Role Purpose
The Security Officer is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment across the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) Hawkshead Campus. The role requires a professional and proactive individual capable of working independently and as part of a team, delivering high standards of security, access control, patrols, and emergency response.
Due to the remote location of the campus and the requirement to work varying shifts, successful candidates must have their own reliable transport.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide a professional security presence across the RVC Hawkshead Campus.
- Control and monitor site access, ensuring only authorised persons enter the premises.
- Conduct regular internal and external security patrols of buildings, grounds, car parks, and perimeter areas.
- Respond appropriately to security incidents, alarms, emergencies, and suspicious behaviour.
- Monitor and manage access control systems and visitor management processes.
- Maintain a high level of fire safety awareness and respond to fire alarm activations in accordance with RVC procedures.
- Respond to intruder alarm activations and undertake initial investigations as required.
- Complete accurate incident reports, occurrence logs, and handover documentation.
- Support the enforcement of RVC policies, procedures, and security protocols.
- Liaise effectively with staff, students, contractors, visitors, and emergency services.
- Ensure all security equipment is used correctly and maintained to operational standards.
- Undertake locking and unlocking duties as required.
- Assist with emergency evacuations and incident management procedures.
- Work confidently on own initiative during lone working periods, including nights and weekends.
Essential Requirements
- Valid SIA Door Supervisor Licence.
- Minimum 2 years' experience in the security industry.
- Ability to obtain and maintain BS7858 Security Screening Clearance.
- Excellent timekeeping and attendance record.
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Good understanding of security industry best practice.
- Experience in access control and visitor management.
- Proven patrolling and site security experience.
- Knowledge of fire safety procedures and intruder alarm response.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
- Flexible approach to working hours, including:
- Days
- Nights
- Weekends
- Bank Holidays
- Full UK driving licence and own transport due to the remote location of the site.
- Ability to work in accordance with RVC policies, procedures, and professional standards.
Desirable Requirements
- Valid SIA CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) Licence.
- Experience working within an educational, healthcare, research, or campus environment.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
- Experience using electronic security systems and CCTV monitoring equipment.
Key Strengths and Competencies
- Professional and reliable.
- Outstanding punctuality and attendance.
- High levels of integrity and discretion.
- Strong observation and situational awareness skills.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work without supervision.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Strong report writing and record-keeping abilities.
- Team-oriented whilst capable of working independently.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work within a prestigious educational and veterinary environment.
- Varied and engaging security duties.
- Flexible shift patterns.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Supportive and professional working environment.
The Royal Veterinary College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students, staff, animals, and visitors. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory screening and vetting in accordance with BS7858 standards and relevant employment checks.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £14.80 per hour (dependent upon experience, qualifications, and licensing)
Contracted Hours: 42 - 48 hours per week on a flexible shift pattern, including days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly rate with regular overtime opportunities.
- Enhanced rates for bank holiday working (where applicable).
- Company pension scheme.
- Paid annual leave entitlement.
- Full uniform and PPE provided.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Support in maintaining SIA licence requirements.
- Opportunity to gain additional security qualifications.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and wellbeing support.
- Access to staff facilities whilst on duty.
- Career progression opportunities within the security team.
- Stable employment within a prestigious higher education institution.
Additional Conditions
- Due to the remote location of the Hawkshead Campus, candidates must possess their own reliable transport and be able to travel to and from site during all shift hours, including nights and weekends.
- Employment is subject to satisfactory completion of BS7858 Security Screening, including a five-year employment and address history check.
- Candidates must hold a valid SIA Door Supervisor Licence. An SIA CCTV Licence is desirable but not essential.
