the 2020 Spending Review (SR20), this brings the total central government funding for Local Government cyber and digital to £85.8 million over the SR21 period.
The CDT team itself is split into four functional areas. These are:
- Cyber 360s - A 360 involves a multi-disciplinary team of LGA officers, council officers and – whilst we grow the sector capability – external experts working with a council to offer a different set of perspectives on a council’s cyber-security culture. This will help councils build cyber capability and capacity and improve the understanding of good cyber security principles across the organisation, not just in IT teams.
- Digital Sector Led Improvement (SLI) - Through the Digital Pathfinders Programme, the Digital Connectivity Programme, and the Local Government Digital Committee (LGDC) stakeholder network, the programme has offered digital improvement support to over 100 councils. The intention is to continue to support councils in FY22/23 through the same or similar initiatives. Digital SLI remains focussed on building the sector’s digital capability.
- Cyber SLI - By delivering cyber security testing to a 10% representative sample of councils we have built a better understanding of levels of vulnerabilities within the sector. This understanding has informed our support offer as we work with partners to deliver a range of guidance, videos, training, and research to ensure cyber security is seen as a whole workforce issue. Many of these projects – and initiatives like them – will continue to be delivered in FY22/23. Cyber SLI remains focussed on building the sector’s cyber capability.
- CDT Improvement Policy - There are a diverse range of CDT related improvement policy initiatives in central government that require our collaborative development and/or engagement. These include: the new Government Cyber Security Strategy, the New National Resilience Strategy, Public Service Network / Future Networks for Government (via Central Digital and Data Office), Digital Identity/Single Sign-On (via GDS), Cyber Security in the Supply Chain, Secure Connected Places, Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework, Telecom Digital Switchover, Ransomware, New Data Protection Regime (Data: A New Direction), Cyber Health Framework for Local Government, a review of the Computer Misuse Act, and the regulation of Online Harms.
The role
This is a fixed term contract until 31 March 2023 with the possibility of extension dependent on funding.
As an Assistant Programme Manager within the Cyber, Digital and Technology Team, you will be responsible for leading on the day-to-day delivery of the Cyber 360 programme, assisting councils to reduce cyber risk. The successful candidate will have diverse experience in delivering improvement projects which focus on growing skills and knowledge across an organisation. This is an opportunity to deliver a high-profile programme which is a key priority for central government, councils, and the LGA.
As we encourage flexible working at the LGA, we are happy to discuss the option of a home-based contract. The salary for a home-based worker is from £53,327 pa or office-based from £57,104 pa (including London Weighting). The office-based working will be in line with our transitional flexible working policy as we begin to return to the office following COVID-19.
This post will have an “on call” duty added to the job description (with an accompanying allowance of £150pcm). This will meet the realities of the role and the ongoing expectation of both DLUHC and the Cabinet Office that we have a 24hr, 365 days a year point of contact to deal with incidents, threats, and vulnerabilities.
This role has the potential for line management responsibilities.
Working on the Cyber 360 programme, your main responsibilities will be to:
- Lead on the day-to-day delivery of the Cyber 360 programme.
- Act as a 360 Manager during times of high demand, managing the council sponsors, 360 teams, schedule, reporting and the many other practical considerations to ensure each 360 is successful and impactful.
- Support the Programme Manager for Cyber Support to feedback learning and contribute to the continual improvement and development of the programme.
- Commission resources to supplement the Cyber 360 programme and support in the management of any procured resources.
- Manage and maintain relationships with the officers who sponsor their council’s participation in a Cyber 360.
- Support on the recruitment and training of officers and external experts.
- Supervise and manage Cyber 360 team members, provide feedback on their performance and help them to deliver high quality advice and support.
- Support the Head of Programme and Programme Manager with planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, reporting, contract management, and other tasks as required.
The requirements
- High level interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop positive internal and external relationships.
- A team player willing to work flexibly to meet changing priorities
- Excellent organisational and people skills together with a good understanding of the local government agenda and the current issues facing local government. Specific or technical knowledge of cyber security is not necessary.
- Self-motivated and self-supporting, able to prioritise work against competing demands.
- Ability to speak confidently in public and to present complex ideas in a clear and comprehensive way.
- Good analytical skills including the ability to interpret evidence, identify trends and draw insights from qualitative evidence.
You must have the right to work in the UK, the LGA are unfortunately unable to offer sponsorship visas. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage.
For enquiries contact Jamie Cross, jamie.cross@local.gov.uk
Closing Date: 5pm, Thursday 26 May 2022
Interview Date: Wednesday 08 June 2022
As a Disability Confident Leader, the LGA values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community