Independent Security Advisor to National Oversight Group | NHS England

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 securityadvisor 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.
• independent advice to NOG on matters relating to security for the High Secure Hospitals.3.
• 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

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 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.

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

This advert closes on Friday 24 Oct 2025