About the job

Job summary

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system. 

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Introduction 

We have several Security Officer roles available for individuals who are looking to work in a fast pace environment where you will deal with a wide range of potential security risks which may arise in a complex and diverse organisation.

If you are looking for this type of career path and have a good understanding of security policies and their practical application in the workplace, we would love to hear from you! 

The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) is responsible for physical and personnel security across both Houses of Parliament and provides support to Members and staff when away from the Estate. Its purpose is to keep Parliament safe and open for business.

PSD sets security strategy provides expert advice and delivers an operational service. It does this in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and by working closely with the In-House and Strategic Estates teams, Serjeant at Arms and Black Rod’s office, the Restoration & Renewal programme, the Parliamentary Digital Service, and other key stakeholders.

Job description

We are seeking to recruit our next cohort of Security Officers to meet our departmental aim of maintaining a safe, security and accessible Parliament, free from disruption. Please be aware that you do not need prior security experience to become a Security Officer at Parliament – all training required for the role will be provided.

Security Officers are responsible for controlling access to the Parliamentary Estate which will include searching and screening visitors, vehicles, and specified premises to prevent or trace prohibited items. As Parliament has over 1 million visitors per year, ranging from the public to high-profile guests, this role requires post holders to be confident in delivering excellent customer service and interacting with diverse groups of people in high-pressure situations.

Person specification

We are looking for individuals who will bring excellent analytical skills to identify, analyse, and act safely on potential security risks. You will have the ability to make clear and sound decisions independently when under pressure to ensure a successful solution is applied.

You will have the ability to gather relevant information to fully understand an issue and use that information to identify problems and draw logical conclusion. You will need good prioritising skills to ensure that all incidents are reported in an effective and efficient manner with an appropriate and professional audit trail.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £33,761, House of Commons contributes £9,115 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

If this opportunity sounds right for you, please submit a supporting statement, providing clear evidence on how you meet Criterions 2 and 3 on the Job Description. Please submit your statement via the House of Commons portal.

Please only apply once you have read and understood the eligibility requirements.

All criteria will be assessed at Assessment and interview stage. See below assessment and interview dates that you will be required to attend:

Closing Date for applications: 1st July 2024.

Assessment Days including Observational and Fitness Test: Week Beginning 8th July 2024.

Interviews: Final Interviews will take place on the same day.  

Three available days are 19th, 20th, 21st July 2024.

Please note that any applicant that is successful through the assessment and fitness test will be interviewed on the same day.

We include a Fitness Test which consists of a multi-stage fitness test (also known as bleep test) to level 5.4 which is our standard required for this role. In addition you will need to pass a full range of movement test. As part of the selection process as Security Officers require a reasonable level of physical fitness to effectively carry out the duties of the job. This includes walking and patrolling the Estate, long periods of standing, lifting bags/trays and walking up stairs.

The salary is inclusive of a 30% Shift Disturbance Allowance of £7,791 per annum. The allowance may change dependent on business needs.

Please note for roles working a rostered shift pattern this equates to - 30 days annual leave for first full leave year (rising to 35 on second full leave year) plus bank holidays. Annual leave will be taken in hours and one day’s leave will be converted into 7.2 hours

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.