Head of Security, Car Park and Access

NHS; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Head of Security, Car Parks and Access to oversee security strategy and compliance within the organization. The role involves leading security operations and managing a team. Ideal candidates will possess a master's degree in security management and extensive experience in a senior security role within a healthcare setting, with a salary range of £55,690 to £62,682 per year.

Benefits

On-site leisure facilities

Flexible working arrangements

Subsidised transport options

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in security management or related field (or equivalent experience).
• SIA Licence (Door Supervisor or Security Guarding) or equivalent.
• Significant experience coordinating with police and emergency services on security.

Responsibilities

• Lead on security strategy and operational practices for the Trust.
• Manage security teams and ensure compliance with national security frameworks.
• Conduct security risk assessments and develop action plans.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Crisis Management

Risk Assessment

Conflict Resolution

Education

Master's degree in security management or related field

SIA Licence

Relevant security management qualification

Job description

Job summary

An opportunity has risen within the Securities Services Department in Facilities Services. The Head of Security, Car Parks and Access will lead on the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Trust's security strategy and operational practices in line with national NHS guidelines and legislative requirements.

The Head of Security, Car Parks and Access will provide strategic leadership and expert guidance on all aspects of security across the organisation, ensuring compliance with national and government security frameworks. The postholder will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the organisation's security strategy, with a focus on physical security, counter‑terrorism and resilience planning.

Main duties of the job

• Act as the organisation's lead for the NHS Violence Prevention and Reduction Standard (VPRS), counter‑terrorism readiness and access governance, and represent the organisation in national and local security forums, including but not limited to the Cambridge biomedical campus group (CBC), Daily CEFM meetings, Security Organisational Group (SOG), VPRS strategy group and Exclusion notice review group.
• Line manage the Security Manager, Car Park and Access Manager, ensuring alignment with the organisation's safety, estates and Facilities strategies.
• Apply deep expertise in healthcare/public sector security, SIA compliance, PMVA principles, national counter‑terrorism guidance, access protocol, car parking operations and Estates security risk management.
• Support the Associate Director and IT teams to ensure alignment between physical and digital security measures.

About us

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and more than 1,100 beds, the Trust prioritises quality service and patient care. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commission, CUH’s values – Together, Safe, Kind, Excellent – guide staff behaviour and patient care. CUH provides high‑quality healthcare locally and specialist services nationally and internationally.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or socioeconomic background.

Details

• Date posted: 17 November 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: 8a
• Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time, Flexible working
• Reference number: 180-F-CVA225-RE
• Job location: Addenbrookes Hospital – Division Corporate, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

Job description

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full‑time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full‑time permanent contract unless you have:

• applied for a Graduate visa
• or have successfully completed your course and applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
• or the Trust has agreed that they will sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment

For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk, but interviews cannot be guaranteed.

The advert will close at midnight on 30 November 2025. Interviews are due to be held on 9 December 2025.

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we support good working days with development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on‑site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme includes reduced‑cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from the hospital site, free Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington, and a free route to Cambridge train station. We subsidise on‑site parking for eligible staff.

Hot food is available 24/7 on campus, and we recently launched staff pod break spaces at the Deakin Centre with free tea, coffee, a break space and private outdoor area for colleagues to rest and recharge.

CUH offers flexible arrangements such as part‑time working, job‑share, term‑time working and flexible start/finish times. If you would like to discuss required hours further, please approach the contact given. Alternate working hours may be considered. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Person Specification

Qualifications – Essential

• Master’s degree in security management, risk management, business administration or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• SIA Licence (Door Supervisor or Security Guarding) or equivalent
• Relevant security management qualification (e.g., Level 4/5 in Security Management, MSyl or equivalent)
• Full membership of a recognised professional security body (e.g., The Security Institute [MSyI], ASIS International or equivalent)
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in security, counter‑terrorism, violence prevention or related areas

Qualifications – Desirable

• Management qualification (e.g., ILM Level 7 or above)
• PMVA Instructor Certificate
• NEBOSH or equivalent safety/security qualification

Experience – Essential

• Extensive experience in a senior security management role within a large, complex organisation, ideally in the NHS or healthcare sector
• Demonstrated track record of leading and managing physical security operations, including access control, CCTV, incident response, patrols and emergency procedures
• Proven experience implementing and maintaining compliance with NHS Violence Prevention and Reduction Standards (VPRS) or equivalent
• Significant experience coordinating with police, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) and emergency services to develop and deliver counter‑terrorism, resilience and emergency preparedness initiatives
• Experience conducting comprehensive security risk assessments, investigations, incident reviews and developing action plans
• Strong background in developing, implementing and reviewing security policies, procedures and training programmes
• Experience supervising, mentoring and developing security teams, including performance management and professional development
• Evidence of successful partnership working with Estates, Facilities, Clinical and IT teams to deliver integrated security solutions
• Experience representing the organisation at security forums, regulatory inspections or audits

Experience – Desirable

• NHS or healthcare security leadership experience
• Experience in major incident preparedness and response
• Oversight of access control and surveillance systems in complex organisations
• Experience supporting or liaising with cyber security teams to ensure physical/digital alignment
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, deliver quality improvements and drive a positive security culture

Knowledge – Essential

• In‑depth understanding of SIA legislation, counter‑terrorism strategies (NaCTSO/CONTEST) and violence prevention approaches (VPRS)
• Knowledge of NHS guidance and estates frameworks (e.g., PAMS, ERIC, HTM standards)
• In‑depth knowledge of physical security systems and technologies such as CCTV, access control, intruder alarms and incident reporting platforms in a healthcare environment
• Strong grasp of risk assessment methodologies, incident investigation processes and best practice in security operations within large, complex organisations
• Awareness of partnership working with police, CTSAs, emergency services and external agencies to support resilience and security planning
• Familiarity with NHS estate and facilities management and how security integrates with clinical, operational and support services

Knowledge – Desirable

• Understanding of Trust‑wide operational governance, risk registers and emergency planning arrangements
• Understanding of staff training principles, conflict resolution and de‑escalation techniques relevant to healthcare settings
• Awareness of the boundaries between physical and cyber security and how physical security measures can support overall protection of Trust assets and information
• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and their application to security operations and staff management in the NHS
• Familiarity with NHS estate and facilities management and how security integrates with clinical, operational and support services

Skills – Essential

• Excellent leadership and staff development skills
• Strong communication and influencing skills with stakeholders at all levels
• Strategic planning, risk assessment and crisis management skills
• Resilience planning and ability to analyse complex data and provide evidence‑based recommendations
• Skilled in report writing, data analysis and policy development
• Ability to manage complex incidents and escalator appropriately
• Competent in managing sensitive information with discretion

Skills – Desirable

• Ability to deliver or coordinate staff training (e.g., PMVA, lone working awareness)
• Project management qualification or experience

Additional Requirements – Essential

• The ability to understand and behave at all times towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent
• Ability to participate in Trust‑wide emergency planning and incident response
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Additional Requirements – Desirable

• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel between sites if required

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require skilled‑worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

From 6 April 2017, skilled‑worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18) are also subject to this requirement.

Employer details

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Addenbrookes Hospital – Division Corporate, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

Employer's website

https://www.cuh.nhs.uk