Independent Security Advisor to National Oversight Group

Independent Security Advisor to National Oversight Group

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 PracticeForum (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

• Provide independent advice to NOG on security matters for High Secure Hospitals.
• Provide independent security advice for matters discussed at the Clinical Secure Practice Forum (CSPF).
• Offer advice to NOG in relation to security matters discussed at CSPF.
• Assure development and oversight of external audit processes of the High Secure Hospitals in line with risk assessments; make recommendations to NOG for follow-on actions and oversee their implementation until completion.
• Offer independent advice to the Department of Health on security matters of the High Secure Hospitals as discharged through the Directions.
• Support the development of conceptual security thinking across physical, procedural, and relational security.
• Support a culture of openness to facilitate equitable contributions, constructive debate, and timely consensus and/or decision making.

About us

The NHS England board has set the top-level purpose for the organisation to lead the NHS in England to deliver high-quality services for all. This will inform the detailed design work and enable achievement of 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 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.

If you would like to know more or require further information, please visit

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.

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 security matters 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.

Person Specification Qualifications

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

Experience

• Development of security policy and practice

Knowledge and Skills

• 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

£250 per session (half day), depending on experience.