Security Officer

APCOA; Luton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

APCOA PARKING UK is seeking a Security Officer for Luton & Dunstable Hospital. The role involves responding to alarms, guarding staff and patients, and maintaining a safe hospital environment 24/7. A valid SIA licence and strong customer-focused communication are essential.

You will protect hospital property, support NHS colleagues, and carry out patrols and incident reporting. Flexible shifts including nights and weekends are required in a busy, frontline security operation.

Qualifications

• SIA Licence required as a minimum for Security Officer role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills essential.
• Ability to stay calm, professional and decisive in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Respond to panic alarms and emergency calls throughout the hospital, providing a prompt and professional response.
• Manage aggressive, violent or challenging behaviour from patients, visitors and the public using de-escalation techniques.
• Support distressed or upset patients and visitors with compassion and professionalism.
• Respond to trespassers and unauthorised individuals, challenging inappropriate behaviour and safely managing those who refuse to leave.
• Support NHS clinical staff in dealing with challenging or potentially dangerous situations.
• Respond to incidents involving violence, aggression and public order offences following hospital procedures.
• Provide support during incidents involving vulnerable patients, including mental health crises.
• Carry out regular internal and external security patrols, identifying hazards and risks.
• Protect hospital property and assets against theft or misuse.
• Respond to emergencies including fire alarms and security alerts.
• Operate CCTV, radios, panic alarms and body-worn cameras as required.
• Produce accurate incident reports and escalate appropriately.
• Assist with traffic management and parking enforcement for safe emergency vehicle access.
• Collaborate with NHS staff and emergency services for coordinated responses.
• Use approved physical intervention techniques only when necessary and within policy.

Skills

SIA Licence

Verbal communication

Calm under pressure

Conflict management

De-escalation

Teamwork

Professional appearance

Health & safety

Safeguarding

Confidentiality

Flexible shifts

Job description

The Role

Security Officer – Luton & Dunstable Hospital - £26,508 per annum - 40 hours per week

Are you confident, professional and able to remain calm under pressure? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? Do you hold a valid SIA licence?

If so, we want to hear from you!

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the APCOA Security Team at Luton & Dunstable Hospital.

We are looking for dedicated, reliable and proactive Security Officers to help maintain a safe and secure environment for NHS staff, patients, visitors and contractors.

Working within a busy hospital environment, you will play a vital role in responding to security incidents, supporting frontline NHS colleagues and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone on site.

This is a varied and sometimes challenging role that requires excellent communication skills, confidence in dealing with difficult situations and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

The hospital operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so flexibility to work a variety of shifts, including days, nights, weekends and bank holidays, is essential.

What You’ll Do:

• Respond to panic alarms and emergency calls throughout the hospital, providing a prompt and professional response to staff requiring urgent assistance.
• Manage aggressive, violent or challenging behaviour from patients, visitors and members of the public, using effective communication and de-escalation techniques to reduce risk.
• Support distressed or upset patients and visitors, including those experiencing emotional distress, frustration or challenging personal circumstances, while remaining compassionate and professional.
• Respond to trespassers and unauthorised individuals, challenging inappropriate behaviour and safely managing individuals who refuse to leave hospital premises.
• Support NHS clinical staff, including those working in the Emergency Department, wards and other clinical areas, when dealing with challenging or potentially dangerous situations.
• Respond to incidents involving violence, aggression, antisocial behaviour and public order offences, taking appropriate action in accordance with training and hospital procedures.
• Provide support during incidents involving vulnerable patients, including those experiencing confusion, mental health crises or behavioural difficulties.
• Carry out regular internal and external security patrols, identifying hazards, security breaches and potential risks.
• Protect hospital property, equipment and assets against theft, criminal damage, misuse and unauthorised access.
• Respond to emergency situations, including fire alarms, missing patients, security alerts and other major incidents.
• Operate security equipment, including CCTV, radios, panic alarm systems and body-worn video cameras in accordance with relevant policies.
• Produce accurate incident reports, maintaining clear records and ensuring that incidents are appropriately documented and escalated.
• Assist with traffic management and parking enforcement, maintaining safe access routes for emergency vehicles, staff, patients and visitors.
• Work closely with NHS staff, emergency services and other departments to ensure a coordinated and professional response to incidents.
• Use approved physical intervention techniques when necessary, strictly in accordance with training, policy and legal requirements.

What You’ll Bring:

• A valid SIA Security Guarding or Door Supervisor Licence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The confidence to manage challenging, confrontational or potentially aggressive situations.
• The ability to remain calm, professional and decisive in high-pressure environments.
• Strong conflict management and de-escalation skills.
• A compassionate and understanding approach when dealing with vulnerable, distressed or upset individuals.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• A professional appearance, positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• A good understanding of health and safety, safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts as part of a 24/7 security operation.

Previous experience in hospital security, healthcare, emergency services or a similar frontline security role would be advantageous, although not essential.

Experience in conflict management and physical intervention would also be beneficial.

Why Join Us?

Working in hospital security is about much more than protecting buildings. You will be part of a team that makes a genuine difference every day by protecting NHS colleagues, supporting vulnerable people and maintaining a safe environment for those receiving care.

You will join a supportive team where professionalism, teamwork and the ability to respond effectively to challenging situations are highly valued.

Ready for a challenging and rewarding role where every shift makes a difference?

APCOA is committed to providing a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, disability or position within the organisation. We offer a motivating environment where successes are recognised, teamwork is encouraged and colleagues are supported in developing their skills and reaching their potential.