We're now on the hunt for exceptional Security Officers to join us. But not just anyone! We're searching for the top 1%. The elite few.
Depending on your personal preferences - such as the hours you wish to work and the type of setting you favour - you may find some roles are a better fit than others.
The first thing you need to do is ensure you have an up to date SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence. It is a criminal offence to take on security work without one.
If you don’t have a licence but would like to gain some experience then there are also certain unlicensed support roles out there. For example, you could apply to be an event steward, who will work closely alongside SIA licensed officers. These types of roles will often be seasonal and are particularly popular with students and others looking for short term or casual work.
Another thing to consider is whether this type of work is right for you. From being great with people to having strong observation skills and remaining calm under pressure, there are certain characteristics that anyone who wishes to work in the security sector will benefit from having. A certain level of physical fitness will also be required.
For more pointers on whether a security role is going to be right for you, see our blog: What makes a great security officer?
Here is our guide to the top types of physical security jobs, what they may typically entail and the kind of training and skills you might need.
A mobile security officer will usually work independently throughout the night, visiting various business premises to carry out an agreed number of checks.
Each patrol will take place at a random time and the frequency of the visits will be agreed as part of the security contract but may typically be anything from three to six patrols a night.
The scope of work carried out once on site will also vary by assignment. It may include checking buildings are secure and looking for signs of forced entry, but also spotting potential maintenance issues, such as burst pipes.
Officers will prepare a report and take photos, logging anything they find and alerting the customer in the event of any major incidents.
To be a mobile patrol officer you must be over 25 and have been driving for at least two years. Specialist training may typically include Key Holding and Alarm Response, Conflict Management and Crime Scene Management.
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Static security guards are based on the premises and have responsibility for keeping people, property and premises safe. Their exact duties and shift patterns will be dictated by the needs of the individual organisation and will vary from site to site.
For example, a static guard may be tasked with looking after a reception area, or other public spaces. As such, they may need to perform a dual role that requires exceptional customer service skills, as well as strong security acumen.
Other duties may include; manning entry points, carrying out foot patrols of the site and grounds, and dealing with threatening or disruptive behaviour.
Every officer must understand and adhere to the culture of the organisation they are entering and uphold the reputation of that organisation at all times. They need to be smart, punctual, polite and reliable, with great attention to detail and advanced people skills.
Specialist training may typically include Conflict Management, Crime Scene Management and Public Space Surveillance (CCTV).
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Something being seen more and more frequently within town and city centre locations is the presence of trained security officers, who will carry out patrols of a designated area.
CCSOs generally work in pairs and will carry out patrols throughout the day. They will be smartly uniformed, not dressed as police but obviously fulfilling an enforcement role.
Strong communication skills are key for all CCSOs, as they will be speaking with the general public, retailers, local businesses and residents alike.
One of the core responsibilities of a CCSO is dealing directly with anti-social behaviour, gathering evidence and escalating and reporting anything relevant to the appropriate authorities.
Another important aspect of their role is acting as a central liaison between all stakeholders and partners organisations. This may include the local council, police, retailers, Business Improvement Districts and other agencies.
Specialist training for CCSOs may typically include Conflict Management, First Aid and Mental Health First Aid. At Venture, we have also undergone a rigorous assessment process, to be accredited under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) in Hampshire and Wiltshire. This means our accredited security officers also have low-level police powers.
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Event security officers are responsible for keeping the general public, staff, guests and assets safe. Whether it’s a sporting event, festival, concert, corporate or community event, they will work as part of the security team to ensure its smooth and safe delivery.
Officers need to possess outstanding customer service skills, as they will generally be face-to-face with visitors, often being the first person they meet on arrival. They will also be supporting the event organiser or venue as required, while looking after VIPs and protecting assets.
Key responsibilities commonly include access control, maintaining crowd safety, providing information to visitors and tackling crime and/or anti-social behaviour. They may be required to support the smooth ingress, circulation and egress of visitors; to provide a visual deterrent to would-be criminals; to proactively spot and deal with any problems as they arise; and carrying out sweeps and patrols of the site.
Specialist training may typically include Crowd Safety, Conflict Management, First Aid, and Counter Terrorism.
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The role of a close protection officer (also commonly referred to as a bodyguard) is to protect individuals, or groups of individuals, who may otherwise be at risk. These individuals may be in the public eye, or very high profile or wealthy, including politicians, diplomats, royalty, legal professionals and celebrities.
Close protection officers will usually guard an individual and/or their family, as they go about their daily lives. They may also accompany a client on business and social trips and drive them to and from venues.
Officers will be responsible for ensuring the client's residential premises are secure, as well as checking out any premises they are visiting, such as hotels and restaurants before they arrive. This may include assessing the layout, potential hazards and exposure to risk.
To work as a close protection officer, you need to hold a special license. You also need to undergo comprehensive training, so you can spot the warning signs and keep clients out of harm’s way.
Training may typically include Close Protection, Conflict Management, First Aid, Firearm Training, Advanced and Defensive Driving, Close Combat Training and Anti Ambush Training.
You can browse the positions we currently have available at Venture Security, on our recruitment page here https://www.venturesec.co.uk/recruitment. We also advertise our available roles on jobs listing site Indeed.
Venture Security is ranked among the top 1% of security companies in the UK. From manned guarding to mobile patrols and key holding services, and our comprehensive event security services.
Our specialist team works with businesses big and small, based across Winchester, Andover, Salisbury, Basingstoke, Fareham and the wider central-southern region.
For more information, please call us on 01264 391538.
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