Description As the Cyber Risk & Compliance Lead at the Scottish Funding Council, you will champion our cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring the protection of our operations, data and technologies in alignment with UK-specific cybersecurity standards and frameworks. This role is critical in maintaining the SFC’s reputation for excellence and integrity in the funding of education and research across Scotland. As well as a competitive salary of £62172 - £73326 per annum, the role also has an M1 Grade, 28.97% employer contribution civil service pension, flexible working hours, hybrid working up to £10k annual retention allowance. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement a cyber risk management framework tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the SFC, focusing on the protection of financial data, personal information of students and staff, and sensitive research data. Ensure full compliance with Scottish and UK data protection laws, as well as adherence to specific regulations relevant to our organisation and our internal and external audit obligations. Collaborate closely with academic institutions, research bodies, and government agencies to align cyber security practices and foster a culture of shared responsibility and leading practices in data protection and risk management. Lead the review and enhancement of policies, procedures, and controls governing data security, risk assessment, and compliance within the funding council’s operations. Conduct targeted cyber risk assessments and compliance audits, providing strategic insights and recommendations to the SFC’s senior management and governing board. Act as a principal advisor on cyber security matters, offering expert guidance to support the council’s strategic initiatives in funding education and research. Stay abreast of emerging cyber threats and advancements in cyber security technologies and practices, ensuring the SFC remains proactive and responsive in its cyber risk and compliance strategies. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria: Proven track record in cybersecurity risk management, with a strong understanding of the UK cybersecurity landscape, including Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001 frameworks. Familiarity with the NCSC’s guidelines and recommendations for public sector organisations. Experience in managing cybersecurity compliance projects within the UK, including the attainment of Cyber Essentials certification. Leadership experience with the ability to mentor a team and drive cybersecurity awareness across an organisation. Excellent communication and influencing skills, capable of engaging effectively with a range of stakeholders on complex cybersecurity issues to ensure change is adopted and sustained. Professional Certifications: Holding or working towards UK-recognized cybersecurity certifications, such as those offered by CREST or Cyber Essentials Plus, is highly desirable. Additional certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or ISO 27001 Lead Auditor/Implementer would be beneficial. Benefits Normal full-time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements. A flexi-time system is in operation. Annual leave entitlement of 26.5 days pro-rata, rising to 30 days pro-rata after 2 years’ continuous service. Public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro-rata. A flexible approach to hybrid working, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also maintaining regular in-person contact with colleagues. Annual pay review: approved within the framework of the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and negotiated with our recognised trade union, Unite. Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme with low member contribution rates and generous employer contributions. Support for continuous professional development, with access to the Civil Service-Learning curriculum. Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. Support for Volunteering Days. Support for travel to and from work, including a salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme and interest-free loans for season tickets. About Scottish Funding Council We are the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council, more commonly known as the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). We are Scotland’s tertiary education and research authority and our purpose is to sustain a world-leading system of tertiary education, research and innovation. This profile has been created to describe, in outline, the nature of appointments at this level. It is an indicative document and the exact nature of these duties will vary with time and from post to post.