Verified Job
Security Guard
Security Supervisor - Shift Worker - Whitehall
Security Guard
#779082
Remote / WFH
Ministry of Defence Guard Service
Job Description
Location
Main Building Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB
About the job
Job summary
Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS)
Be part of the front line protecting the UK’s most critical Defence sites. Play a vital role in national security.
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.
Who We Are
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high-quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and His Majesty’s Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde.
Why Join Us?
A meaningful career – Play a crucial role in national security and defence.
Career development – Access specialist training, funded qualifications, and internal progression opportunities.
Job security – Be part of a well-established organisation with over 30 years of service.
A strong team culture – Work alongside professionals who value integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.
Job description
Our Security Supervisor’s main responsibility is to supervise all MGS Security Officers at the unit ensuring the overall protection of people, property, information and assets from damage, destruction, or unauthorised removal.
The key duties are as follows:
• Oversee Security Officers with daily supervision of the working patterns/roster as delegated by the Operational Manager, deploying them to cover tasks as laid out in assignment instructions and in accordance with the Joint Business Agreement/ General Statement of Security Requirements (GSSORs).
• Build and maintain positive working relationships by liaising with Unit Head of Establishment’s (HOEs), customer representatives and other security providers to ensure a high-quality security service is provided.
• Assist the Operational Manager in ensuring the unit is compliant with NSI and all relevant documents and procedures are kept up to date.
• Task security officers and be responsible for maintaining integrity of performance through effective management, encouraging a positive and inclusive working environment, and addressing concerns in a timely and sensitive manner.
• Respond to security concerns raised and work with first responder to manage incidents effectively and following procedure.
• Visit other MGS units located within a reasonable distance to provide supervisory support and collaborate with employees and customers as agreed with the Operations Manager.
• Write reports on breaches of security, defects and maintain daily logs.
• Effectively communicate with customers and refer any complaints to the chain of command.
• In line with standard operating procedures, operate, monitor, and supervise security systems such as CCTV, alarms telephone and radio.
• When required, take on the taskings of a Security Officer.
Excellent communication and organisational skills are required, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
This role involves patrolling large areas, standing for periods, staying alert and responding quickly when needed, so a good level of physical fitness is essential.
Part of an AO role is being flexible and on occasions you will be expected to cover the role of an AA grade, which include the following:
As a Security Officer, you will:
• 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 ****** 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.
Shift Pattern & Flexibility
This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week; this will be 12 hour shifts each week rostered between Sun – Sat. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice, (this should be no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview.
Training & Development
We are committed to ensuring you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role.
You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our dedicated Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, ensuring you continue to build expertise throughout your career.
Person specification
What We’re Looking For
There’s no single background that makes someone right for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service. Our officers come from a variety of careers including security, military, retail, hospitality, care, logistics, teaching, customer service, or after a career break.
What matters is how you work, not where you’ve worked.
We’re looking for people who can:
• Remain calm, polite and respectful in busy situations
• Pay attention to detail and report anything unusual
• Follow procedures consistently
• Learn quickly and adapt to changing circumstances
• Communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds
• Be reliable, punctual and professional
• Support colleagues and work well as part of a team
You don’t need previous security experience; however Supervisory Experience would be desirable— full training and uniform are provided.
All new starters will participate in a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by on-the-job training. Additionally, we offer an annual programme of mandatory online training, along with a dedicated Workforce Development Team to support you with your training needs.
Security Clearance - IMPORTANT
This is a Reserved Post open to Sole UK Nationals only (Cannot hold Dual Nationality).
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Developed Vetting (DV).
Applicants will normally be expected to have resided in the UK for the majority of a set period immediately prior to application in order to meet clearance requirements. This is generally 10 years for DV. Please note that meeting this expectation does not guarantee clearance. All clearance decisions are made by UK Security Vetting (UKSV) following a full assessment.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £34,910, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,113 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time. We believe that if we look after our people, they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers.
Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD:
https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Apply and further information
To apply, please visit our website using the apply button provided.
Closing date 05/08/2026.
Application sifting is scheduled to take place on week commencing 10/08/2026
Interviews are due to take place via Microsoft Teams and will be conducted week commencing 24/08/2026
Please note the above dates are subject to change.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact:
• Name: MGS Recruitment Hub
• Email: MGS-RH@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
• Email: DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam1@mod.gov.uk
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £34,910.00 per year
Benefits:
• Company pension
Work Location: In person
Main Building Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB
About the job
Job summary
Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS)
Be part of the front line protecting the UK’s most critical Defence sites. Play a vital role in national security.
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.
Who We Are
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high-quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the UK, including high-profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall, and His Majesty’s Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde.
Why Join Us?
A meaningful career – Play a crucial role in national security and defence.
Career development – Access specialist training, funded qualifications, and internal progression opportunities.
Job security – Be part of a well-established organisation with over 30 years of service.
A strong team culture – Work alongside professionals who value integrity, vigilance, professionalism, helpfulness, and teamwork.
Job description
Our Security Supervisor’s main responsibility is to supervise all MGS Security Officers at the unit ensuring the overall protection of people, property, information and assets from damage, destruction, or unauthorised removal.
The key duties are as follows:
• Oversee Security Officers with daily supervision of the working patterns/roster as delegated by the Operational Manager, deploying them to cover tasks as laid out in assignment instructions and in accordance with the Joint Business Agreement/ General Statement of Security Requirements (GSSORs).
• Build and maintain positive working relationships by liaising with Unit Head of Establishment’s (HOEs), customer representatives and other security providers to ensure a high-quality security service is provided.
• Assist the Operational Manager in ensuring the unit is compliant with NSI and all relevant documents and procedures are kept up to date.
• Task security officers and be responsible for maintaining integrity of performance through effective management, encouraging a positive and inclusive working environment, and addressing concerns in a timely and sensitive manner.
• Respond to security concerns raised and work with first responder to manage incidents effectively and following procedure.
• Visit other MGS units located within a reasonable distance to provide supervisory support and collaborate with employees and customers as agreed with the Operations Manager.
• Write reports on breaches of security, defects and maintain daily logs.
• Effectively communicate with customers and refer any complaints to the chain of command.
• In line with standard operating procedures, operate, monitor, and supervise security systems such as CCTV, alarms telephone and radio.
• When required, take on the taskings of a Security Officer.
Excellent communication and organisational skills are required, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
This role involves patrolling large areas, standing for periods, staying alert and responding quickly when needed, so a good level of physical fitness is essential.
Part of an AO role is being flexible and on occasions you will be expected to cover the role of an AA grade, which include the following:
As a Security Officer, you will:
• 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 ****** 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.
Shift Pattern & Flexibility
This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated by the shift pattern agreed at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week; this will be 12 hour shifts each week rostered between Sun – Sat. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice, (this should be no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview.
Training & Development
We are committed to ensuring you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role.
You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our dedicated Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, ensuring you continue to build expertise throughout your career.
Person specification
What We’re Looking For
There’s no single background that makes someone right for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service. Our officers come from a variety of careers including security, military, retail, hospitality, care, logistics, teaching, customer service, or after a career break.
What matters is how you work, not where you’ve worked.
We’re looking for people who can:
• Remain calm, polite and respectful in busy situations
• Pay attention to detail and report anything unusual
• Follow procedures consistently
• Learn quickly and adapt to changing circumstances
• Communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds
• Be reliable, punctual and professional
• Support colleagues and work well as part of a team
You don’t need previous security experience; however Supervisory Experience would be desirable— full training and uniform are provided.
All new starters will participate in a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by on-the-job training. Additionally, we offer an annual programme of mandatory online training, along with a dedicated Workforce Development Team to support you with your training needs.
Security Clearance - IMPORTANT
This is a Reserved Post open to Sole UK Nationals only (Cannot hold Dual Nationality).
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Developed Vetting (DV).
Applicants will normally be expected to have resided in the UK for the majority of a set period immediately prior to application in order to meet clearance requirements. This is generally 10 years for DV. Please note that meeting this expectation does not guarantee clearance. All clearance decisions are made by UK Security Vetting (UKSV) following a full assessment.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £34,910, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,113 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time. We believe that if we look after our people, they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers.
Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD:
https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Apply and further information
To apply, please visit our website using the apply button provided.
Closing date 05/08/2026.
Application sifting is scheduled to take place on week commencing 10/08/2026
Interviews are due to take place via Microsoft Teams and will be conducted week commencing 24/08/2026
Please note the above dates are subject to change.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact:
• Name: MGS Recruitment Hub
• Email: MGS-RH@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
• Email: DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam1@mod.gov.uk
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £34,910.00 per year
Benefits:
• Company pension
Work Location: In person
