Inspector - Network and Information Systems (Cyber Security)
| Posting date: | 08 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £56,375 per year |
| Additional salary information: | A technical uplift is payable on the successful completion of the probationary period (usually 6 months after starting). This is a supplement to the pay rate for Inspectors to reflect the technical skills of the role. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 05 May 2026 |
| Location: | NE England, UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Government Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 455466 |
Summary
The Network and Information Systems Regulations (NIS) (2018) extended the original Drinking Water Supply regulations to include greater emphasis on the security and reliability of information systems which control drinking water production or delivery, with particular regard to the modern-day threat of cyber security.
The main responsibility of the Inspectorate’s NIS team is to ensure that the 17 drinking water companies in England and Wales (that are currently within scope of the NIS regulations) take appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures to manage any risks posed to the security of their network and information systems. This includes the cyber and physical security of assets on which their essential service of drinking water provision relies.
The Inspectorate regularly needs to respond to an evolving risk picture, and incidents which impact the water network. Therefore, the post holder will need to be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing work priorities and may be required to participate in the Inspectorate’s response to a security incident. This may include out of hours working on occasion, but the Inspectorate makes every effort to allow for individual personal circumstances and offers a range of flexible working options including remote working and some working from home. Tasks include:
Evaluation of annual self-assessments by Operators of Essential Service (OES) against the Cyber Assessment Framework.
Logging and assessment of any reported incidents from the sector.
Scoping of, preparation for and completion of verification audits with selected OES.
Making recommendations regarding enforcement action that might be required to address gaps in compliance.
Preparation of new and revisions to existing guidance for OES on meeting the requirements of NIS.
Preparation of annual reports on compliance against NIS and the activities of the Inspectorate in England and Wales for Ministers.
Routine liaison with Inspectorate colleagues, Defra, Welsh Government, other stakeholders and OES.
Contribution towards regular internal performance and financial reports.
The main responsibility of the Inspectorate’s NIS team is to ensure that the 17 drinking water companies in England and Wales (that are currently within scope of the NIS regulations) take appropriate and proportionate technical and organisational measures to manage any risks posed to the security of their network and information systems. This includes the cyber and physical security of assets on which their essential service of drinking water provision relies.
The Inspectorate regularly needs to respond to an evolving risk picture, and incidents which impact the water network. Therefore, the post holder will need to be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing work priorities and may be required to participate in the Inspectorate’s response to a security incident. This may include out of hours working on occasion, but the Inspectorate makes every effort to allow for individual personal circumstances and offers a range of flexible working options including remote working and some working from home. Tasks include:
Evaluation of annual self-assessments by Operators of Essential Service (OES) against the Cyber Assessment Framework.
Logging and assessment of any reported incidents from the sector.
Scoping of, preparation for and completion of verification audits with selected OES.
Making recommendations regarding enforcement action that might be required to address gaps in compliance.
Preparation of new and revisions to existing guidance for OES on meeting the requirements of NIS.
Preparation of annual reports on compliance against NIS and the activities of the Inspectorate in England and Wales for Ministers.
Routine liaison with Inspectorate colleagues, Defra, Welsh Government, other stakeholders and OES.
Contribution towards regular internal performance and financial reports.