NHS England

Independent Security Advisor to National Oversight Group

The closing date is 24 October 2025

Job summary

The purpose of the National Oversight Group (NOG) is to provide assurance and support to NHS England (NHSE) as the commissioner of the services, and acting on behalf of Secretary of State, in discharging the functions set out in section 16 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

NOG is supported by a triumvirate of independent advisors, namely the independent chair, independent security advisor and independent clinical advisor.

NOG meets in person on a quarterly basis, including an assurance visit as part of the oversight of provision, and has one recognised subgroup, the Clinical Secure Practice Forum (CSPF) group.

The independent security advisor serves on the National Oversight Group (NOG) for High Secure Mental Health Services and the Clinical Secure Practice Forum (CSPF), providing independent advice on matters relating to security for high secure hospitals. The postholder provides independent advice on security matters to the Chair of the National Oversight Group for High Secure Services and the Clinical Secure Practice Forum.

The tenure of the role is usually for 3 years, but due to the pending organisational changes for NHSE and DHSC, the post is initially being offered on a fixed term basis through to 31st October 2026.

Main duties of the job

  • Independent advice to NOG on matters relating to security for the High Secure Hospitals.
  • Independent security advice for matters being discussed at the Clinical Secure Practice Forum (CSPF)
  • Advice to NOG in relation to matters being discussed at the Clinical Secure Practice Forum (CSPF) in relation to security
  • Assurance of the development and oversight of the external audit processes of the High Secure Hospitals and that it is in keeping with the requirements as identified through any risk assessments. Making recommendations to NOG of any follow-on actions, and the process for overseeing these actions until their conclusion
  • Independent advice to the Department of Health for matters relating to security of the High Secure Hospitals as discharged through the 'Directions.'
  • Support to develop conceptual security thinking in relation to physical, procedural, and relational security.
  • Support to enhance a culture of openness to facilitate equitable contributions, debate, constructive relations. Effective consensus and/or timely decision making.

About us

The NHS England board have set out the top-level purpose for the new organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all, which will inform the detailed design work and we will achieve this purpose by:

  • Enabling local systems and providers to improve the health of their people and patients and reduce health inequalities.
  • Making the NHS a great place to work, where our people can make a difference and achieve their potential.
  • Working collaboratively to ensure our healthcare workforce has the right knowledge, skills, values and behaviours to deliver accessible, compassionate care
  • Optimising the use of digital technology, research, and innovation
  • Delivering value for money.

If you would like to know more or require further information, please visithttps://www.england.nhs.uk/.

Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in-person.

If you are successful at interview, we will run an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) in the Electronic Staff Record system (ESR). This transfer gathers valuable information from a previous or current NHS employer to support the onboarding process, including; statutory and mandatory competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You will have the opportunity throughout the recruitment process to inform us if you do not consent.

Details

Date posted

10 September 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience £250 per session (half day)

Contract

Bank

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

990-CFO-16547-E

Job locations

Wellington House

133-155 Waterloo Rd

London

SE1 8UG


Job description

Job responsibilities

The independent security advisor serves on the National Oversight Group (NOG) for High Secure Mental Health Services and the Clinical Secure Practice Forum (CSPF), providing independent advice on matters relating to security for high secure hospitals. The postholder provides independent advice on security matters to the Chair of the National Oversight Group for High Secure Services and the Clinical Secure Practice Forum.

See role descriptor for details

Job description

Job responsibilities

The independent security advisor serves on the National Oversight Group (NOG) for High Secure Mental Health Services and the Clinical Secure Practice Forum (CSPF), providing independent advice on matters relating to security for high secure hospitals. The postholder provides independent advice on security matters to the Chair of the National Oversight Group for High Secure Services and the Clinical Secure Practice Forum.

See role descriptor for details

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in Security Management or equivalent experience in the management of secure services

Experience

Desirable

  • Development of security policy and practice

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Extensive knowledge of secure health services and/or secure services
  • Partnership working with other agencies and ability to work across all levels
  • Political acumen
  • Ability to communicate directly and challenge effectively
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in Security Management or equivalent experience in the management of secure services

Experience

Desirable

  • Development of security policy and practice

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Extensive knowledge of secure health services and/or secure services
  • Partnership working with other agencies and ability to work across all levels
  • Political acumen
  • Ability to communicate directly and challenge effectively

Employer details

Employer name

NHS England

Address

Wellington House

133-155 Waterloo Rd

London

SE1 8UG


Employer's website

https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

NHS England

Address

Wellington House

133-155 Waterloo Rd

London

SE1 8UG


Employer's website

https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/working-for/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Deputy Director of Specialised MHLDA

Sarah Warmington

s.warmington@nhs.net

07568431734

Details

Date posted

10 September 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

Depending on experience £250 per session (half day)

Contract

Bank

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

990-CFO-16547-E

Job locations

Wellington House

133-155 Waterloo Rd

London

SE1 8UG


Supporting documents

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