CCTV Operator

Akon Security; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Akon Security, based in Canterbury and covering Kent and the South East of England, is seeking a CCTV Operator to monitor feeds, assess situations, and coordinate responses from our control room. The role requires strong attention to detail, rapid decision making, and a solid understanding of data protection laws.

You will work in a focused control-room environment, handling real-time incidents, preparing evidence and reports for law enforcement, and ensuring all actions comply with UK GDPR and

Qualifications

• Detail oriented, observant, and fast to act.
• Data protection compliance training is required or essential.

Responsibilities

• Monitor multiple CCTV feeds simultaneously with full situational awareness.
• Detect and report criminal activity, ASB, and safety incidents.
• Coordinate with on-ground security and emergency services in real time.
• Prepare incident reports and footage evidence packages.
• Ensure GDPR and data protection compliance at all times.
• Maintain accurate operational logs throughout every shift.

Skills

Attention to detail

Observation skills

Decision making under pressure

Tools

CCTV systems

Job description

BASED IN CANTERBURY, COVERING KENT & SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

CCTV OPERATOR

Detail oriented, observant, and fast to act. Our CCTV operators are the technical backbone of our security operation, watching, assessing, and coordinating response from the control room.

CCTV Operators monitor and manage surveillance systems across multiple client sites, maintaining situational awareness across simultaneous camera feeds. You detect and deter criminal activity, anti-social behaviour, and safety breaches before they escalated.

When an incident occurs, you communicate in real time with on-ground security teams, alert police or emergency services as appropriate, and prepare accurate evidence reports and footage packages for use by law enforcement. Data protection compliance is a core part of the role.

THE AKON SECURITY WAY

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor multiple CCTV feeds simultaneously with full situational awareness
• Detect and report criminal activity, ASB, and safety incidents
• Coordinate with on-ground security and emergency services in real time
• Prepare incident reports and footage evidence packages
• Ensure full GDPR and data protection compliance at all times
• Maintain accurate operational logs throughout every shift

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS & LICENSES

• SIA Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Licence
• Data Protection & GDPR Compliance Training
• Conflict Management
• Emergency Procedures & Communication Protocols

This role suits methodical, observant people who thrive in a focused environment and can maintain concentration across long periods. Experience in CCTV, control room operations, or monitoring roles is an advantage. You'll need to be comfortable working independently, making fast judgement calls, and communicating clearly under pressure.

Do I need the SIA CCTV licence specifically, or will a different SIA licence do?

For CCTV operator roles involving public space surveillance, you are legally required to hold the SIA Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Licence. Other SIA licences, including the Security Guard and Door Supervisor, do not cover this role. If you don't yet hold the PSS licence, we can point you to OnnPoint Training who can support you through the qualification.

What systems and software will I be working with?

This varies by client site, we work with a range of CCTV systems and digital recording platforms. A briefing on the specific systems in use at your posting is provided at induction. Most operators find that the core skills transfer well between systems, and experience with any professional CCTV platform is a strong foundation.

How does GDPR apply to CCTV monitoring work?

CCTV footage is personal data and must be handled in compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. This means lawful processing, appropriate retention periods, controlled access, and secure storage. All Akon CCTV operators receive data protection training as part of their onboarding, and our operating procedures are designed to keep both you and your clients legally compliant at all times.

Is this a lone working role or part of a team?

Control room roles typically involve working as part of a small team, particularly on larger client sites. Some remote monitoring work may involve more independent operation, supported by our wider operations team via radio or telephone. Either way, you'll always have a point of contact in our operations centre and clear escalation procedures for any incident.

Are there progression opportunities for CCTV operators?

Yes. CCTV operators who want to broaden their skills can move into combined monitoring and patrol roles, field-based positions, or operations support. Some operators also progress into senior operator and shift supervisor roles as client contracts grow. We'll discuss your ambitions at interview and make sure any progression plan is something we can support.