MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Day Worker - Northwood

Ministry Of Defence; Burgess Hill; On-site; GBP 301,000; Full time

Job summary

A government security service in Burgess Hill is looking for dedicated Security Officers to safeguard the UK’s Defence estate. Responsibilities include protecting personnel and property, conducting patrols, and managing access. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, physical fitness, and the ability to undergo background checks. This position offers a salary of £30,594 plus pension contributions and opportunities for career development.

Benefits

Civil Service pension with employer contributions

Career development with funded training

Job security within a well-established organisation

Qualifications

• Must have excellent communication skills and be organized.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage security incidents.
• Physical fitness required for shift work and patrol duties.

Responsibilities

• Protect Defence personnel, visitors, and property.
• Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle.
• Check credentials and issue passes for access.

Skills

Excellent communication and organisational skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Physical fitness for prolonged standing and patrols

Background in administration and IT skills

Successful candidates must undergo criminal record checks

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic booking-in systems

Job description

Overview

At the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), we safeguard the UK's Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets, and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage. Our Gold Standard Security Service is built on professionalism, trust, and excellence, and we’re looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.

Responsibilities

• Ensure site safety and security – Protect Defence personnel, visitors, and property.
• Conduct patrols – Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
• Control access – Check credentials, issue passes, and escort visitors as required.
• Perform searches – Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage, and personnel.
• Respond to incidents – Identify risks, manage security breaches, and escalate as needed.
• Assist employees and visitors – Provide professional and courteous support on-site.
• Monitor security systems – Operate CCTV, alarms, and communication devices.
• Manage traffic and parking – Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access.
• Report and document – Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.

Requirements & Skills

• Excellent communication and organisational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical fitness suitable for prolonged standing, patrols, and rapid incident response.
• Background in administration and strong IT skills (including Microsoft Office and electronic booking-in systems) beneficial.
• Successful candidates must undergo criminal record checks and meet security requirements (security check level).
• Baseline personnel security standard checks may apply for those working with government assets.

Hours & Training

You will normally work 48 hours per week, including a daily meal break (43 hours net). Shifts may be 4 x 12-hour shifts or 5 x 9.6-hour shifts between 0600 and 2200 hours over a seven-day period, with a flexible week as scheduled by the unit.

New starters complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by on-the-job training. Ongoing professional development is available, including an annual programme of online learning. The Workforce Development Team supports training needs throughout your career.

Selection Process

We will assess behaviours during the selection process: Working Together, Managing a Quality Service, and Communicating and Influencing. You will be evaluated on real-life examples relevant to your experience. Application sifting is scheduled for week commencing 22/09/2025. Interviews are due to take place via Microsoft Teams in week commencing 06/10/2025. A reserve list (12 months) may be maintained, and there may be offers of similar lower-graded roles to reserve candidates if applicable.

Artificial intelligence may be used to support your application, but all examples must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism or presenting others’ ideas as your own may lead to withdrawal of your application. See candidate guidance for more information.

Security & Compliance

MOD adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours. You will be disqualified if you have been dismissed for such behaviours within the last five years. Pre-employment checks will be carried out. Successful candidates must declare outside interests as some may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. The MOD respects privacy and may contact you regarding the experience and personal data in line with UK GDPR. The MOD Privacy Notice explains data usage and rights.

We may contact you about the MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey to improve our service. Its collection of personal data is described in the UK GDPR.

Benefits & Location

The MOD Guard Service provides security at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as the MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and HM Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde. Benefits include:

• A Civil Service pension with employer contributions; competitive leave and special leave provisions.
• Career development with funded training and internal progression opportunities.
• Job security within a well-established organisation.
• A strong team culture with a focus on integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.

Salary: £30,594 plus £8,863 towards Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension. Benefits and discounts are available through the Discover My Benefits platform: https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/