Security Service Personnel
Job Description:Security Service personnel protect the country against threats to national security.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day duties will vary according to your role. You could:
- collect information on threats to national security
- watch and report on suspects’ movements and actions
- use specialist IT or electronics equipment to record and observe activities
- make decisions about potential threats
- support and troubleshoot IT systems
- develop software systems
- provide administrative support in departments like finance or HR
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of public safety and security
- legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- complex problem-solving skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
Different roles in the security services have different entry routes.
University
To enter the Security Service with a degree, you’ll need a pass at upper second class or higher. Relevant degree subjects include:
- history
- languages
- politics
- economics
- maths
- law
With a degree you can apply for job roles, like:
- intelligence analyst
- internet and computer technology specialist
- security exploitation officer
- foreign language analyst
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a technical apprenticeship like:
- infrastructure engineering apprenticeship
- software engineer degree apprenticeship
Direct Application
For some roles within the Security Service, like foreign language analyst or security guard, you would not need any specific qualifications. Entry would be based on the experience and skills you could bring to the role, for instance fluency in a language like Russian or Mandarin.
There could also be opportunities for you if you have technical, vocational or professional qualifications in subjects like electronics or accountancy.
For support jobs such as business officer or administration assistant, you may need some form of academic qualification or have relevant office-based experience.
Working Hours and Environment:
A typical week consists of 37-39 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends/bank holidays on shifts.
You could work at a police station, in an office or in a control room. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home. You may need to wear a uniform.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience and a good performance record, you could move into management.