Supporting a thriving parliamentary democracy

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION Supporting a thriving parliamentary democracy Job title: Campaign Type: Payband: Pay range: Security Officers (Female Only) Internal D1 22,685-25,719 per annum (Appointment will normally be made at the minimum of the pay range) 30% Shift Disturbance Allowance Parliamentary Security Department Security Operations Security Officer Manager Multiple Full time, 36 hours as part of a shift rota Permanent Allowances: Team: Section: Reports to: Number of posts: Hours: Contract type/ duration: Issue date: 12 December 2018 Closing date: 23 December 2018 at The House of Commons The world famous UK Parliament is home to the central element in our democracy, the House of Commons. Around 2,500 staff work behind the scenes at the House of Commons, supporting the parliamentary process in many different ways. We are not Civil Servants, we work for the House, not the Government. We are politically impartial and take great pride in the vision and values which guide our work. It takes a huge range of skills and experience to keep the House of Commons running, and this role will ensure we can continue supporting a thriving parliamentary democracy. Team information The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) is responsible for physical, personnel and cyber security for both Houses of Parliament. Its purpose is to keep Parliament safe and open for business. PSD sets security strategy, provides expert advice and delivers an operational service. It does this in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and by working closely with the Parliamentary Digital Service, Parliamentary Estates Directorate, Serjeant at Arms Directorate, Black Rod s department, Restoration & Renewal programme and other key stakeholders. Job introduction Due to operational requirements it is deemed necessary that this is a female only campaign. Accordingly this position is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

2 We are seeking to recruit female Security Officers to achieve a balance of genders across the Parliamentary Security Department, in order to meet our departmental aim of maintaining a safe, secure and accessible Parliament, free from disruption. Security Officers are responsible for controlling access to the Parliamentary Estate which will also include searching visitors, vehicles and specified premises to prevent or trace unauthorised articles. The role will also involve maintaining public order so that the business of the House is not disrupted and responding to personal attack and intruder alarms. Prevention and detection of crime is a crucial aspect of the role and post holders may be required to use CCTV to detect unauthorised acts, crime and disorder. Key stakeholder relationships Members and staff of both the House of Commons and House of Lords Serjeant at Arms Office Black Rod s Office Metropolitan Police Service Blue Badge Tourist guides Other passholders who have access to the Estate Members of the Public Management responsibility None. Location This post will be located on the Parliamentary Estate, Westminster, London. Security Successful candidates will be required to complete pre-employment checks. This includes security vetting to Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level unless otherwise specified. All successful candidates are required to pass these checks before an offer can be confirmed. Applicants should be aware that if they have resided outside of the UK for a total of more than two of the last five years they are not usually eligible for vetting (but we assess each case individually). Hours Consideration will be given to candidates who wish to work part-time or as part of a job share. If you are selected for interview please inform the panel of the days/hours you are available to work. Shift Work Net conditioned full-time working hours are 36 per week as part of a shift pattern, this excludes daily meal breaks of one hour. This requires unsocial hours working including nights, weekends and bank holidays on a roster basis. Some shifts are designated Rise of House and staff working this shift will be required to work until after either one or both the Houses rise; this could be at any time and this is managed by the Manager on duty, overtime pay will be given as required. The exact daily times of attendance will be agreed with line management. For further information: Candidates should refer to the House of Commons careers website or contact Recruitment@parliament.uk or

3 Application and selection process Applications will be sifted based on the criteria set out in the skills and experience section. The rest of the selection process for this role is detailed below: Second Stage In-House Test Fitness Test (bleep test 5.2 min) Interview with a role-play exercise We include a Fitness Test as part of the selection process as Security Officers require a reasonable level of physical fitness in order to effectively carry out the duties of the job. This includes walking and patrolling the Estate, long periods of standing, lifting bags/trays and walking up stairs. If candidates do not pass the fitness test on their first attempt, we will put your application on hold until the next round of recruitment where you will be able to retake the test. Should candidates not pass on their second attempt, they will need to reapply during the next recruitment round. This rule only applies to the fitness test stage of the process. There is a pass element during the initial training period to ensure all officers are up to the required standard. Key responsibilities Guarding internal and external fixed positions Ensure compliance of security policies such as ensuring passes are visible and checking passes to ensure validity, challenging non-pass holders as to reason for entry and operate access control Conducting bag, body and vehicle searches for unauthorised items and take the appropriate action where illegal or unauthorised items are found. Operating x-ray systems and other search equipment, ensuring you are trained and qualified to carry out this role professionally. Operating CCTV systems and alarms and take the appropriate action, working with Security Operations Centre to resolve the issue. Patrolling buildings and perimeters to ensure security; ensuring the building is kept hazard free; inform the appropriate department where issues are discovered. Assisting staff and visitors with enquiries in a polite and efficient manner. Ensure that all incidents are reported in an effective and efficient manner with an appropriate and professional audit trail. Support senior leadership team initiatives and take part in training and exercising of security practices. To maintain a good knowledge of:- o All security roles at the Palace of Westminster o The topography of the Parliamentary Estate. o Relevant contingency plans o Rules and regulations of both Houses o Body, baggage, x-ray and car screening techniques.

4 Be aware of the daily state of alert generally and post specific and ensure that you act accordingly and have received or self-briefed. Qualifications: There are no mandatory qualifications for this role as full in-house Security Officer training is provided. Desirable Recognised Security Qualification.

5 SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE CRITERIA 1 Ability to work as part of a team and build strong, inclusive and cooperative working relationships with individuals at all levels. APPLICATION FORM TEST/ EXERCISE INTERVIEW CRITERIA 2 Experience in delivering excellent customer service including meeting the needs of a diverse customer base, being professional and courteous and yet assertive when required. CRITERIA 3 Excellent communication skills in order to relay information clearly and concisely to different audiences. CRITERIA 4 Ability to make clear and sound decisions independently when under pressure to ensure a successful solution. CRITERIA 5 Good understanding of security policies and their practical application in the workplace, ensuring that they are enforced at all times. CRITERIA 6 Ability to gather relevant information to understand an issue and use that information to identify problems and draw logical conclusions