With cybersecurity roles at a premium and at least one private company offering a £500k salary to protect themselves from cyber threats, the Government has taken a slightly different course.
The Treasury is currently advertising for a Head of Cyber Security, to be based in London, Norwich or Darlington, starting at £50,550. The maximum would be £57,500 – if working from London.
That’s less than half the average salary for a head of cyber security in the private sector.
Bearing in mind that the role is “an exciting opportunity to be part of the decision making that affects the whole of the UK” and would effectively mean protecting the UK’s finances, it has received a lot of criticism.
A former head of GCHQ said that the Government needed to have “grown up conversations” on pay. Others have commented saying they’d “missed a 1 off”
The successful candidate will “join the team and provide advice to seniors on cyber risks across our services and systems. This is an exciting and meaningful opportunity to work on cyber security at the heart of Government in a time of momentous change” reads the job ad.
The Treasury pointed out that “pay must be affordable and fair so that it delivers value for the taxpayer while recognising the importance of talent.”
A spokesperson also said that it contained a “generous public sector pension entitlement, a substantial potential allowance and access to other benefits.”
