MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Shift Working Officer Thorney Island and HMS Excellen[...]

Ministry Of Defence; Chichester; On-site; GBP 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental security organization in the UK is seeking dedicated Security Officers to ensure site safety and security. You will conduct patrols, manage access controls, and respond to incidents. The position requires good physical fitness and relevant experience. The role offers competitive salary and benefits including a pension scheme, generous leave, and ongoing training.

Benefits

Civil Service pension

Generous annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to sports club and gym

Free security uniform

Qualifications

• Must be able to stand and patrol large areas.
• Capable of responding quickly to incidents.
• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Responsibilities

• Ensure site safety and security.
• Conduct patrols on foot or by vehicle.
• Control access by checking credentials.
• Perform thorough security checks.
• Respond to security incidents effectively.

Skills

Previous experience in security or customer service

Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office and electronic booking-in systems)

Good physical fitness

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Job description

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 are looking for dedicated Security Officers to join us.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure site safety and security – protect Defence personnel, visitors and property.
• Conduct patrols 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.

Assessment Criteria

During the selection process you will be assessed against the following behaviours:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Experience & Skills

• Previous experience in security or customer service.
• Background in administration and strong IT skills (Microsoft Office and electronic booking‑in systems).
• Good physical fitness – able to stand, patrol large areas and respond quickly to incidents.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and complete baseline personnel security standard checks. Eligibility: UK nationals, EU, US, Commonwealth, Irish, Turkish and other qualifying nationalities as listed in the full nationalities requirement.

Working Hours & Shift Pattern

You will work a shift pattern of 48 hours per week including breaks, with nights, weekends, bank holidays and flexible weeks as required.

Training & Development

New starters complete a mandatory two‑week residential Foundation Course followed by structured on‑the‑job training. Ongoing professional development and online learning are available.

Salary & Benefits

Annual salary: £32,530 with a £9,423 contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Additional benefits include a Civil Service pension, generous annual leave, special leave for volunteering, maternity/paternity leave, Employee Assistance Programme, travel links, free car parking, sports club, gym and cafeteria access, Blue Light and Defence Discount Cards, free MGS security uniform.

Equal Opportunities

The Ministry of Defence recruits by merit. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. Our recruitment process is open and fair.