Security Officers

Job DescriptionFlexible working due to the nature of this role, flexible or remote working isntpossible. Rest assured, we work with you to maintain a good work-life balance,taking into account any responsibilities outside of work wherever possible.nAbout usGCHQ is an intelligence, cyber and security agency with a mission to keep the UKsafe. We use cutting-edge technology, ingenuity and partnerships to identify, analyseand disrupt threats. Working with our intelligence partners MI5 and MI6, we protectthe UK from terrorism, cyber-attacks and espionage. At GCHQ youll do varied andfascinating work in a supportive and inclusive environment that puts the emphasis onteamwork.nThe roleAs one of our Security Officers, youll be the first point of contact for visitors and staffentering our buildings. Working in a close-knit, supportive team, youll anticipate andreduce security risks, making sure our building and everyone in it stays safe.In our Security Control Room, you and your colleagues will oversee access to thebuilding, carry out physical searches, patrol the grounds, and monitor CCTV.Whether youre responding to an alarm, giving first aid, or helping a visitorunderstand security procedures, youll always follow our policies carefully and keepclear, accurate incident logs.In this role, your calm, friendly presence will be invaluable. Each day, you will greetpeople from all walks of life, including government officials and colleagues from ourpartner agencies, and guide them through any security processes they need tonknow. As the first person they meet at GCHQ, youll make a great first impressionwhile completing the necessary checks and staying alert to anything unusual.Youll be joining a team that is as supportive as it is experienced. As you learn fromyour colleagues and develop your skills, youll have plenty of opportunities to grow.With the chance to work with MI5 and MI6, as well as other security teamsthroughout GCHQ, this could be the beginning of an exciting career within the UKIntelligence Agencies.nAbout youYou are motivated, proactive, and quick to spot problems before they emerge. Yourstrong situational awareness means you are confident in responding to changingsituations and making sound decisions under pressure. Along with your friendlymanner and people skills, you are also someone who communicates clearly andenjoys working with others. You might be coming from a security or customer-facing role, just starting yourcareer, or simply looking for a fresh challenge. Whatever your background, you willbring a can-do attitude and a desire to contribute to vital work.To apply, youll need: security or customer service experience, as you will interact daily with visitors,colleagues and partner agencies an English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above, or equivalent experience,which has developed your written and verbal communication skills basic IT and Microsoft Office skills to support your incident logging the ability to reliably commute for your assigned shift timesYou do not need a high level of fitness for this role, but there are some physicalaspects to be aware of. You will need to be comfortable operating heavy doors, usingstairs or lifts, and carrying out physical search and screening duties, which mayinclude lifting or moving bags and equipment. Foot patrols will take you indoors andoutdoors, sometimes over uneven ground and in all weather conditions. This is a role where you will grow and develop over time. Ideally you will be someonelooking for a career in security. You will be expected to remain within the security teamfor 18 months, but during that period, you can apply for a promotion or explore otherroles within the team, subject to readiness and your line managers endorsement. nTraining and developmentFrom the moment you join us, you will be trained on everything you need to know to bean effective Security Officer at GCHQ. This will include Security Industry Authority(SIA) certifications and emergency first aid, along with a 12-week induction with thensecurity team prior to starting your shift pattern. You will also be assigned a buddy onshift to support you as you get settled in. nRewards and benefitsYou will receive a starting salary of either 30,101 or 35,246 (depending on the shiftpattern), including shift allowances and other benefits: 25 days annual leave automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years service, and anadditional 10.5 days public and privilege holidays opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme an interest-free season ticket loan (travel and parking) an excellent pension scheme a cycle to work scheme facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on-site coffee bars (at some locations) paid parental and adoption leave.

Created: 2026-03-05