Director, Safety, Security & Home Affairs

Description

St Helena Government serves a close‑knit community in one of the world’s most distinctive locations. As a UK Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, the island combines a rich heritage, dramatic natural environment and strong sense of community with an ambitious vision for the future. Government plays a central role in island life—delivering essential services while supporting sustainable growth and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all who live here.

The Safety, Security & Home Affairs portfolio sits at the frontline of that ambition—protecting the island, safeguarding its people and enabling prosperity. It is a complex and critical system, spanning policing, immigration and customs, fire and rescue, sea rescue, prison services, emergency planning and critical national infrastructure.
Working together, these services play a fundamental role in maintaining security, resilience and public confidence across the island.

The Director of Safety, Security & Home Affairs is a pivotal Executive‑level leadership role with wide‑ranging influence and visibility. You will lead this diverse portfolio, setting strategic direction and ensuring the effective integration, performance and resilience of services. You will oversee the island’s approach to public safety, border security and emergency preparedness, ensuring robust systems are in place to respond to risk and support a safe, secure and well‑governed community.

Working closely with Ministers, senior colleagues and partner agencies, you will strengthen cross‑government collaboration, drive service improvement and ensure value for money across the portfolio. You will also play a key role in shaping policy, managing risk and leading preparedness for major incidents—ensuring the island remains resilient, connected and open to opportunity.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a whole‑system safety and security function in a uniquely connected environment, where the impact of your leadership is immediate and visible. You will bring a strong track record in senior leadership within safety, security, justice or related sectors, with experience of managing complex operational services and responding to evolving risks.

A confident and values‑driven leader, you will be skilled at building trusted relationships across communities, partners and political leadership. Resilient, adaptable and calm under pressure, you will thrive in a setting that demands both strategic oversight and hands‑on leadership. Above all, you will be motivated by purpose and inspired by the opportunity to make a lasting difference to a community you can truly get to know.

For a confidential discussion please contact: orla.brennan@gatenbysanderson.com

Closing date for applications: Sunday 28th June 2026, 17:00.

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