Army – Security Support Officer

Job summary

The Ministry of Defence, Civil Service workforce is diverse, with many different functions and professions ranging from cyber and digital transformation, police officers, security guards, trainers, human resources, teachers, psychologists, storekeepers, and policy secretariat staff to support the British Army.

Job description

The is a key role within the branch and the successful candidate will provide administrative and policy support to the Security Management Team, ensuring the effective and efficient management of security arrangements and facilities for all the Army Units within the HQ North Area Of Responsibility (AOR).

Key responsibilities:

• Providing support to all units across the AOR on correct procedure for reporting security breaches. Ensure all Army Warning Advisory and Reporting Point (WARP) Requests for Information (RFIs) are completed within timescales; maintain, records and track to case completion; produce statistical reports as required.
• Assist with administrative tasks in preparation for Security Risk Management (SRM) Boards. Support units transition onto the new SRM Dashboard, thereafter, assist with data capture and risk management.
• Assist Reserve / Cadet units with the implementation of Project AINTREE Modular Secure Facilities. Liaise with stakeholders; track progress; ensure programme of works resilience; maintain records of completion, certification & weapons.
• Ensure armoury & ammunition bunker closures are compliant with policy. Record closure details; provide policy guidance when sealing for extended periods.
• Provide support to units moving arms & ammunition in line with current policy. Inform relevant Civilian Police Authorities & partner organisation; track movement to end state; refresh notification paperwork as required to remain compliant.
• Maintain the branch SharePoint page and TEAMS Channels. Ensure policies & processes remain current, links are intact and documents are relevant; Limited libraries have regular uploads and are organised correctly.
• Produce and distribute HQ North Security Updates. Capture the latest security news & information, policy updates, THREAT and Cyber bulletins.
• Complete returns to Higher Formations as requested; maintain distribution lists; fulfil administrative tasks as required.

Person specification

We are seeking a confident, self-motivated individual who is a great team player, hardworking and able to manage a complex and varied workload.

Essential skills required:

• This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.
• Strong communication and people skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, stakeholders and external partners across all levels of an organisation.
• Computer literate and able to confidently use O365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel). Proficiency in the use of SharePoint.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and be flexible in your approach to your responsibilities.
• Ability to collect, review and explain information in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
• Be highly organised with the ability to multi-task, set and change priorities, manage time effectively and work flexibly.

Desirable criteria:

• Background working in a security environment and or policy.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,866, Ministry of Defence contributes

£8,072 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

The Army prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance.

Other benefits for Army civil servants include:

• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Personal and professional development of skills
• Alternative working patterns for many roles
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
• Enhanced parental and adoption leave
• 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities

Learning and Development

We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.

A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.

Hybrid Working

We are passionate about Smarter Working and believe that a combination of flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance, while ensuring you deliver your outcomes effectively and efficiently – we expect you to know where to be to have the most impact, balancing your individual needs with that of your team and the organisation.  However, recognising the benefits of face to face working, especially for new joiners, there is an expectation that you would be in the office at least 60% of the time (3 days a week).

Please Note:

• The post does not offer relocation expenses.
• External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.
• Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.
• Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.
• Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ .

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Candidates will be required to provide a statement of suitability (500 Word count) demonstrating your relevant skills and experience in line with the essential criteria.

At the application stage , you will be assessed against the following criteria, listed in priority order:

• Personal Statement
• Behaviour - Managing a Quality Service.

Where a large number of applications are received, an initial sift may be conducted against the Personal Statement only. The remaining evidence submitted at the application stage will be assessed only if you are successful at this initial sift.

At interview stage , you will be assessed against the following Behaviours, listed in priority order:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Further information:

Application sifting will be scheduled to take place within 7 days of the application closing date. Interview dates are to be confirmed and will be held in person. We endeavour to keep to these time frames, but these are subject to change around business needs.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

There may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all DCS candidates that meet the minimum criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as a high volume of applications, seasonal demand, or peak periods, the employer may wish to limit the overall number of interviews offered to both DCS and non-DCS applicants.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category, and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an inter