Security Officer Ref. 3680

Job description

Hours: full time, averaging 48 hours per week over a 6 week cycle, including weekends, nights and bank holidays. Part time and job share options are available, in line with current shift times and subject to business need.

About us

We're MI6, also known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). Our mission is to protect the security and economic wellbeing of the UK from overseas threats such as regional instability, terrorism, and cyber attacks. A role in MI6 will see you providing vital support to this work, within a supportive and encouraging environment that puts the emphasis on teamwork.

The role

As one of our Security Officers, you'll be part of an inclusive, friendly team of colleagues focused on keeping our buildings secure. Day to day, you'll meet and greet visitors, conduct searches, oversee access to the building, and monitor CCTV. You could be speaking to anyone from members of the public through to government delegates, so your communication and customer service skills will be key.

When you join, we'll train you in all you need to know including how to respond to alarms, administer first aid, and follow our security policies. As you grow into your role, you'll also get opportunities to be involved in jobs outside the building, like close protection and events. There may even be the chance to travel overseas, if this interests you.

About you

You don't need to have worked in a security role to apply, though if you have, we'll welcome your experience.

To apply, you'll need:

• a background in customer service or a people facing role, so you know how to provide a warm welcome
• a GCSE in English language at minimum grade C/4 or equivalent
• to be adaptable, as you'll need to respond in the moment to changing priorities
• to be comfortable following policies and procedures, which we'll train you on
• communication skills, as you'll be working with visitors
• attention to detail, as you'll be conducting searches and logging incidents
• confidence using Microsoft Word and Excel, so you can keep accurate records
• a good level of physical fitness (for example, to allow you to ascend multiple floors in a building on foot and respond quickly in an emergency)

Training and development

You'll receive comprehensive training along with support from your line manager when you join us. We'll also provide you with further training to meet Security Industry Authority (SIA) standards, so you can gain extra skills and long term opportunities.

Your work life balance

We recognise the importance of a healthy work life balance, which is why we offer part time and job share options, in line with current shift times and subject to business need. Please note that remote or home working is not possible in this role.

Some of our benefits

You'll enjoy 25 days' annual leave, rising to 30 days after 5 years' service, alongside 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays. We also offer a competitive pension, with employer contributions of at least 28.97%, an interest free season ticket loan and lots more. Discover more about our full range of benefits.

Equal opportunities

To protect the UK, we need a truly diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all individuals, particularly those who are currently under represented in our workforce, such as:

• women
• those from an ethnic minority background
• people with disabilities or neurodivergent conditions
• those from low socio economic backgrounds

This is part of our commitment to building a culture that is welcoming and inclusive of people with different identities, lived experiences, and perspectives, and where everyone has the confidence to bring their whole self to work. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

To reduce financial barriers for candidates, particularly those from lower socio economic backgrounds, we can offer the reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses to attend in person interviews or assessments during the recruitment and vetting process. By covering costs for travel, and in limited cases accommodation, we aim to ensure all applicants feel encouraged to apply, regardless of financial circumstances.

Reimbursement is discretionary and will only be made in line with the Candidate Expenses Policy, as amended from time to time. This policy will be shared with candidates via the invitation to interview or assessment. Candidates are responsible for arranging their own travel using the most economical options and must provide original hardcopy receipts for reimbursements.

Offer of Interview

We are committed to providing equitable opportunities throughout the recruitment process to support candidates with disabilities. As part of this, we aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who best meet the essential minimum criteria for this position, will be offered an interview, if it is practical for us to do so. (This is known as the Offer of an Interview.) To secure an interview for this role, the minimum criteria (in order of application process) are:

• Holding minimum of grade C/4 GCSE English language.
• Passing the situational judgement test.
• Meeting the minimum pass mark on questions about your motivation for the role and organisation.

As part of your application, you can declare if you have a disability or long term health condition and would like to be considered for an 'Offer of Interview'. If you opt in and successfully complete these stages, you'll be offered an in person competency based interview; this is our 'Offer of Interview'. Please be aware that in some situations where we receive a high volume of applications, we may not be able to interview all candidates, including those with disabilities, who meet the minimum criteria.

If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, have a long term health condition or require reasonable adjustments for any other reason, please let us know so we can support you. To learn more about how we can support you why not read our reasonable adjustments brochure or you can find out more information on our how to apply page.

Application process

Our selection process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. You'll need to pass each stage of the process to progress. This recruitment process consists of:

• An initial application form
• A situational judgement test (SJT)
• A full application form, where you'll tell us about your motivations for applying
• A competency based in person interview
• A fitness test, which involves a blood pressure check, eyesight check, step test and functional capacity test, as well as a medical questionnaire
• Conditional offer of employment
• Obtain Developed Vetting

The whole process can take 9 to 12 months, so if you are currently employed, we recommend staying in your existing role until you receive a final offer.

Before you apply

Due to the sensitive nature of our work, there are some eligibility criteria you'll need to meet (as well as some recommendations we'd make to aid your application). You will need to:

• be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Read more on our eligibility criteria
• go through vetting and comply with our no drugs policy. Learn more about the vetting process
• familiarise yourself with our guidance on the use of AI in applications
• complete your application from within the UK

We'd recommend using a different email address (with no identifying features for example first and/or surnames and date of birth) for your contact with us. This will help keep your personal and application correspondence separate, and more secure.

You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

Right to withdraw statement

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close applications once a certain number have been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out. If you have a disability (as defined under the Equality Act 2010) and need additional time to complete your application, please submit your initial application. Then, contact us via the email provided as soon as possible, using the subject line "Reasonable adjustments extension" and briefly outline the support you require.