Introduction

In these uncertain times, security has become a major issue – for airports, large hotels, embassies, banks and local government! Councils own substantial amounts of real estate and protecting it is the job of the security officer who is responsible not only for property, but for the safety of the people who work there.

Security officers are employed in all types of authorities, though some may be privately contracted.

Work Environment

The settings are various and involve round the clock surveillance. They include civic centres, hostels, care homes, fire stations, museums, leisure centres, sports fields, cemeteries and tourist information offices, indeed every building and piece of land owned by the local authority where there is potential risk. The work can be routine, boring even, when nothing happens and exciting when it does.

Hours vary according to the place and the authority but are based upon the standard 37 hour week. Shift rota patterns, anti-social hours and night work are usual but enhancements are paid for hours worked between 8pm and 6am and for overtime. You are expected to wear a smart uniform and protective clothing is provided where necessary – on a building site for example. You may be called out at times when you are off duty if, for example a security alarm goes off, or there has been an incident on council property.

Daily Activities

The work may involve providing general security to a building, checking premises, monitoring visitors, use of security equipment such as cameras and alarms, general maintenance and moving equipment and furniture. In many ways a security officer can function as an attendant and a porter at times in such situations. But the officer’s main role is to uphold the security of the premises, its assets and employees overall and there may be junior staff to work under his guidance. Standing around in a smart uniform or patrolling the grounds with a large torch and alsatian dog involves a great deal of routine and single-mindedness. But the responsibility is considerable. And night work can be lonely, at times risky, and may involve walking or driving to other sites nearby.

Some situations, such as the main entrance to civic headquarters, mean more contact with the public and so call for a more customer-focused approach: firm but polite, never aggressive and always helpful.

Skills & Interests

Security personnel should have:

• experience of dealing with members of the public
• the ability to stay calm in face to face situations in order to assist queries and enquiries
• the ability to be courteous and helpful
• a polite telephone manner
• physical fitness
• a stable and mature temperament
• a willingness to wear smart uniform when appropriate
• basic computer skills.

Entry Requirements

There are no set minimum entry requirements but a good standard of education is expected.

Applicants are sometimes required to have had previous experience of working within a security role and of maintaining accurate and legible records. “Keeping a log” is often a part of the job.

Estimated salary range

Between £10,278 – £12,000, but there are jobs which pay by the hour and enhancements vary according to the type of work.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There are many opportunities for this type of work both within local government and in the private sector. As the nature of the job varies considerably from setting to setting, there are many different ways to get ahead – by taking professional qualifications in, say health and safety, via CGLI (City and Guilds of London Institute) part time, evening or day release courses, or by increasing your general educational achievement.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Building Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

City and Guilds www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Asset Skills www.assetskills.org

SITO www.sito.co.uk

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under UK.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Security Officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.