At a Glance
- Tasks: Enhance personnel security and manage vetting processes to protect our people and assets.
- Company: Join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a leader in protective security.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding against threats while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Understanding of personnel security and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35663 - 35663 € per year.
Location: Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
Salary: £35,663 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Personnel Security Advisor. This role sits within the Protective Security Assurance team at the MCA, with a focus on personnel security. The Protective Security Assurance team is a cross function, integrated team covering Personnel, Physical, Cyber and Technical security. The purpose of the team is to safeguard the organisations people, information, systems and physical assets against threats such as espionage, terrorism, insider risk, and criminal activity.
As a Personnel Security Advisor, you will strengthen the MCA’s protective security posture by operating and improving personnel security and insider‑risk controls across the people lifecycle and supply chain. You will run day‑to‑day National Security Vetting (NSV), managing aftercare and transfers, driving compliance with MCA policy and His Majesty’s Government (HMG) standards, advising on proportionate risk‑based controls, and contributing to casework and investigations. You’ll collaborate with Human Resources (HR), Physical, Cyber and Technical security colleagues, providing insight and reporting to governance forums, and help build a positive security culture that enables operational delivery.
Top Responsibilities
- Supporting the Physical and Personnel Security Specialist ensuring all vetting functions and processes are delivered in line with the relevant policies.
- Working across the MCA, verifying third‑party suppliers requiring NSV and managing the process.
- Supporting internal business‑facing processes including Building Pass, Overseas Travel and IT elevated access requests.
- Delivering pre‑defined overseas travel security briefings for staff travelling for business to high‑risk countries.
- Identifying, assessing and managing personnel security risks, escalating significant concerns in a timely manner.
- Supporting stakeholders with clear, proportionate security advice, reinforcing positive security culture through awareness activities and risk assessments.
- Liaising with stakeholders tracking and progressing actions in a timely manner.
- Deputising, as appropriate, in internal & external forums and work with and cover for the Physical Security Advisor, Third Party Security Advisor and Cyber Security Advisor.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance.
About You
- An understanding of personnel security and risk, as well as a willingness to develop Government Security Function knowledge in related areas as appropriate.
- Experience of delivering a quality service in a high‑pressure environment to a range of customers.
- Proven ability supporting business change.
- Excellent communication with a customer‑focused approach, able to work within a small team.
- Ability to deliver concise written reports and presentations.
- Ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, confidence and trust with those you work with.
- Proven ability to work with high accuracy and attention to detail.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4vVmx45
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Thursday 7th May 2026.
Personnel Security Advisor in Southampton employer: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a generous pension contribution of 28.97%, flexible working options, and opportunities for career development through funded qualifications, the MCA fosters a diverse and inclusive environment where employees can thrive while contributing to national security efforts in Southampton.
Contact Detail:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Personnel Security Advisor in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the MCA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out when we apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for security roles. We should practice our answers, focusing on our experience with personnel security and risk management to show we're the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our skills in a portfolio or presentation. If we have examples of past work related to personnel security, let’s compile them to demonstrate our expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Personnel Security Advisor in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Personnel Security Advisor role. Highlight your experience in personnel security and risk management, and show how it aligns with what we’re looking for at the MCA.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, emphasise your communication skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in previous roles, as this will resonate well with us.
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this position. When writing your application, double-check for any typos or errors. We want to see that you can deliver concise and accurate written reports, so make sure your application reflects that.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role before the deadline on 7th May 2026.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maritime and Coastguard Agency
✨Know Your Security Basics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of personnel security and insider risk. Familiarise yourself with the key concepts and current trends in the field, as well as the specific policies of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re also knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific security scenarios. Think about past experiences where you've had to assess risks or manage sensitive information. Prepare clear examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for a Personnel Security Advisor.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated security advice in the past, and how you can build trust and relationships with colleagues. Good communication is key in fostering a positive security culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the challenges they face in personnel security, or how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
