Correspondence Specialist

Job summary

The SIA is the organisation responsible for the regulation of private security. It is an independent, arm’s length body (ALB) of the Home Office, reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s purpose is protecting the public through effective regulation of the private security industry and working with partners to raise standards across the sector. Its regulatory remit covers the whole of the United Kingdom.

The SIA has two main duties: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry and the management of a voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing covers security operatives who are in guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV, vehicle immobilisation (in Northern Ireland) and key holding. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are fit and proper persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.

Job description

We’re looking for a Correspondence Specialist to join our Policy, Strategy and Correspondence team. This highly rewarding and exciting role will suit someone who is passionate about delivering excellent customer service within an organisation dedicated to protecting the public.

This exciting and wide-reaching role covers multiple workstreams including complaints, subject access requests, freedom of information requests, and contact from members of parliament. You will take ownership of complex casework, and use your judgement to make decisions and issue recommendations. Your work will help drive improvements in all areas of the organisation, and help maintain compliance with legislation.

You’ll bring your experience of delivering excellent customer outcomes while managing competing priorities. The ability to communicate complex topics clearly in plain English is essential as is the ability to manage your time and work independently.

You will join a small, friendly and professional team with a remit that stretches across all areas of the organisation. We offer hybrid working between home and our modern office in Canary Wharf.

Person specification

Relevant qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

• A high standard of written communication, including strong letter-writing skills
• Experience of handling complaints or dealing with challenging, distressed, or dissatisfied customers
• Experience of gathering evidence, analysing information objectively, and problem solving to make independent decisions, or recommendations to colleagues and senior managers.
• Ability to act under own initiative to manage multiple workstreams with minimum supervision to prioritise urgent issues whilst achieving outcomes to agreed deadlines
• Experience of working in a role that cuts across all departments of an organisation, or the ability to quickly build networks and relationships across the organisation.
• A solid understanding of the principles of data protection, sensitive personal data, and of the need to hold information in confidence when appropriate
• Strong IT skills including ability to use MS Office products such as Word and Excel, and ability to quickly learn to use bespoke software

Desirable

• Experience in handling data subject rights requests such as subject access requests and erasure requests
• A basic understanding of Freedom of Information requests and the Freedom of Information Act
• Experience of working with MPs or other elected representatives.
• Experience or understanding of the private security industry and SIA regulation
• Professional qualifications relating to any of the workstreams this role is responsible for, or a willingness to work towards such qualification.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £36,101, Security Industry Authority contributes £10,458 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).

• • A welcoming and innovative work environment.
  • Continued support and development opportunities.
  • Access to training for attainment of recognised qualifications.
  • Flexible working arrangements.
  • Annual leave entitlement will be 27.5 days, rising by one additional day for every two years of service up to a maximum of 32.5 days.
  • A variety of discounts including Gymflex.
  • Civil Service Pension Scheme – employee contribution between 4.60% and 7.35% and employer contribution between 26.60% and 30.30%.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Please note: SIA does not utilise success profiles at interview stage.

After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete an online Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

Please complete the online test as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended). The closing date for the test is 23:55 on 17/08/2026. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline, your application will be withdrawn. Note that after passing the test, you will be required to complete the rest of the application before the closing deadline, so please allow yourself adequate time to complete the full application.

Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the Civil Service Jobs website.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and 500-word personal statement. Further details around guidance for this is listed on the application form.

Please use your personal statement (in no more than 500 words) to outline why you believe you would be an ideal candidate for this role. Please highlight your relevant skills, experience and achievements that align with the essential job requirements.

To help us assess your suitability for the role, please complete the CV incorporated into the application form by providing as much information as possible about your previous work experience and achievements.

Should we receive a large number of applications, they will be sifted on personal statement only.

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

Interview details will be provided to successful candidates prior to their interview taking place.

Sift and Interview Process:

Sift will take place from 26/08/2026

Interviews will be held w/c 7/09