Cabinet Office Conversations: Vincent Devine
Tuesday, 11 November, 13:00-14:00, Glasgow University Union
How do you build a career within the Civil Service that takes you to the top of the UK’s national security function?
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Vincent Devine, an English Language and Literature graduate from UofG, now the UK Government Chief Security Officer and Head of the Government Security Function, in discussion with Kezia Dugdale, Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy.
With over 30 years in the Civil Service, Vincent has led on some of the UK’s most complex security and national security challenges including international postings in the Balkans, Ukraine and Northern Ireland. He now oversees how government protects its people, information and critical infrastructure.
- Hear first-hand insights from a Glasgow graduate who's now one of the UK’s most senior security officials
- Explore what a career in government, security or policy really looks like
- Ask Vincent your own questions about leadership, crisis management and working across government
Whether you’re studying Politics, Law, Computing, History, Sociology, English Language or simply curious about how government works behind the scenes, this is a rare opportunity to learn from someone who once sat where you are now, and went on to shape national security at the highest level.
Refreshments will be provided.
Please note, to gain entry to this event you must pre-register and produce your student card on arrival. Failure to do so may result in denial of entry.
About Vincent Devine
Vincent Devine was appointed Government Chief Security Officer and Head of the Government Security Function in December 2021.
Vincent, an English Language and Literature graduate from the University of Glasgow, joined the civil service in 1993 and has worked in a wide range of security and national security roles, including postings in the Balkans, Ukraine and Northern Ireland. He joined the Cabinet Office from the Ministry of Defence, where he had been Chief Security Officer since 2018.
The Government Chief Security Officer (GCSO) leads the Government Security Function, which seeks to build the capacity and capabilities of security professionals across UK government departments, covering physical, human and information security.
The GCSO is also Director General of the Government Security Group within the Cabinet Office, which is responsible for the oversight, coordination and delivery of protective security within all central government departments, their agencies and arms-length bodies.
The GCSO is also responsible for, and heads, the Government Security Profession, bringing together security professionals from across government in supporting them to gain skills and knowledge to fulfil their roles.
Important information
We aim to ensure that people have equal access to public events. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable adjustments, please contact careers@glasgow.ac.uk or 0141 330 5647 with your request so that arrangements, where possible, can be made.
Photography and filming will be taking place at this event. To learn more about how we process your personal data related to this, see our privacy notices.
All students registering for and attending this event should ensure they have read our Statement of Service which includes our Code of Conduct.