Cyber Security Analyst

Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England. We currently regulate 200+ awarding organisations, and approx. 11,600 certified qualifications.

These include GCSEs, AS and A levels, and a broad range of vocational and technical qualifications.

For more information about the work we do please visit our website and our Careers Pages https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofqual and

https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/ofqual-hub/

The role of our Cyber Security Analyst sits in our Information Management team. It’s a challenging and varied role, and you will help keep Ofqual safe – identifying vulnerabilities, threats and hazards to our systems, researching and attack techniques, recommending ways to defend, responding to incidents and leading security improvement projects.

You will be working with colleagues from across the whole of government – Including the Government Security Group, DSIT and the National Technical Authorities.

Despite the demands of the work we do, our team is friendly, supportive and we really like working together – which is important to all of us.

You’ll work within our Information Management team, alongside expert colleagues from our Infrastructure, Digital and Data disciplines – united by the common goals of keeping our systems online and our information safe.

• You’ll identify cyber vulnerabilities in our systems to ensure security is maintained and lead security improvement projects
• You’ll manage cyber security operations processes in accordance with organisational policies, standards and business requirements.
• You’ll work closely with colleagues at various levels across Ofqual, and wider government.
• You’ll keep up to date with industry trends and developments to enhance relevant skills and take responsibility for your own professional development

Have an IT, or security qualification, or be able to demonstrate practical experience equivalent to that of a recognised formal security qualification.

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Please note that Ofqual does not offer Visa sponsorship.

You will be assessed on the Behaviours shown above at interview stage.

Ofqual has adopted anonymised recruitment. This means that your name, date of birth and other personal details will not be seen by the sift panel. You’ll be asked to remove all personal details from your CV when you apply.

When you press the ‘apply now’ button, you will be asked to complete personal details (not seen by the shortlisting panel), your career history and qualifications.

You will then be asked to provide a personal statement evidencing how you meet the essential criteria shown on the job description attached to this advert. Once this job has closed, the job description will no longer be available. You may wish to save a copy for your records.

Please ensure you demonstrate clearly, within your personal statement, how you meet these requirements as this will form a key part of your evidence when the panel is scoring your application, against the requirements of the role.

Application process

Stage 1 - Sift

Assessed against the essential criteria on the JD and person specification using:

• Work history
• Personal statement (1,250 words max)

Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift will be undertaken using the work history and personal statement against the lead essential criterion, which is:

Experience of monitoring, analysing and managing cyber security vulnerabilities, including assessing risk and undertaking independent research, prioritising remediation activities and tracking actions through to resolution

Selection process

Stage 2 – Technical assessment w/c 2nd November

If you pass the sift process, you will be invited to book a final panel interview slot and to take part in a technical skills assessment

This is a 10-minute online Q&A based assessment of specialist technical skills related to the role.

Please note, if you do not pass this assessment, we will no longer be able to progress your application to the final panel interview stage.

During the interview process, this vacancy will include a presentation. You will be assessed on your ability to effectively communicate cyber security risk.

We reserve the right to offer a second interview, if required.

Please submit your application by 26 October 2026 at 23:55pm.

Interview dates 10 and 11 November 2026 – (subject to change).

We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role or at a lower grade than they applied for, we may extend an offer without the need to go through a further selection process, providing the role has comparable behaviours and essential criteria.

Ofqual works flexibly, with a hybrid office/home based working model. Employees will spend a minimum of two days per week working from our office in Coventry. As Coventry will be your base location expenses for travel to the office will not be paid.

Final panel interviews will be held in person. Further details will be provided at invite to interview stage.

One of our resourcing colleagues will be on hand to answer any queries you may have throughout the process.

Please be aware that expenses incurred by candidates during the recruitment process will not be reimbursed.

A reserve list may be held for up to 6 months. Ofqual may use this to fill future suitably similar vacancies for candidates who are considered appointable following interview.

Reasonable adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you require assistance or need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should tell us what changes or help you might need further in the recruitment process.

For instance, you may need wheelchair access at an interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional. You should contact us at recruitment@ofqual.gov.uk to discuss your needs.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.