The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
As part of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service commitment to equality and diversity, our recruitment system will automatically anonymise your personal information once your application is submitted and a generic application number is generated. The selection panel will only see the evidence you have provided on how you meet the key capabilities required for the job. Please check your details carefully and answer all required questions as this may affect any potential employment with us.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) plays a central role in supporting the fair and effective administration of justice in Scotland. We fulfil this purpose by providing the people, places and services needed to assist the judiciary, the courts, devolved tribunals and the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). Our work is focused on improving access to justice for everyone, reducing delays and costs within the system, modernising our services, and using accessible, innovative technology to meet the needs of all who rely on us.
We’re now recruiting for a Head of Security Architecture.
You will play a key strategic role in protecting SCTS digital systems and data, working collaboratively with technical and business colleagues to develop and maintain effective cyber security controls.
You will take a proactive role in supporting the effective design, implementation and performance of security controls. You will have close working links with architects, security specialists, developers, engineers, security operations, risk and assurance colleagues as well as business managers, setting security standards and owning technical assessment processes and outcomes
What you’ll be doing:
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Leading cyber security architecture across SCTS, setting standards and technical requirements
- Designing and embedding security controls, threat modelling and assessment processes
- Acting as the technical lead for cyber security risk identification and assurance
- Influencing secure design across major change and digital programmes
- Owning cyber security requirements for third‑party and supply‑chain assurance
- Working closely with senior stakeholders, architects and security specialists
What we’re looking for:
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Senior experience in cyber / security architecture at enterprise level
- Strong technical knowledge across infrastructure, applications and cloud security
- Ability to translate complex risk and security concepts for senior leaders
- Relevant professional certification (e.g. CISSP, CISSP‑ISSAP, SC‑100 or equivalent)
- Eligibility to obtain Secure Check clearance
Applications should be submitted by 11:59pm on Monday 21 September 2026.
If selected for interview, you will be asked to undertake an additional assessment. Details of which will be included in the interview.
Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 5 October 2026.
Rehabilitation of Offenders:
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service is exempt from the protections of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). This permits us to ask applicants details of both spent and unspent convictions, along with details of any formal cautions that you may have. Individuals without existing security clearance will always be considered as all successful applicants will require a standard level Disclosure check completed before employment can commence.
Civil Service Code:
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
Recruitment Principles:
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Complaints:
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles. If you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and wish to make a complaint, then in the first instance you should contact Government Recruitment Service by email at:
[email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission at
[email protected].
For further information on the Recruitment Principles and bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, please visit their website at: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk.
