Navy Command – Security Symmetry System Administrator

His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde (HMNB) Clyde is home to the United Kingdom’s Strategic Nuclear Deterrent, Astute Class Attack Submarines, Sandown Class Mine Hunter Vessels and 43 Cdo Royal Marines. It is an operational support and maintenance base within the Navy Command TLB and comprises both Faslane and Coulport sites. HMNB Clyde’s primary purpose is to provide engineering and logistical support to the Royal Navy in maintaining Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD). This is achieved by ensuring at least one Vanguard Submarine is on patrol at sea every day of the year.
Royal Navy Armaments Depot (RNAD) Coulport is responsible for the storage, processing, maintenance and issue of the Trident Weapon System and the ammunitioning of all submarine-embarked tactical weapons.

HMNB Clyde is the single operational home of the Submarine Service and will become the United Kingdom’s Submarine Centre of Excellence. This single integrated operating base is to ensure that the Royal Navy can deliver its operational commitments across all Defence Lines of Development from Scotland on an enduring basis.

An exciting opportunity has become available to join the Security Access Control Team based at HMNB Clyde. We are seeking an enthusiastic customer focused applicant to join a busy and committed team. The Security Symmetry System Administrator post will primarily undertake key tasks to manage the Security Access Control Policy and procedures in accordance with the Access Control Strategy at HMNB Clyde (which includes Faslane Naval Base and RNAD Coulport). This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring accurate management and provision of Automated Access Control database services, conducting quality assurance checks on the operation of the Automated Access Control System infrastructure and provide mitigation for planned power outages and maintenance. In addition, the post will be responsible for the training oversight for new system operators, maintaining accurate system user records and passwords.

The post holder will also be the primary point of contact for delivering security briefs, issuing non-photographic Group Passes and appropriate documentation to the Command Team onboard visiting vessels upon arrival at Faslane Naval Base, often out of normal working hours.

The successful applicant will have line management responsibility for MOD Pass Office Staff at Faslane and Coulport and will liaise extensively with the MGS to identify resource and tasking issues.

This is a challenging and demanding post, and the successful applicant will need to be comfortable working in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment to support key security outputs, while ensuring that policies and procedures are always followed.

The post requires a flexible, customer focused approach. The post will require the job holder to demonstrate excellent effective communications skills as the post will involve communicating daily with civilian staff and military personnel of various grades and ranks. The position allows a certain amount of autonomy and so ideally this role suits someone with drive and initiative. Working to scheduled and changing priorities determining the pace of work, an ability to manage both time and workloads is essential. The successful applicant will be comfortable working in a changeable environment and will have a continuous improvement ethos. This post provides excellent development and progression opportunities for applicants wishing to pursue a career within the Civil Service.
This post requires on site attendance to deliver the responsibilities of the role which cannot be delivered remotely off-site.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Navy Command are currently going through a review and there is a possibility that in 6-12 months the role applied for may be subject to change.

Role responsibilities:

• Support the Security Access Control Authority (SACA) and Security Access Control Manager (SACM) with the implementation of an Access Control Strategy at HMNB Clyde and the future upgrade of all Symmetry System packages.

• Manage the Access Control Team at Coulport, the Pass Office Team in Faslane and liaise extensively with the MOD Guard Service (MGS) to identify resource and tasking problems. Report issues as appropriate to SACM.

• Assist in the day to day management and provision of Symmetry database services and user training for the Symmetry database, checking the competency of new account holders while creating and managing the Symmetry Accounts for authorised user personnel.
• Conduct quality assurance checks of the Symmetry database. Conduct spot checks of Symmetry records to ensure that Symmetry users are maintaining and operating Symmetry within operating procedures and issue the annual Symmetry Security Operating Procedures (SYOPS) update.

• Forensically investigate visitor access and pass issue breaches, raising to SACM when necessary, produce Forensic Data Reports from Symmetry as requested by SACA/SACM and report any security access incidents that may require investigation by the CI Section.
• Carry out weekly checks of the Symmetry Infrastructure across Faslane and Coulport and deconflict and provide mitigation for planned power outages and maintenance. Ensure contingency measures are in place for any system issues and maintain an accurate log of all Symmetry/Turnstile faults and repair timelines. Chasing fixes when necessary.

• Assist with review of security access control policies and processes, advising SACA and SACM of any identified risk and threats associated with current and proposed business activities for access control.
• Deliver visiting vessel briefs (often Out of normal working hours), consult with site sponsors, MGS, Defence Industry, other government departments and security controllers to maintain security access.
• Ensure security access incidents are recorded to enable identifications of lessons and provide focus, advice, and guidance to sponsors, base personnel for risk mitigation purposes.
• Support the personnel security monthly security data report. Review and collate the relevant information and assist with the production of statistical returns to plan and mitigate against any delays or disruption to business.
• Ensure compliance with Joint Service Publication (JSP) 628 and provide information to the Defence Nuclear Security Regulator (DNSyR) and Assurance Team when required. 

 A more detailed job description is available on request.

Along with the duties the post holder will provide demonstrative, flexible support to the security access management team. Duties and responsibilities to be undertaken can be varied under the direction of the security access managers dependent on current and evolving workloads and staffing levels, these duties will be appropriate to the grade. Training will be provided to support operation of the Automated Access Control database.
The post holder will have a major impact in promoting a positive image of the Clyde Security Department to visitors, contractors and Base personnel so must maintain an appropriate and professional standard of appearance, attitude, and confidentiality.

The successful applicant will enjoy on-site working with a supportive and inclusive team in a fast paced, reactive, and varied role. A positive and detail focused approach as well as good personal responsibility supports a positive approach to this position, The role tests the full range of Executive Officer behaviours and offers good development opportunities. The position provides opportunities to develop an understanding of the workings of a security department which will the opportunities to further develop skills and experience for career progression within the Civil Service.

This is a Reserved Post vacancy which means it is open to UK Nationals only. Applicants must refer to the nationality requirements on the application form to check eligibility prior to applying for the vacancy. Failure to submit correctly could result in you being ineligible to being employed in the position advertised.

Essential criteria

• Competent knowledge of MS Office 365 including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Competent knowledge of managing spreadsheets

Desirable criteria

• Sound Leadership and team working skills
• Ability to approach tasks flexibly
• Ability to apply policy to tasks
• Ability to prioritise and manage workloads

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

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

As a Civil Servant, you will be part of a forward planning organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference. Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. Other benefits for Navy Command Civil Servants include:

•  25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per completed year of service) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• 9 paid public holidays per year
• A very competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development
• Alternative and Hybrid working patterns for many roles
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• Access to a confidential, professional support service
• Discount schemes
• Bicycle/Season ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year
• On site facilities (gymnasium, Ski Club, recreational shopping mall, café, mess facilities etc.)
• Free Car Parking
• Assisted Travel Scheme

The MOD provides an excellent opportunity to develop skills through personal development. Successful candidates can discuss their development options when in post. 

 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 from 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.

 Allowances

Please note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

The post does not offer relocation expenses (move of home, excess fares, or temporary transfer).

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

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

Job contact :

• Name : Antony Hughes
• Email : Antony.Hughes805@mod.gov.uk
• Telephone : 01436 674321 Select option 1 then key ext.8587

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam5@mod.gov.uk