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Details
Reference number
Salary
Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Security
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
Job description
The Challenge
Do you want to join the 2021 Government Security team of the year and be part of our Gold Standard security service?
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) provides high quality security services at approximately 100 MOD sites across Great Britain. The MGS has guarded the Defence Estate for over 25 years including high profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London 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 is part of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and employs over 2,500 staff. MGS Officers are often the first point of contact with the MOD for employees, visitors and contractors and we pride ourselves on our professional, customer-focused culture.
All our Security Officers are required to have excellent customer service skills and must be willing to go above and beyond to support security operations across the defence estate. Due to the high profile and strategic locations of the sites we guard, it is essential our Security Officers have a strong work ethic, are able to work as part of a team, are observant to threats and are capable to challenge and de-escalate difficult situations if required. We also require our Security Officers to have good written and verbal communication skills. Our Officers must have resilience and remain positive and friendly in all weather conditions and on all occasions.
We provide our staff with a market leading salary, excellent sickness benefits, together with a defined benefit civil service pension. Free full uniform will be provided.
We are a growing organisation with opportunities for good quality staff to progress their security careers.
The MGS holds the Committed to Equality Gold Standard and we positively encourage applications from all under-represented communities and from all types of working backgrounds.
See more information about the MGS, please read the candidate pack and watch our Security Officer YouTube video https://youtu.be/nzSK9OPOoDI
About MGS
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) is a professionally qualified body of Civil Servants who provide unarmed guarding services at over 100 MOD sites across Great Britain. The MGS has guarded the Defence Estate for over 25 years including high profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London and His Majestys Naval Bases at Portsmouth, Devonport and the Clyde. The MGS plays a vital role supporting the Defence Mission and works closely with its security partners
The MGS is part of the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and employs over 2,500 operational and support staff. The MGS is managed by a Head Office team, dispersed strategically around the country.
MGS officers are very often the first point of contact with the MOD for employees, visitors and contractors and we pride ourselves on a customer-focused culture, working to DIOs Values as well as our own core values of honesty, integrity, professionalism and efficiency.
We are passionate about the services we deliver and work hard to keep pace with developments in the security industry, as we seek to be the unarmed guarding provider of choice. The MGS holds the Committed to Equality Gold Standard and we positively encourage applications from all under-represented communities.
Person specification
Main Responsibilities
Accountable to MGS Management Committee and the Senior Leadership Team (MGS SLT) for ensuring an effective senior customer communication plan is in place and undertaking regular dialogue with designated customer(s) to ensure Ministry of Defence Guard Service requirements are met and appropriate physical security measures are in place.
Establishing a network of departmental and cross-government security providers and Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) to provide a holistic security advisory service to customers.
Providing assurance to designated customer(s) and to the MGS Senior Leadership Team (MGS SLT) that a cost effective and efficient Service is being provided by the MGS in accordance with the agreed and signed Joint Business Agreements (JBAs), offering enhancements and alternative approaches to improve efficiency.
Ensure an effective system of control for the proper and economical use of personnel and assets.
Responsibility for ensuring effective equipment and uniform systemsare in place.
Accountable for the effective delivery of customer service to ISO 9000 and to maintain NSI Gold standard across the organisation.
Ensure that all managers are given development guidance and act promptly and positively to deal with poor performance and inappropriate behaviour.
Handle HR casework as appropriate.
KEY OBJECTIVES
Ensure effective service delivery within the AOR through engagement with all stakeholders.
Act as the focal point for interaction with designated customers at 1* and Brigade level and as the point of contact for appropriate Principal Security Advisors
Develop and manage the implementation of new business opportunities
Full membership of the MGS Management Committee and MGS Senior Leadership Team.
Establish and maintain close and effective liaison with all other agencies engaged in the general security effort.
Chair an area-based Joint Consultative Committee and Health, Safety and Environmental Protection (Committee)
Audit systems as required on a monthly basis.
Work closely with the relevant Trades Unions, involving and engaging with them at all times.
Understand, develop and implement the health and safety responsibilities of the post through the application of best practice, and compliance with the Secretary for Defences HS&EP Policy Statement.
Provide briefing, written and oral, as required
Encourage and develop innovation, initiative and creative thinking by MGS officers across the AOR
Desirable Experience & Skills
Prior knowledge or experience of working in a MOD Security role would be desirable, as would a track record managing large Teams. An understanding or prior history in TU engagement would also be of some advantage.
Licences
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Leadership
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
Benefits
£11,631 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.
We understand the importance of life outside of work and our industry leading flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
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 27%
- 25 days annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years service
- 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 parental 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 / or site shops
This post does not offer any assistance with relocation allowances.
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.
This vacancy is part of the A Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative, Making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans
Learning & Development
- Professional and Personal Development of skills
- Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning, some free or paid by DIO
- Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by DIO
Employment Hours
There is an occasional on-call process that covers the Regional Operational Area, that you will be expected to cover. This is an additional task that is expected of the successful candidate. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances and contractual hours which could impact on allowances and hours for the advertised role.
About DIO
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) is the estate expert for Defence, supporting the armed forces to enable military capability by planning, building, maintaining, and servicing infrastructure.
Our responsibilities include:
- Plan and deliver major capital projects and lifecycle refurbishment
- Provide utilities services
- Manage soft facilities management (i.e. cleaning and catering)
- Provide a safe place to train
- Allocate Service Families Accommodation
- Procure and manage routine maintenance and reactive repair
- Provide a central register of asset information to advise infrastructure planning
- Act as steward of the Defence estate
- Provide the unarmed guarding service
We employ approximately 4,900 staff from a very diverse range of professions, and we work across the world; in Germany, Cyprus and the Falkland Islands, Norway, Poland, Kenya, Belize, Nepal and Oman.
You can view our YouTube video to see more about our work https://www.youtube.com/embed/I9tLu3UdiGY?rel=0
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Please ensure that at the application and interview stages of the campaign you review the Success Profiles Framework to assist you in the demonstration of your skills and experience.
Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign. Each element will be scored accordingly, and the successful candidate will be appointed on merit.
Applications will be sifted on all Success Profile elements, but in the event of a high number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted on the lead Behaviours: Leadership and Changing and Improving.
In this instance the remaining elements will be tested at interview.
At application you will be assessed against the following:
Behaviours:
- Leadership
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
Experience:
- CV including; Career History and Previous Skills & Experience
At interview you will be assessed against the above along with the following:
Behaviours:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
Application sifting is scheduled to take place on week commencing: 20th November 2023.
Interviews are currently taking place remotely and will be conducted week commencing: 4th Decemeber 2023.
To assist with your application please find attached below:
- MGS Brochure
For help and support with your application check out our
Civil Service Careers Homepage and the How to apply section
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Si Ruddick
- Email : Si.Ruddick832@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : DBSCivPers-DIOResourcing@mod.gov.uk
Further information
Applicants should monitor their Civil Service Jobs application centre regularly for updates.
Some of MoDs Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed from 3 February 2014. Those TACOS changes applied to Broader Banded and Skill Zone staff who were new recruits to MoD or who were appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. On the same basis, the TACOS for Departmental Retained Grades changed with effect from 01 September 2014. The document attached to this advertisement provides more information.
All employees joining MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.
Any move to Ministry of Defence 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 www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please contact the DIO Enhanced Recruitment Team on DBSCivPers-DIOResourcing@mod.gov.uk
Complaints
Please be aware that the selection and interviewing of applicants is the responsibility of the Recruiting Line Manager (RLM) and not the Defence Business Services (DBS) Resourcing team. DBS do not play any part in the selection and interview process.
Therefore, if you wish to discuss your feedback, or you are dissatisfied with your markings, you should in the first instance raise this with the Recruiting Line Manager of the vacancy.
If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address:
Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, PO Box 38, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7NU
If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address:
Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ
Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk
Cabinet Office Fraud Checks
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant whose details are found to be held on the IFD will be refused employment
Civil Service Recruitment Principles
Please see the link below for the civil service recruitment principles.
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/
To find out a bit more about what its like working for MOD, visit the Civil Service Careers Website
https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/departments/working-for-the-ministry-of-defence/
Please see the MOD Privacy Notice link below which describes how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-privacy-notice/mod-privacy-notice
Travel Costs
There will be no reimbursement for any travel expenses for the interview.
Nationality Statement
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into 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.
Smoke-Free Working Environment Policy
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 by 31st December 2022. 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.
