Security Officer

OCS; Reading; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attendance allowance

Training & development opportunities

Wagestream access

Professional team environment

Job summary

OCS UK & Ireland is recruiting a Security Officer to protect and assist users at Reading County & Family Court. You will manage access control, monitor CCTV and screening equipment, and respond promptly to incidents while delivering courteous, professional service.

The role requires a valid SIA Licence, enhanced DBS and BS7858 clearance, plus strong communication and attention to detail in a regulated public setting.

Qualifications

• Right to work in the UK and ability to pass an enhanced DBS and BS7858 security clearance.
• SIA Licence and relevant security experience.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Professional, reliable and detail‑focused approach.
• Good understanding of security procedures and health & safety practices.
• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide a professional, welcoming and customer‑focused service to all court users.
• Control access to the building, ensuring security procedures are followed at all times.
• Operate security equipment including CCTV, x‑ray machines and handheld metal detectors.
• Conduct searches in line with site procedures.
• Monitor public and restricted areas, maintaining regular communication with control points.
• Respond promptly and effectively to alarms, incidents and security concerns.
• Accurately record and report all incidents and activities.
• Support the safe and secure movement of people within the building.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and compliance at all times.

Skills

Right to work in UK

DBS and BS7858 clearance

SIA Licence

Communication

Customer service

Attention to detail

Health & Safety

Calm under pressure

Tools

CCTV operation

X-ray screening

Handheld metal detectors

Job description

About the Role

Days of Working: This position will be based at Reading County & Family Court, working Monday - Friday 08:00am to 16:00pm.

As a Security Officer, you will play a key role in maintaining a safe, secure and welcoming environment within a designated court or tribunal building. You will be responsible for overseeing access control, monitoring activity and responding to incidents, ensuring that all visitors, staff and service users are supported in a professional and respectful manner.

This is a site-based role, where you will work closely with colleagues and the wider court service to deliver a consistently high standard of security and customer service.

Key responsibilities

• Provide a professional, welcoming and customer‑focused service to all court users
• Control access to the building, ensuring security procedures are followed at all times
• Operate security equipment including CCTV, x‑ray machines and handheld metal detectors*
• Conduct searches in line with site procedures
• Monitor public and restricted areas, maintaining regular communication with control points
• Respond promptly and effectively to alarms, incidents and security concerns
• Accurately record and report all incidents and activities
• Support the safe and secure movement of people within the building
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and compliance at all times

Ideal candidate criteria

• Must have Right to Work in the UK and ability to pass an enhanced DBS and BS7858 security clearance**
• A valid SIA Licence and relevant security experience
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• A professional, reliable and detail‑focused approach
• Good understanding of security procedures and health & safety practices
• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in challenging situations

Desirable

• Experience working within public sector or regulated environments
• Experience using security systems such as CCTV and screening equipment

Additional Benefits

• Guaranteed fixed hours per week with additional earning potential through overtime at enhanced rates
• £1 per hour Attendance Allowance on contracted hours (subject to criteria)
• Funded training, development opportunities and a clear pathway to recognised qualifications
• Work as part of a professional and supportive team within the Courts & Tribunals Service

location specific

This position is open only to candidates with an unrestricted right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

About The Company

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

Why Work for OCS?

• Award-Winning Employer : Ranked 36th on Glassdoor’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 — we value and motivate our people.
• Digital Learning : The OCS Academy offers digital courses and resources to help you build skills and grow your career.
• Retail Perks With our Hapi app, you can gain access to exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources.
• Professional Growth : 600+ live learners across UK&I — Empowering colleagues with further development and qualifications!
• Flexible Pay : Access a portion of earned wages before payday with our Wagestream App! (Contract Specific)

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.