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House of Commons

The House of Commons 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.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

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, Restoration & Renewal teams, the Parliamentary Digital Service, and other key stakeholders.

The Role

We are seeking to recruit our next cohort of Security Officers to meet our departmental aim of maintaining a safe, secure and accessible Parliament, free from disruption 24/7 365 days a year. Operating in a fast paced, constantly changing environment you will be someone who is physically fit, understands the importance of Security, with good observational and excellent customer service skills. Security Experience is preferred although transferable skills from other occupations will be considered and assessed on merit.

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 postholders to be confident in delivering excellent customer service and interacting with diverse groups of people in high-pressure situations.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Guard internal and external fixed positions, constantly assessing what is happening around you.
• Ensure compliance with security policies such as ensuring passes are visible and checked to ensure validity, when necessary, stopping, and challenging non-pass holders found in restricted areas.
• Conduct bag, body and vehicle searches for unauthorised items and take the appropriate action where illegal, unauthorised, or prohibited items are found.
• Operate x-ray machines and other related search equipment, ensuring you are trained and qualified to carry out this role competently
• Respond to CCTV and alarm activations, working with the Security Operations Centre to resolve and or mitigate the issue.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Experience of working with diverse groups of people, upholding the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion, ensuring that everyone is, at all times, treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Ability to work as part of a team delivering excellent customer service including meeting the needs of a diverse customer base, being professional and courteous and yet assertive when required.
• Excellent communication skills in order to relay information clearly and concisely to different audiences. Using verbal, written and digital mediums
• Good security awareness, with the ability to follow relevant policies and directions. Acting against potential risks and threats, by making sound decisions independently when under pressure
• Ability to gather relevant information to fully understand an incident and use that information to identify problems, write relevant reports and draw logical conclusions

Next Steps and Additional Information

If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 2 & 3 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.