As one of our Security Officers, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors and staff entering our buildings. Working in a close‑knit, supportive team, you'll anticipate and reduce security risks, ensuring our buildings and everyone inside remain safe. You will oversee access, conduct physical searches, patrol grounds, monitor CCTV, respond to alarms, give first aid and assist visitors in understanding security procedures. You will maintain clear, accurate incident logs, follow policies, and greet people from all walks of life—including government officials and partner agency colleagues—while handling the checks required and staying alert for anything unusual.
You'll be the first person GCHQ visitors meet, making a great first impression while completing necessary checks and staying vigilant for unusual activity. You will join a supportive, experienced team, learning from colleagues, developing your skills, and having opportunities to grow, including interactions with MI5 and MI6 and other security teams.
Eligibility and Application Process
1. Eligibility sift – answer questions to determine eligibility to apply.
2. Organisational Situational Judgement Test (OSJT) – assessed at the initial application stage.
3. Role Specific Situational Judgement Test (SJT) – assessed at the initial application stage.
4. Virtual interview – offered after successful completion of all previous stages.
Your application may take 6 to 9 months to process, including vetting, so continue any current employment until you receive the final offer.
Minimum Criteria
1. Meet the minimum pass mark in the OSJT.
2. Meet the minimum pass mark for the Role Specific SJT.
Responsibility Highlights
* First line of security and visitor check‑in.
* Operate access systems and monitor CCTV.
* Conduct physical searches and security patrols.
* Respond to alarms, provide first aid and support visitors.
* Record incidents accurately and maintain logs.
* Work in a shift pattern – 8‑hour day or 12‑hour rotating shifts.
Qualifications and Experience
* Security or customer service experience – interacting daily with visitors and partners.
* English language GCSE at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent experience.
* Basic IT and Microsoft Office skills for incident logging.
* Reliable commuting for assigned shift times.
* Physical fitness to operate heavy doors, use stairs or lifts, and carry out searches; foot patrols may be indoors and outdoors, in all weather.
Location and Eligibility
To work at GCHQ you must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. The role requires highest security clearance, Developed Vetting (DV). The position is based in Manchester; candidates must live within commuting distance. You may not apply from outside the UK.
Shift Patterns and Salary
Extended Day Officers (Monday to Friday) – £30,101; shifts 7:00 am‑3:00 pm or 11:00 am‑7:00 pm.
24‑Hour Officers – £35,246; 12‑hour shifts: 7:00 am‑7:00 pm (including 1‑hour unpaid break) and 7:00 pm‑7:00 am (including 1‑hour unpaid break), with 4 days off. Shifts are fixed.
Flexible or remote working is not possible due to the nature of the role.
Training and Development
From the moment you join, you will receive training in Security Industry Authority (SIA) certifications, first aid, and a 1‑2‑week induction with the security team before starting your shift pattern. A buddy will be assigned to support you on your first shift.
Growth and Career Progression
As a Security Officer you will stay within the security team for 18 months and may apply for promotion or explore other roles within the team, subject to readiness and management endorsement.
Rewards and Benefits
* Annual leave: 25 days, rising to 30 days after 5 years, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays.
* Recognition through the employee performance scheme.
* Interest‑free season ticket loan.
* Excellent pension scheme.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* On‑site facilities such as gym, restaurant and coffee bars (some locations).
* Paid parental and adoption leave.
Additional Information
Our recruitment process is fair, transparent and based on merit. We are a Disability Confident Leader, committed to ensuring a fair number of disabled applicants are offered interviews where appropriate. We also provide support throughout the recruitment process and reasonable adjustments where required.
We enforce a strict drug policy; no recreational drug use after application start and full disclosure of previous drug usage is required.
All correspondence should be kept separate from personal email. Avoid identifying features in your email address to protect application security.
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