Overview
We are seeking a caring, understanding and customer-focused individual to join our friendly Security Services team. You will act as an ambassador for the University of Sheffield by providing a highly visible presence and service around campus, interacting with students, staff, visitors, the general public and external partners. You will be motivated by working in a diverse and ever-changing environment and take pride in our international University community. Responding to incidents and emergencies as required, you will demonstrate careful judgement, excellent customer service and a high level of integrity.
Reporting directly to the Security Supervisor, you will respond to incidents and patrol University premises in line with safety and security procedures. When performing control room duties, you will be acting as the main point of contact and will be responsible for coordinating the response to security issues and major incidents. Control Room duties include the monitoring of fire alarms, CCTV, and other control systems. You will be required to write and submit safety and security reports and maintain a record of all incidents. You will always work in accordance with departmental standards and procedures, providing high levels of customer care.
Main duties and responsibilities
Maintain a highly visible presence patrolling on University premises and surrounding areas throughout a shift.
Act as a first responder to a range of incidents. Engage appropriately with challenging situations and circumstances, including (but not limited to) physical or mental health, welfare and safety concerns, reports of disturbances, accidents and alarms, any incidents of a safety, security and welfare nature.
Provide guidance and advice to staff and students who may be vulnerable or in distress, signposting to relevant departments or available mental health and welfare support. You will be required to use existing procedures to make risk based security, safety and welfare decisions under the guidance of the Security Supervisor.
Sensitively handle queries and complaints from staff, students, customers and the general public, providing guidance and information on a range of matters not limited to security.
As part of a team provide coordination on the ground or in the control room in response to incidents, including liaising with emergency services. This may include organisation and direction of others including staff, students and visitors and work independently, carrying out routine checks where necessary, observe and identify any potential unusual activity, respond or report as required.
Produce detailed and accurate written reports relating to incidents and ensure that any relevant reports or referrals are made.
Responsible for the custody of master keys, access cards, body cameras and other issued equipment. Routine daily and weekly vehicle safety checks and documentation to be completed.
Variety of training to be completed as and when required.
Operate CCTV equipment, monitor CCTV screens and deploy staff if necessary. Archive footage for evidential purposes in line with the Data Protection Act. Operation of swipe-access equipment, including retrieval of access records. Monitor door access systems and disable lost / problematic cards.
Regular contact with other Security Services staff via Radio or mobile phone to ensure accurate recording of activities and maintain safety.
As a member of staff you will be required to make ethical decisions in your role, where possible embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities.
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Good verbal and written communication skills with an ability to demonstrate discretion and sensitivity at all times whilst conveying important and detailed information.
Application/interview/test
Proficient in the use of IT with the ability to use a range of software packages with a willingness to learn specific IT packages should they become relevant to the role.
Application/interview/test
Willingness to learn operating CCTV equipment including retrieval of data, swipe access and patrol equipment. Willingness to learn or knowledge of General Data Protection Regulation.
A good understanding of customer service and ability to deal appropriately with difficult situations, demonstrating confidentiality, discretion and sensitivity at all times.
Knowledge of relevant health and safety issues with the ability to identify the potential for risk to property and people, taking appropriate and timely action when required.
Demonstrable effective communication and interpersonal skills to deal with a wide variety of people and situations.
Ability to use own initiative and judgement to decide how to deal with and solve a wide variety of situations, able to work with others collaboratively and know when to call on additional support.
Willingness to undergo a structured course of training to equip you with the skills to apply First Aid training, Mental Health First Aid and Emergency protocol and any other relevant training.
Application/interview/test
Hold a full valid current UK driving licence. Willingness to undertake basic vehicle maintenance checks, including fluid levels and tyres.
Ability to adapt and respond to change; the changing and evolving needs of the University and to changing priorities within the team.
Experience of working in an Education, Security or Welfare environment.
Further Information
£36,834 - £38,961 per annum working over 42 hour shift including shift allowance (pro rata for part time staff).
Potential to progress to £41,983 including shift allowance, through sustained exceptional contribution (pro rata for part time staff).
21 hours average per week, working over 12 hour rotating shifts, including days, nights and weekends.
Deputy Security Operations Manager
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/security
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 14th September 2026. This will consist of an interview and assessment. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage one week after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, please contact the Campus Services Administration Team on
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
support for those going through the menopause
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Criminal record
An enhanced with barred lists DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
