Location
Whitehall, London

Hours
Shift working position, 48 hours per week including breaks. Shifts are 12 hours each, rostered between Sunday and Saturday, including nights, weekends, and bank holidays. Flexible shift patterns apply with advance notice of changes.

Salary
£32,530 per annum

About the Role
Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) and be part of the front line protecting the UK’s most critical Defence sites. You will play a vital role in national security by safeguarding personnel, assets, and locations from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. The MGS provides high-quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as the MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and His Majesty’s Naval Bases.

As a Security Officer, your key responsibilities will include ensuring site safety and security, conducting patrols on foot or by vehicle, controlling access by checking credentials and issuing passes, performing security searches, responding to incidents, assisting employees and visitors, monitoring security systems such as CCTV and alarms, managing traffic and parking, and maintaining detailed security logs and incident reports.

This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and a good level of physical fitness due to patrolling large areas and standing for extended periods. New starters will complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course including Emergency First Aid at Work, followed by structured on-the-job training and ongoing professional development supported by the Workforce Development Team.

Experience
There is no single background required. Officers come from diverse careers including security, military, retail, hospitality, care, logistics, teaching, and customer service. Previous security experience is not necessary as full training and uniform are provided.

About you
You should be calm, polite, and respectful in busy situations; pay attention to detail and report anything unusual; follow procedures consistently; learn quickly and adapt to changing circumstances; communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds; be reliable, punctual, and professional; and support colleagues while working well as part of a team.

Qualifications
This is a Reserved Post requiring Developed Vetting clearance and is open to sole UK nationals only. Dual nationality holders are not eligible. Candidates are normally expected to have resided in the UK for the majority of the last 10 years to meet clearance requirements. A good level of physical fitness is essential. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and medical examination. The role does not offer visa sponsorship.