Security Officer Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a security officer, you could work for all kinds of organisations. Your role could vary depending on the industry you work in, and could include:

• patrolling, securing and monitoring premises, sometimes helped by closed circuit television (CCTV)
• guarding cash or other valuables in a security vehicle that is travelling between locations (in transit)
• airport security - searching aircraft, passengers and luggage, and guarding the airport boundaries
• supervising on the door for a large organisation.

Please see the door supervisor job profile for more information.

• door supervisor

You would keep accurate records and write short reports, which may be used by the police or courts. Your duties could also involve customer care, signing in visitors, giving directions and working with guard dogs.

Please see the dog handlerjob profile for more information.

• dog handler

Hours

You could work up to 48 hours a week, including evenings and weekends. Shift work is very common.

Some jobs involve driving. For work involving cash or valuables in transit, you will spend much of your time in a security van. You may work on your own or in a small team.

Income

Starting salaries can be between £12,000 and £15,000 a year. Experienced security officers can earn around £20,000 a year.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

You do not usually need academic qualifications to start work as a security officer but a good standard of general education would be helpful. Previous experience working in the police or armed forces could also be helpful.

You will need to have a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence if you work for a company that provides contract security services to clients. See the Training and Development section below for details on how to get an SIA licence.

Employers will carry out checks on your personal and work history going back up to ten years, and you will need to let them know about any criminal convictions.

Training and development

As a new security officer or guard, you will receive on-the-job training and supervision from your employer. Extra training may be available to help you gain skills in areas such as dog handling and first aid.

Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence

You may need to have a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. This will depend on who you work for and where you work.

If you are carrying out duties for your employer on premises managed and operated by your employer, you do not need an SIA licence.

If you are employed by an agency (or contractor) to work for a customer, you will need an SIA front line licence. To qualify for this you must:

• be aged 18 or over
• pass identity and criminal record checks
• complete relevant approved SIA training.

SIA training takes around four days, and can be completed before or after you start work. If you already have a security qualification you may be exempt from part of the course. See the SIA website for more information.

• Security Industry Authority

Other SIA licences

If you use CCTV equipment or guard valuables in transit, you may need a relevant SIA licence such as the Cash and Valuables in Transit (CVIT) licence. See the SIA website for details.

Additional training

You could also work towards qualifications such as:

• Level 2 Certificate in Providing Security Services
• Level 3 Award in Security Operations
• Apprenticeship in Providing Security Services.

Skills for Security offers a range of courses for continuing professional development, which could help you move into security management. See the Skills for Security website for details.

• Skills for Security

Courses are also run by the International Professional Security Association (IPSA). These include security induction, supervisory management and specialist professional development courses. See the IPSA website for information.

• International Professional Security Association

Skills and knowledge

To become a security officer, you will need to have:

• a mature and responsible attitude to work
• honesty
• a polite and helpful manner
• a reasonable level of physical fitness
• the ability to write short reports and follow written instructions
• the confidence to challenge people when necessary
• the ability to use your initiative and make quick decisions, for example to deal with unexpected situations or in an emergency
• the ability to work with technical equipment such as CCTV.

More information

Security Industry Authority (SIA)
PO Box 1293
Liverpool
L69 1AX
Tel: 0844 892 1025
www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk

Skills for Security
Security House
Barbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 0845 075 0111
www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk

British Security Industry Association (BSIA)
Kirkham House
John Comyn Drive
Worcester
WR3 7NS
Tel: 0845 389 3889
www.bsia.co.uk

International Professional Security Association (IPSA)
Northumberland House Business Centre
11, The Pavement
Popes Lane
Ealing
London
W5 4NG
Tel: 020 8832 7417
www.ipsa.org.uk

Opportunities

Employers range from large organisations to small, local, private security companies. It is important to look for a well-respected company that will give you training, and reasonable pay and conditions. Many security companies are registered with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the International Professional Security Association (IPSA).

• British Security Industry Association
• International Professional Security Association

With experience, you could progress to senior or chief security officer, then supervisor. With additional qualifications you could go into security management or training, or set up your own security company.