About the job
Be part of the frontline protecting the UK’s most critical Defence sites. Play a vital role in national security. At the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), we safeguard the UK’s Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets, and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. Our Gold Standard Security Service is built on professionalism, trust, and excellence — and we’re looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.
Who We Are
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high-quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and His Majesty’s Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde.
Why Join Us?
* A meaningful career – Play a crucial role in national security and defence.
* Career development – Access specialist training, funded qualifications, and internal progression opportunities.
* Job security – Be part of a well-established organisation with over 30 years of service.
* A strong team culture – Work alongside professionals who value integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.
Our Vision & Values
Our goal is to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services, guided by our core values:
* Integrity – Always do the right thing, treat others fairly.
* Vigilance & Preparedness – Stay alert, ready to respond.
* Professionalism – Maintain high standards, continuously improve.
* Helpfulness – Provide excellent service, leave a positive impression.
* Teamwork – Work collaboratively, support colleagues, and protect Defence.
There are plenty of opportunities for development, access to funded professional qualifications and specialist training. We are a growing organisation with opportunities to progress your security careers and if you align with our Values, we’d love to hear from you!
Additional information
For more information about MGS, please view Defence Infrastructure Organisation resources and related videos. Examples include topics about the Defence Infrastructure Organisation supports Defence and working as a dog handler or security staff. See the following descriptions in plain text: Defence Infrastructure Organisation Supports Defence; Being a dog handler in the Ministry of Defence Guard Service; Working for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure site safety and security – Protect Defence personnel, visitors, and property.
* Conduct patrols – Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
* Control access – Check credentials, issue passes, and escort visitors as required.
* Perform searches – Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage, and personnel.
* Respond to incidents – Identify risks, manage security breaches, and escalate as needed.
* Assist employees and visitors – Provide professional and courteous support on-site.
* Monitor security systems – Operate CCTV, alarms, and communication devices.
* Manage traffic and parking – Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access.
* Report and document – Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.
This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Shift Pattern & Flexibility
This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week, with 12 hour shifts rostered across the week from Sunday to Saturday. The schedule may be flexible within a rostered framework, with shifts changing with at least 48 hours notice. The exact pattern will be explained in full during the interview.
Training & Development
We are committed to ensuring you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role. New starters will complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by structured on-the-job training. You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, helping you build expertise throughout your career. For contact regarding vacancies, please follow internal guidance and, if needed, contact candidate support at the provided address.
Person specification
What We’re Looking For
* Resilient, alert, and highly organised with the ability to thrive in a team-based, high-responsibility environment.
* Ability to stay vigilant, act decisively, and provide outstanding customer service in security-sensitive locations.
* Previous experience in security or customer service is desirable.
* Good physical fitness for prolonged standing, patrolling large areas, and quick incident response.
* Background in administration and IT skills (Microsoft Office and electronic booking-in systems) beneficial for working with office-based personnel.
Behaviours
* Communicating and Influencing
* Working Together
* Managing a Quality Service
Licences
Full UK Driving Licence
Evidence of qualification/licence/membership required at interview. All qualifications/licences/memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalent qualifications will not be accepted.
Benefits
Alongside a salary of £31,500, the Ministry of Defence contributes £9,125 towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time, and we look after our people to deliver great things for customers. Benefits include access to Civil Service Pension, generous annual leave, ability to roll over annual leave, special leave for volunteering and military commitments, enhanced family leave, employee assistance, travel and site facilities, blue light and Defence Discount Cards, and free MGS security uniform. Details are available on the MOD Discover My Benefits site and related guidance.
Learning & Development
As part of your induction you will attend a two-week residential Foundation Security Course. There is ongoing professional development through Civil Service Learning and Defence Learning Environment, and opportunities to obtain industry-recognised qualifications supported by MGS. This post does not offer relocation assistance. Please note that pay-related allowances may be reviewed.
Selection process details
This vacancy uses Success Profiles to assess Behaviours and Experience. At application stage you will be assessed against Experience (CV, job history, skills) and at interview against Behaviours (Working Together, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing). Real-life scenarios should be used when providing examples. AI-generated content should be avoided and all statements must be truthful and from your own experience. See candidate guidance for more information.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet security requirements. The level of security check will be confirmed. Baseline personnel security standard checks apply for those working with government assets.
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