The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high quality security services at over 170 MOD sites across the United Kingdom. The MGS has guarded the Defence Estate for over 30 years including high profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London, Whitehall and His Majestys Naval Bases at Portsmouth, Devonport, and the Clyde. We provide access control, military working dogs, control room operations and other security services. We play a vital role supporting the Defence Mission and work to protect the Defence estate and personnel from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage threats.
The MGS has over 2,700 employees and is part of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). MGS Security Officers are often the first point of contact for employees, visitors and contractors on sites and we pride ourselves on our professional, customer-focused culture. Behind our operational workforce is a range of head office roles which support our security professionals to develop and execute the organisations strategy, managing its budget and resources, leading, and developing our staff, maintaining relationships with stakeholders, monitoring and evaluating our performance and identifying new opportunities.
All are working towards our Vision to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services and our five Values underpinning this Vision include:
Integrity Always do the right thing. Respect yourself and others. Treat people fairly. Vigilance and Preparedness Keep careful watch for risks and incidents. Be ready to act. Professionalism Know the job thoroughly. Seek continuous improvement. Maintain high standards. Helpfulness - Always be ready to assist people. Leave a lasting positive impression. Teamwork Working with colleagues who are collaborative, respectful, open and trustworthy, who are passionate about excellence and protecting Defence.
There are plenty of opportunities for development, access to funded professional qualifications and specialist training. We are a growing organisation with opportunities to progress your security careers and if you align with our Values, wed love to hear from you!
For more information about MGS, please take a look at Defence Infrastructure Organisations Youtube Page using the links below:
How the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Supports Defence - https://youtu.be/pqbLRsS9SeM
Being a dog handler in the Ministry of Defence Guard Service - https://youtu.be/Xs8lxbhlRiU
Working for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service - https://youtu.be/UrLfy2MZXpg
Person specification
The Operations Managers (OMs) main responsibility is to ensure that our security service is running smoothly to allow our operational employees to protect defence and be prepared for security incidents. As an Operational Manager you will manage Security Officer Supervisors ensuring they are supported to undertake the tasks to a high standard.
The key duties are as follows:
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.
Essential Criteria
A background, qualification or interest in the delivery of site security and / or can demonstrate experience in delivering customer service.
Licences
Full UK Driving Licence
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
Benefits
Alongside your salary of 29,580, Ministry of Defence contributes 8,569 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.
The MOD Discover My Benefits page lists the full set of benefits. Some of the many benefits you will receive include:
Learning & Development
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ .
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history, and previous skills and experience.
Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (Word count: 500)
When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.
At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:
At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:
Application sifting is scheduled to take placeon week commencing:2/12/2024
Interviews are due to take place Face to Face at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, ME4 4UG and will be conducted week commencing 9/12/2024
Please note that we adhere to stick to the dates listed above but these may change due to business needs.
We want to offer opportunities to all who are successful at interview for our roles, but this isnt always possible, so we do hold candidates on an active reserve list for 12 months. It is also possible that we may offer similar lower graded role/s to reserve candidates or, if no reserves are appointed, candidates that meet the lower grade criteria in merit order.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window) .
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window) .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
The MGS has over 2,700 employees and is part of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). MGS Security Officers are often the first point of contact for employees, visitors and contractors on sites and we pride ourselves on our professional, customer-focused culture. Behind our operational workforce is a range of head office roles which support our security professionals to develop and execute the organisations strategy, managing its budget and resources, leading, and developing our staff, maintaining relationships with stakeholders, monitoring and evaluating our performance and identifying new opportunities.
All are working towards our Vision to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services and our five Values underpinning this Vision include:
There are plenty of opportunities for development, access to funded professional qualifications and specialist training. We are a growing organisation with opportunities to progress your security careers and if you align with our Values, wed love to hear from you!
For more information about MGS, please take a look at Defence Infrastructure Organisations Youtube Page using the links below:
How the Defence Infrastructure Organisation Supports Defence - https://youtu.be/pqbLRsS9SeM
Being a dog handler in the Ministry of Defence Guard Service - https://youtu.be/Xs8lxbhlRiU
Working for the Ministry of Defence Guard Service - https://youtu.be/UrLfy2MZXpg
Person specification
The Operations Managers (OMs) main responsibility is to ensure that our security service is running smoothly to allow our operational employees to protect defence and be prepared for security incidents. As an Operational Manager you will manage Security Officer Supervisors ensuring they are supported to undertake the tasks to a high standard.
The key duties are as follows:
- Oversee and manage the daily operations of the security team at units, ensuring the correct use of physical and tactical resources to maintain operational preparedness for security incidents in line with local Joint Business Agreements/General Statement of Security Requirements (GSSORs).
- Lead physical security operations and set governance structures to appropriately meet the risk appetite to protect assets and people at sites.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships by liaising with unit customers and Heads of Establishments (HOEs) on a regular basis, ensuring excellent service delivery through pro-active problem solving and agreed prioritisation of tasks.
- Ensure all posts and tasks are risk assessed and all relevant policy and legislation is followed.
- Provide Head Office with data returns when requested regarding staffing levels, personal case work and audits, recording achievements of tasks, overtime, and other operational data.
- Collaborate with other security providers at the unit to provide a high-quality security service.
- Ensure National Security Inspectorate (NSI) compliance at all units within your Area of Responsibility (AOR), auditing paperwork, processes and amending or updating local documents when required.
- Review working patterns/rosters, Joint Business Agreements / General Statement of Security Requirement (GSSORs) and Assignment Instructions on an annual basis.
- Consult with Trade Unions on local changes.
- Act as a role model and actively encourage a positive and inclusive working environment.
- Carry out all MGS/MOD/Management Training including Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to ensure effective understanding and management of Health and Safety within you Area of Responsibility (AOR).
- Option to be On-Call Duty Manager
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.
Essential Criteria
A background, qualification or interest in the delivery of site security and / or can demonstrate experience in delivering customer service.
Licences
Full UK Driving Licence
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
Alongside your salary of 29,580, Ministry of Defence contributes 8,569 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.
The MOD Discover My Benefits page lists the full set of benefits. Some of the many benefits you will receive include:
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
- A generous annual leave allowance.
- Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year.
- Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments.
- Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing.
- Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, Gym and Cafeterias and Shops.
- Entitlement to apply for a Blue Light and Defence Discount Cards
- Free MGS Security Uniform
- As part of your induction, you will attend a two-week residential Foundation Security Course to support in achieving your objectives to a high standard.
Learning & Development
- Professional and Personal Development of skills.
- Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning and Defence Learning Environment.
- Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by MGS.
- Opportunity to complete a Security First Line Manager Level 3 Apprenticeship
The post does not offer relocation expenses.
External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ .
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history, and previous skills and experience.
Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability. (Word count: 500)
When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.
At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Managing a Quality Service
At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Managing a Quality Service
- Making Effective Decisions
Application sifting is scheduled to take placeon week commencing:2/12/2024
Interviews are due to take place Face to Face at Brompton Barracks, Chatham, ME4 4UG and will be conducted week commencing 9/12/2024
Please note that we adhere to stick to the dates listed above but these may change due to business needs.
We want to offer opportunities to all who are successful at interview for our roles, but this isnt always possible, so we do hold candidates on an active reserve list for 12 months. It is also possible that we may offer similar lower graded role/s to reserve candidates or, if no reserves are appointed, candidates that meet the lower grade criteria in merit order.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window) .
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window) .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
