At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety by patrolling, checking access, and responding to emergencies.
- Company: Join a prestigious institution with a commitment to safety and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of leave, a pension scheme, and travel discounts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a historic environment while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Team player with good communication skills; security or customer service experience is a plus.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
About the Role
The Security Team plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of people, buildings and collections across the Old Bodleian Library, Weston Library, Radcliffe Camera and Clarendon Building. You will work as part of an in‑house team and act as a visible point of contact for readers and visitors. Duties include patrolling public and reader areas, checking access to restricted spaces, carrying out routine bag and locker searches, locking and unlocking buildings, setting alarm systems, responding to emergencies, handling general enquiries and maintaining accurate records. You will also provide support across the team during busy periods or staff absence. This is a full‑time post, working 36.5 hours per week. You will work a three‑weekly rota which includes evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays, with an expectation of working one weekend in three and one additional Saturday within the rota cycle. Due to the nature of this post, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a satisfactory Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check due to safety‑critical work, including responding to emergency situations.
About You
You will be willing to work evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays in line with the operational needs of the service. You will be able to work effectively and cooperatively as part of a team and demonstrate a professional, customer‑focused approach at all times. You will be confident interacting with people at all levels within the organisation and beyond, using tact and diplomacy in a range of situations. You will be observant, with a strong eye for detail, and able to remain attentive while carrying out repetitive tasks that involve significant periods of standing and walking. You will have a good standard of written and spoken English and be comfortable maintaining accurate records. A first aid qualification or an industry‑recognised security or customer‑service qualification, or relevant training and experience, would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days of annual leave
- A comprehensive range of childcare services
- Family leave schemes
- Cycle loan scheme
- Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
More information is available at https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/staff-benefits
Diversity
Our staff and students come from all over the world, and we proudly promote a friendly and inclusive culture. Diversity is positively encouraged, through diverse groups and champions, as well as a number of family‑friendly policies, such as the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, shared parental leave. We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are inclusive and accessible. If you require the job description or any other materials in an alternative format, or if you would like to request any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk.
How to apply
You will be required to upload your CV and a supporting evidence form as part of your online application. Your supporting evidence form should list each of the essential and desirable selection criteria, as listed in the job description, and explain how you meet each one. CVs alone will not be considered. We aim to provide a supportive working environment and are happy to discuss training and professional development opportunities.
The Chair of this recruitment panel will be David Freeman, Security and Facilities Services Manager, who can be contacted with enquiries relating to the role (david.freeman@bodleian.ox.ac.uk). General queries about the recruitment and application process should be directed to the Recruitment team within our Human Resources department (recruitment@glam.ox.ac.uk). Only applications received online by 12.00 midday (BST) on Monday 30 March 2026 can be considered. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 13 April 2026.
Security Team Member in Oxford employer: Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Team Member in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Security Team Member, like patrolling and responding to emergencies. This way, you can confidently discuss how your skills match what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your people skills! Since you'll be interacting with readers and visitors, think about scenarios where you might need to use tact and diplomacy. Role-playing these situations can help you feel more prepared for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your commitment to teamwork! Highlight any past experiences where you've worked effectively in a team, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate that you're ready to support your colleagues when things get busy.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to tailor your supporting evidence form to showcase how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Team Member in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Evidence: Make sure to customise your supporting evidence form to highlight how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for the Security Team!
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your CV and supporting evidence, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your skills and experience at a glance.
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills: Since this role involves interacting with readers and visitors, be sure to emphasise any customer service experience you have. We want to see how you handle different situations with tact and professionalism!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM), University of Oxford
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Security Team Member. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties mentioned in the job description, like patrolling and handling emergencies. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves interacting with visitors and readers, be prepared to discuss your customer service experience. Think of examples where you've used tact and diplomacy, especially in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to maintain a professional approach.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Being observant is crucial for this position. Prepare to share instances where your attention to detail made a difference, whether it was in a previous job or during training. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the repetitive tasks effectively while staying alert.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect situational questions that assess how you'd respond to emergencies or manage access control. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the demands of the job.