About the job

Job summary

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. 

The Personnel Security Team drives the development and implementation of the policies and processes aimed at mitigating the risk of passholders exploiting their legitimate access to Parliament and its assets.

Security Vetting and Pass Officers will be expected to work collaboratively to ensure that pass and vetting applications are processed in a manner that is smooth, accurate, and puts personnel security at its heart and to ensure the vetting team always uphold excellent customer service standards.

Job description

Learning the complex nuances of the role, keeping up to date with and consistently applying current procedures relating to processing security applications, access control and the issuing of passes are key to this role.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include: 

• Picking up errors in security applications and contacting applicants to obtain relevant information before processing applications.
• Answering the Vetting Team telephone line and answering emails, providing accurate information based on current procedures and guidelines.
• Accessing the Police National Computer to carry out criminal records checks.
• Acting independently, providing knowledge and advice regarding security vetting and access to House staff, Members of both Houses and contractors.

Person specification

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate: 

• Previous experience working in a fast-paced administration environment with the ability to complete tasks whilst balancing accuracy and speed using a variety of IT systems.  You will have an ability to spot and deal with issues autonomously. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills working in an administrative environment. You will have a confident manner, be able to think quickly, react appropriately with all stakeholders in a potentially challenging environment, whilst upholding the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Being a team player, with the ability to carry out and prioritise different tasks to achieve team goals when under pressure within a complex, demanding and rapidly changing environment. 
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,150, House of Commons contributes £21,280 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

Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-4 in the Job Description.  

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.  

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances. 

The interview process may also include a written test exercise. Further details will be provided if your application is successfully shortlisted for an interview.

Interview Date – TBC

Security

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.