Security Team Leader

NHS Scotland; Carstairs; On-site; CAD 49,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Hospital in Scotland seeks an experienced Security Team Leader to support the Security Operations Manager and lead Security Reception and Control Room staff. You will maintain high standards, manage access, egress, searches, monitoring and security systems to safeguard patients, staff and the public.

Effective leadership, staff development, and professional communication are essential in this high secure environment.

Qualifications

• SVQ Level 4 at SCQF Level 8 or equivalent.
• Experience in a management or supervisory role within security or customer care.
• Proven leadership skills with staff motivation and high standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; can handle sensitive interactions.
• Ability to make timely decisions and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and support to Security and Control Room Operators.
• Ensure Reception, the Control Room and security functions are staffed and effective.
• Monitor security systems, respond to faults, and implement control measures.
• Plan rotas, allocate tasks, and manage overtime and time off in lieu.
• Respond to incidents calmly, deploy staff, and communicate accurately.
• Train and develop staff, address performance, and support attendance.
• Maintain security procedures, risk assessments, and operational reports.
• Apply searching and access procedures professionally in difficult situations.
• Support investigations, recruitment, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Management experience

Leadership

Communication skills

IT skills

Driving licence

Education

SVQ Level 4 / SCQF Level 8 or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

AfC Band 5 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 per annum (pro rata)

Hours 36

Contract Duration Permanent

The State Hospital is seeking an experienced and motivated Security Team Leader to support the Security Operations Manager and work alongside fellow Team Leaders in the effective day-to-day management of the Security Department. This is a key operational leadership role within Scotland’s high secure forensic mental health service, where professional, consistent and proportionate security arrangements are essential to support patient care, staff safety and public confidence. You will lead Security Reception and Control Room staff, maintain high operational standards and ensure that access, egress, search, monitoring and security systems are managed safely and effectively. You will balance the requirements of a high secure environment with a respectful and reassuring approach to staff, carers, visitors, volunteers, contractors and professionals.

What you do

• Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and support to Security and Control Room Operators.
• Ensure Reception, the Control Room and associated security functions are appropriately staffed and operating effectively.
• Monitor physical and electronic security systems, respond to faults and put appropriate control measures in place.
• Plan and prioritise work, prepare rotas and daily allocations, and manage staffing pressures, skill mix, overtime and time off in lieu.
• Respond calmly and decisively to incidents, alarms, emergencies and changing threat levels, providing accurate information and deploying staff appropriately.
• Train, coach and develop staff, support personal development and attendance management, and address standards where improvement is required.
• Maintain and review security procedures, protocols, risk assessments, records and operational reports.
• Communicate sensitively and professionally when applying searching, access and prohibited-item procedures, including in challenging or contentious situations.
• Support investigations, recruitment activity and continuous improvement across the department.

What we are looking for

• A minimum SVQ Level 4 at SCQF Level 8, or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience in a management or supervisory role within a security and/or customer care environment.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to motivate staff, challenge appropriately and maintain high standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to provide clear direction and manage sensitive or difficult interactions.
• The judgement and resilience to make timely decisions, manage competing priorities and remain professional in an unpredictable environment.
• Good IT skills, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to work a rotational shift pattern, including short-notice requirements where necessary.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 14/09/2026 For an informal discussion please contact David Lawrence Security Operations Manager, on 01555 842034.

If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the application form or recruitment process, please contact the HR Team on to discuss your requirements.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people under the age of 18 for non-clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older. Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact

Right to Work

To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, please visit the GOV.UK website. Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds. Please note: The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.

Artificial Intelligence

Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience. Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.