MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Security Officer Shift Worker - Norton Manor

Job summary

Join the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS)

Be part of the front line protecting the UK’s most critical Defence sites and 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 our team.

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.

Our Vision & Values

Our goal is to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services, guided by our core values:

Integrity – Always do the right thing, treat others fairly.

Vigilance & Preparedness – Stay alert, ready to respond.

Professionalism – Maintain high standards, continuously improve.

Helpfulness – Provide excellent service, leave a positive impression.

Teamwork – Work collaboratively, support colleagues, and protect Defence.

Job description

Key Responsibilities

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 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.

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.

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.

New starters will complete a mandatory two-week residential Foundation Course, followed by structured on-the-job training. One of the elements of the Foundation Course is Emergency First Aid at Work, where you will learn key life skills in emergency first aid.

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 — full training and uniform are provided.

How to Apply

Your CV should clearly demonstrate:

• Previous roles and key responsibilities
• Skills relevant to this role
• Examples of reliability, communication, teamwork and following procedures
• Any relevant training, qualifications or transferable experience

Your CV will be used to assess your suitability, so make sure it is clear, accurate and up to date.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at [email removed]

Licences

Full UK Driving Licence (must be held at point of application and be in date).

Evidence will be required at interview.
All qualifications, licences or memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalents will not be accepted.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

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

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,530, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,423 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

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.

Discover My Benefits:

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/

The MOD Disco