Security Controller

University of Reading - Security Services

Location: Reading

Salary: £26,707 to £30,378 per annum Plus rotating shift allowance & 15.2 hours per month guaranteed contractual overtime

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Placed On: 2nd April 2026

Closes: 17th April 2026

Job Ref: SRF53042

Full‑time | 12‑hour shifts - Permanent

The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 17th April 2026

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University of Reading, Security Services are seeking a professional, proactive, and highly dependable Security Control Room Officer to join our dedicated team. This is a key position responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of staff, students, visitors, and University assets. Working within our Security Control Room and across the University estate, you will play a crucial role in incident response, customer service, and operational support.

Key Responsibilities

Emergency & Incident Response

• Play an active role in all emergency procedures, including Terrorism or Other Life‑Threatening Incident Response.
• Follow all standard operating procedures and support effective incident management across the estate.
• Complete accurate incident reports via the IRIS reporting system.
• Maintain a detailed log of incidents requiring follow‑up action, including maintenance issues or complaints.
• Liaise with Police and other emergency services when required.

Control Room Operations

• Operate all Security Control Room systems: telephones, alarm receiving systems, CCTV, mass notification, refuge systems, radio channels, and associated technology.
• Monitor CCTV in accordance with relevant policies, Data Protection, and Freedom of Information legislation.
• Manage access control systems and facilitate approved out‑of‑hours access.
• Report system or service malfunctions in line with the call-out procedure.
• Supervise the shift and support other Control Room staff in the absence of a supervisor.

On‑Campus Security Duties

• Provide a visible and reassuring security presence across all University premises.
• Patrol internal and external areas on foot or via University security vehicles.
• Provide First Aid assistance when required.
• Receive and record found property on IRIS and transfer unclaimed items to Palmer Reception for processing.

Professional Conduct & Training

• Deliver excellent customer service, ensuring all interactions are polite, professional, and courteous.
• Represent and promote the University Security Service through smart appearance and professional behaviour.
• Undertake mandatory training as required (e.g., SIA, First Aid, assessments, online courses).
• Carry out additional duties appropriate to the level of the role as requested by Security Services Management.

About You

You will be someone who remains calm under pressure, communicates confidently, and can make sound decisions in fast‑moving situations. You will also be committed to delivering a high standard of customer care and maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for the University community.

Please see the job description and personal specification for further details. Click the 'Apply' button above.

Interview date - TBC

For more information, please contact:

Contact Name: Julian Ogden

Contact Job Title: Supervisor

Contact Email address: j.ogden@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.