Access Control Co-Ordinator

Serco Group Plc; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bank holidays

Pension scheme (up to 6%)

Internal training courses & mentoring

Employee assistance & wellbeing

Job summary

Serco Group plc is seeking an Access Control Co-Ordinator for the Defence Academy to oversee site access, security compliance, and regulatory processes within a defence environment.

You will manage access for personnel, visitors, contractors, and vehicles, perform security checks, and maintain audit-ready records, while coordinating with MoD Guard Service and security teams to ensure smooth operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in security/compliance/regulatory environments is desirable.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in records management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage access control processes for personnel, visitors, contractors, and vehicles in line with Defence Academy and MoD requirements.
• Conduct eligibility, identity, and security checks and issue access permissions and passes.
• Maintain security records and audit-ready documentation; manage passes, keys and related records.
• Monitor access control systems and investigate discrepancies following procedures.
• Liaise with on-site security teams and MoD Guard Service to ensure seamless access management.
• Support VIP visits and emergency access requirements with proper planning and coordination.

Job description

As an Access Control Co-Ordinator at the Defence Academy, you'll play a critical role in managing site access, security compliance, and operational processes within a highly regulated defence environment. Working at the heart of the Academy's security function, you'll ensure that personnel, visitors, contractors, and vehicles are processed in line with established procedures, maintaining the integrity and security of the site at all times. This is far more than a traditional reception or customer service role. You'll be responsible for balancing security requirements, compliance obligations, and operational priorities in a fast-paced environment where accuracy, attention to detail, and sound judgement are essential. Through your work, you'll help create a secure and efficient environment that supports the delivery of world-class defence education and training. What you'll do as an Access Control Co-Ordinator

• Manage access control processes for personnel, visitors, contractors, service personnel, and vehicles, ensuring compliance with Defence Academy and Ministry of Defence requirements.
• Conduct eligibility, identity, and security checks, issuing access permissions and passes in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate security, clearance, and access control records, ensuring compliance with audit and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and administer access control systems, investigating discrepancies and resolving issues in line with procedures.
• Liaise with key stakeholders, onsite security teams, and the Ministry of Defence Guard Service to ensure effective site access management and operational continuity.
• Produce reports, maintain registers, and manage controlled documentation, passes, swipe cards, keys, and associated records.
• Support VIP visits, emergency access requirements, and other operational activities requiring enhanced planning and coordination.
• Identify, escal, and document security concerns, incidents, policy breaches, and process exceptions in line with reporting procedures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and procedures to enhance security, compliance, and operational effectiveness.

  Experience working within a security, compliance, regulated, operational, defence, military, facilities management, or similarly structured environment.

• Comfortable following detailed procedures and applying policies consistently while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to maintain detailed records and manage confidential information appropriately.
• Confident using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel to manage documentation, reporting, and data records.
• Able to work effectively under pressure, balancing competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge appropriately and explain procedures when required.
• Resilient, professional, and confident making decisions within defined processes and procedures.
• Customer-focused, whilst understanding the importance of maintaining security and compliance standards at all times.
• Experience of access control systems, security administration, vetting processes, or compliance activities would be advantageous.

  At Serco, everyone plays a vital part in delivering essential public services that make a real difference. As a global team of 50,000 people across Defence, Transport, Justice, Immigration, Healthcare, Leisure and Citizen Services, we're united by a shared purpose: to improve the services that communities rely on. Guided by our values of Trust, Care, Innovation and Pride, our people make meaningful impact, every single day.

Our inclusive recruitment commitment:

We prioritise your skills and potential. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Top Great British Employer of Veterans 2026, and a Gold Inclusive Employer Standard holder, we champion equal opportunities for all. We offer flexible and hybrid working where possible and make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.

• Guaranteed Interview Scheme: Applicants with disabilities, veterans and people with convictions, who meet the minimum job criteria, are guaranteed an interview. Simply opt into the relevant scheme on the application form.
• Ban The Box: We also support fair access for those with unspent criminal convictions through our 'Ban the Box' pledge (some roles may have security exemptions).

  25 days' holiday plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)

• Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (we currently offer over 60 different apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Our employee networks support connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including veterans, LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, and people from all cultural backgrounds.