Security Officer

The University of Plymouth is seeking a motivated and professional individual to join our Security Team. Our team plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment across our busy and diverse campus, providing a 24/7, 365-day service.

About the Role

Our Security Team consists of 13 Officers, 6 Senior Officers and a Team Leader, working together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors. As a Security Officer, you will often be the first point of contact and will provide advice, reassurance, and support when needed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Engaging positively with a diverse range of people
• Providing initial wellbeing support to students, particularly out of hours
• Delivering first aid response, including mental health first aid
• Conducting proactive security patrols across campus
• Monitoring and operating CCTV systems
• Using University and Police radio systems
• Responding to alarms and incidents

This role operates on an annualised hours rota covering 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The rota includes a generous leave equivalent (25 days plus bank holidays and closure days) of which you will benefit from significant blocks of non-working days. There will also be a requirement to provide cover for unplanned absence/additional business need.

All uniform and PPE will be provided along with a generous annual footwear allowance.  The University also has a great benefits package for all staff including defined benefits pension scheme, onsite Nursery, Cafes, sports facilities, cycle to work and shopping discount schemes.

A current full driving licence (manual transmission) is essential as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles.This role is also subject to health surveillance with our Occupational Health team.

Due to the nature of this role, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check plus an Adult’s Barred List check will be required.

About You

We are looking for individuals who are approachable, reliable, and committed to helping others—particularly young people. You will:

• Be an effective communicator with strong listening skills
• Remain calm and pragmatic in challenging situations
• Be able to prioritise and de-escalate incidents quickly
• Demonstrate excellent observation and attention to detail
• Produce clear, accurate written reports

You should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, using your initiative in sometimes demanding or high-pressure situations. Essential requirements of the role include:

• Good awareness of health and safety practices
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• Aptitude for working with technical equipment (e.g. CCTV, radios)
• A good level of physical fitness (role subject to medical screening)
• Willingness to obtain a First Aid at Work qualification (including mental health)
• Ability to pass Non-Police Personnel Vetting
• Due to the nature of the job: Full UK driving licence (manual transmission required)

We welcome applications from candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Our team reflects the diversity of the community we serve.

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dave Owen by email at david.owen@plymouth.ac.uk

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.