Security Vetting and Pass Officer

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) is responsible for physical and personnel security across both Houses of Parliament and provides support to Members and staff when away from the Estate. Its purpose is to keep Parliament safe and open for business.

PSD sets security strategy, provides expert advice and delivers an operational service. It does this in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and by working closely with the Parliamentary Estates Teams, Serjeant at Arms and Black Rod's office, Restoration & Renewal teams, the Parliamentary Digital Service, and other key stakeholders.

The Role

The Personnel Security Team drives the development and implementation of the policies and processes aimed at mitigating the risk of passholders exploiting their legitimate access to Parliament and its assets. Security Vetting and Pass Officers will be expected to work collaboratively to ensure that pass and vetting applications are processed in a manner that is smooth, accurate, and puts personnel security at its heart and to ensure the Security Vetting & Pass Office uphold excellent customer service standards at all times. Key stakeholder relationships are with Members and Peers, other teams within the House, security vetting applicants, government departments and contracting companies.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Learning the complex nuances of the role, keeping up-to-date with and consistently applying current procedures relating to processing security applications, access control and the issuing of passes.
• Picking up errors in security applications and contacting applicants to obtain relevant information before processing applications.
• Answering the Security Vetting & Pass Office telephone line and answering emails, providing accurate information based on current procedures and guidelines.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Previous experience of working in a fast-paced administrative environment with the ability to complete tasks whilst balancing accuracy and speed using a variety of IT systems. You will have an ability to spot and deal with issues autonomously.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, working in an administrative environment. You will have a confident manner, be able to think quickly, react appropriately with all stakeholders in a potentially challenging environment.
• Experience of working with diverse groups of people, upholding the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion, ensuring that everyone is, at all times, treated with dignity, courtesy and respect.
• Being a team player with the ability to carry out and prioritise different tasks to achieve team goals when under pressure within a complex, demanding and rapidly changing environment.

Next Steps and Additional Information

• Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Please ensure that you anonymise your application by removing any identifiable factors from your CV or Supporting Statement.

We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.