Security Officer

Visitor and Security Services
Full time (various work patterns available)
Permanent
£22,784 - £25,726 (depending upon work pattern)
Application deadline: midday Monday 24 April 2023

The Visitor and Security Services Department (VSS) works across the Museum to ensure our visitors can make the most of their visit. Whether it is managing public safety, selling tickets to exhibitions, providing information on the Museum’s collection, or patrolling the Museum to make sure it is safe and secure, our staff are focused on delivering an excellent experience for every visitor and to provide security for the Museum, staff, visitors and one of the most important collections in the world. We are looking for professionals with a commitment to high quality visitor and security services to join our team. The British Museum is the UK’s leading visitor attraction and welcomes over 6 million visitors a year.

Within the department we are looking to recruit Security Officers focussed on customer service, operational delivery, and service development.

This is an exciting time to join a dynamic and developing Department where you will play your part in delivering a world class service. A full overview of the VSS department at the Museum can be found here https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/jobs/vacancies-visitor-and-security-services-department.

What are the key responsibilities of the Security Officer role?

As a Security Officer you will play a key role in ensuring the safety and security of the UK’s number one visitor attraction, protecting the Museum, its visitors, staff, and collection by providing a professional and proactive security service. You will undertake tasks such as, patrolling, guarding, and responding to customer enquiries across the Museum estate.

What might a normal day look like?

You will be protecting the Museum and interacting with visitors across a number of different posts such as: managing crowds at the entrances; completing bag searches and checking for prohibited items; patrolling the Museum and its estate to provide a visible presence; undertaking Health and Safety and emergency responsibilities; and responding to alarms and incidents across the estate. In every post you might have to respond rapidly to changing situations all while engaging with visitors and providing them with guidance and a reassuring presence. You will also be required to provide information and guidance to visitors on all areas, including special exhibitions, the public programme, collections, and facilities.

Skills and Experience – Requirements:

Candidates with the following skills and experience do not need to have a SIA Door Supervisor licence, training will be provided to the successful candidates:

• Experience and Knowledge of working in an operational environment
• Excellent customer service skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills to understand visitor needs and respond appropriately
• High level of awareness and responsiveness security situations
• Ability to effectively respond to emergency situations and undertake rapid response activities
• Able to take responsibility for tasks, only escalating these where required
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team and follow instructions and processes in routine and emergency situations

We will help you settle into the team and develop your skills through a detailed induction training programme as well as further training opportunities.

Working patterns:

This role is available on the following working patterns:

• 4 days on, 2 days off working patterning across 7 days a week 09:45-17:40 (09:45-20:45 Friday) (7.9 hours per shift and 11 hours per Friday shift, 39 hours per week)
• 4 days on, 4 days off (days only) alternate between 06:30-18:30 and 09:45 and 21:45
• 4 days on, 4 days off (days and nights) alternate between 06:30-18:30 and 18:30-06:30
  

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Membership of the civil service pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
  

Additional details:

Interview timelines: The interviews will take place from w/c 8th May 2023.

Please only apply if you will be available to interview on these dates. The Interview will consist of competency-based questions as well as a short-written test.

Applicants who have applied for this post in the last 3 months, need not re-apply.

Start date: It is anticipated that the successful candidates for this role would start on 3rd July 2023.

Apply today for a chance to help shape the future of the VSS department at the UK’s number one tourist attraction.

The Museum adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements for all staff. The British Museum is committed to equal opportunities and to providing employees with a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds.