North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to providing services which embrace diversity and which promote equality of opportunity. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our minimum selection criteria at each stage of the selection process. We will not tolerate discrimination on any of the following: gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, religion, age, disability, working pattern, caring responsibilities trade union activity or political beliefs-or any other grounds.
In October 2025 we published our Anti‑racist Statement, which sets out our key commitments to becoming an anti‑racist organisation. These commitments underpin our recruitment practices and reflect our dedication to creating a diverse, inclusive, and representative workforce.
The Trust is currently under‑represented in terms of staff from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. We encourage applications from all backgrounds to improve the diversity of our workforce and to better reflect the communities we serve to provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place; every time.
The Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a large number of applications are received.
Due to the volume of applications received for our advertisements, we will only contact those candidates shortlisted for interview via email; we aim to do this within 4 weeks of the closing date. If you do not receive the email, it will be that you have not been shortlisting on this occasion. When applying for this position, it is essential that you read the job description and person specification fully. Please use the supporting information space to demonstrate your ability to undertake this role, drawing on your skills, knowledge and experience.
We also offer a range of excellent benefits including a pension scheme, up to 33 days Annual leave (exclusive of bank holidays), training and development opportunities, access to NHS discounts, Car Lease Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, NHS Mortgages and Childcare Vouchers.
Job overview
We’re seeking an experienced Head of Cyber Security to lead and shape our cyber security strategy. You’ll provide senior technical leadership, protecting critical systems and information assets. Working closely with executive leaders, you’ll manage risk, compliance, and incident response. You’ll lead and develop a specialist cyber security team and oversee SOC operations. This role is key to enabling secure digital transformation across the organisation.
About you
Proven senior cyber security leadership experience
Strong knowledge of NHS / regulated environments
Expertise in ISO27001, GDPR, and cyber incident management
Confident communicator with inclusive, values‑based leadership
Working for our organisation
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport.
Our highly skilled staff provide life‑saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed.
We also provide non‑emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non‑emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need.
Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident.
We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non‑emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please check the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details about this role and its responsibilities.
Person specification
Proven ability to define and delivery enterprise‑wide cyber security strategies
Deep knowledge of security architectures, network security, cloud security, and identity management.
Proven experience implementing ISO27001, GDPR, NHS digital standards, and national cyber frameworks.
Expertise in managing major incidents, forensic investigations, and threat intelligence.
Strong understanding of ITIL v4 principles and ability to integrate security into service delivery.
Skilled in presenting complex security strategies to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
Experience with security automation, SIEM platforms, and SOC operations.
Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks (TOGAF).
Familiarity with NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit and Cyber Essentials Plus.
Demonstrable compassionate and inclusive leadership.
Experience in the application of HR processes.
Demonstrable experience of line management responsibilities.
Qualification and Knowledge
Degree in Cyber Security, Information Security, or related discipline.
CISSP or CISM certification.
Evidence of continued professional and personal development.
Experience
Extensive experience in senior cyber security roles within complex, regulated environments (NHS or similar).
Track record of delivering strategic security initiatives and operational excellence.
Proven ability to manage multi‑disciplinary teams and external partnership.
Experience in developing and influencing complex stakeholder relationships to shape digital strategy, support informed decision‑making, and manage expectations effectively.
Experience in working across organisational boundaries, sharing best practice and contributing to system‑wide planning and improvement.
Demonstrated success in delivering strategic technology initiatives and operational excellence at organisational scale.
Experience in leading and developing high‑performing teams and setting standards for delivery.
Experience in setting and delivering strategic objectives.
Experience managing budgets and supplier contracts for large‑scale technology services.
Values and Behaviours
Working together – demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable.
Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if you knowingly withhold information, provide false or misleading information.
Should you be successful at interview stage successful candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment, this will be subject to the NHS Employment Checks Standards.
A valid right to work and identity check
Reference checks This will cover a minimum of a three year period and will include a request for the number of days and occasions of sickness absence covering a minimum two year period. In line with equality legislation, the earliest point at which we will ask health related questions is when an offer of employment has been made. Absences related to disability may be excluded from these considerations; consideration would be given as to what would be a reasonable attendance level, based on the information available. Absences related to pregnancy, maternity and/or gender reassignment will be excluded from these considerations. Detailed information on the NHS Employment Checks Standards is available on the NHS Employers website; search ‘employment checks’.
DBS Checks - If the post is subject to DBS disclosure, a charge will be made for this disclosure.
Occupational Health - You will require satisfactory medical clearance.
Whilst not a condition of employment, all staff are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as this remains the best line of defence against COVID-19.
From 1st September 2018, Section 2 of the Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions will automatically apply to the calculation of unsocial hours for all appointments that commence in post from this date (except secondments).
If you do not have regular access to your email please contact a member of the HR Hub Team on 03451122018.
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