Security leadership across the agency
The new Head of Physical and Personnel Security will set strategy, implement controls and oversee assurance across these disciplines. The role supports a risk-based approach to protecting DVSA's staff, assets, information and services as threats evolve, with security measures proportionate to the agency's operating environment.
On protective security matters, the successful candidate will serve as deputy to the Head of Cyber Security. They will represent DVSA in senior governance forums and advise Executive Team members and directors about major security risks and incidents. Their remit also covers incident management, the development and implementation of resilience and recovery arrangements, continuous improvement, and building a security-minded culture.
Personnel security and vetting will be a central responsibility. The postholder will oversee the process from start to finish, ensuring that decisions are proportionate and consistent with the level of risk DVSA is prepared to accept. They will also act as the agency's senior specialist authority within the role's remit.
DVSA is an executive agency of the Department for Transport (DfT). Its 2025 to 2026 business plan, published March 9, 2026, says it employs about 4,600 people and receives most of its funding from service fees. Its work ranges from theory and driving tests to approving driving instructors and MOT testers. It also tests heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches, conducts roadside checks on commercial drivers and vehicles, and monitors vehicle recalls.
Government partners and the vetting remit
The job includes maintaining relationships with DfT, United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV), the Cabinet Office, the Government Security Function and other departments. That cooperation is intended to support the implementation of policy, improvements to operations and professional practice.
The UK Government Security website identifies four government security disciplines: Cyber, Personnel, Physical and Technical. This vacancy covers Physical and Personnel. Physical security protects people and physical assets, including services, systems, places, equipment and networks; personnel security addresses the risk that someone might misuse legitimate access to government assets.
The Government Security Group sits within the Cabinet Office and serves as the center of the Government Security Function. According to the UK Government Security website, its responsibilities span oversight, coordination and delivery of protective security throughout central government departments, agencies and arm's-length bodies. Vincent Devine leads the group as both Government Chief Security Officer and Director General.
UKSV's GOV.UK profile describes it as the government's sole provider of National Security Vetting. Established in 2017, it has been part of the Government Security Group in the Cabinet Office since 2020.
For context on the vetting work, UKSV's applicant guidance, last updated July 26, 2024, lists five main clearance levels: Accreditation Check (AC), Counter Terrorist Check (CTC), Level 1B, Security Check (SC) and Developed Vetting (DV). Before starting a security-cleared role, applicants must also undergo a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check, except in the case of an Accreditation Check. BPSS is separate from national security clearance and is not conducted by UKSV.
Experience applicants must demonstrate
DVSA is looking for someone who has led an integrated approach to physical security, personnel security, vetting and resilience. Applicants need experience setting direction, developing colleagues, influencing senior stakeholders and supporting change, while fostering professional security practices.
They must also be able to identify and assess protective security risks, take action to address them, and monitor and report on them. The requirements include escalating risks that exceed the organization's appetite or tolerance and using assurance work to check whether controls are effective.
A further requirement is the ability to turn information about threats, vulnerabilities and risks into practical security priorities, mitigation measures and advice. That advice must serve senior leaders, operational teams and governance forums.
Hours, location and working arrangements
The advertisement lists the vacancy as a Grade 7 post in the Digital, Data & Technology profession, under reference 484841. It gives the location as multiple and offers flexible working, full-time, part-time and job-share arrangements.
Full-time hours are 37 a week. Part-time applicants are welcome, but the successful candidate must be available for at least 30 hours a week.
Travel to other offices is required and may include overnight stays. The role is suitable for a mix of workplace and home-based working, although this hybrid arrangement is non-contractual and depends on business needs.
