MGS - Ministry of Defence Guard Service - Shift Worker - St Vincent

At the Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS), we safeguard the UK’s Defence estate, protecting personnel, assets, and critical locations from crime, terrorism, espionage, and sabotage.

Responsibilities

• Ensure site safety and security – Protect Defence personnel, visitors, and property.
• Conduct patrols – Monitor designated areas on foot or by vehicle, ensuring compliance with security protocols.
• Control access – Check credentials, issue passes, and escort visitors as required.
• Perform searches – Conduct thorough security checks on vehicles, baggage, and personnel.
• Respond to incidents – Identify risks, manage security breaches, and elevate as needed.
• Assist employees and visitors – Provide professional and courteous support on-site.
• Monitor security systems – Operate CCTV, alarms, and communication devices.
• Manage traffic and parking – Control vehicle movement and ensure safe site access.
• Report and document – Maintain security logs and complete detailed incident reports.

Selection Process

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing

Qualifications

This role requires excellent communication and organisational skills, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Are you resilient, alert, and highly organised? Do you thrive in a team-based, high responsibility environment? A background in administration and strong IT skills (including Microsoft Office and electronic booking‑in systems) will also be beneficial, as you will work closely with office‑based personnel. You must also maintain a good level of physical fitness, as the role involves prolonged periods of standing, patrolling large areas, and responding quickly to incidents.

Security & Vetting

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting. See our vetting charter. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Legal Statements

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero‑tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre‑employment checks will be carried out. The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigation’s can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points‑based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points‑based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

Shift Pattern & Flexibility

This is a shift working position at 48 hours per week including breaks. The successful candidate will be expected to work nights, weekends, bank holidays etc as stipulated at the Unit depending on site requirements. This will be an average of 48 hours in a calendar week, this will be 12 hour shifts each week rostered between Sun – Sat. This will include being rostered in a flexible manner (termed a flexible week) within the shift roster. During the flexible week, the working days and shifts will routinely be stipulated in advance but may be changed at short notice, (this should be no less than 48 hours). The exact shift pattern will be explained in full during the interview.

Training & Development

We are committed to ensuring you have the skills and confidence to succeed in your role. New starters will complete a mandatory two‑week residential Foundation Course, followed by structured on‑the‑job training. You will have access to ongoing professional development, including an annual programme of online learning. Our dedicated Workforce Development Team will support your training needs, ensuring you continue to build expertise throughout your career.

MOD Discover My Benefits

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD. https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

Benefits

• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A generous annual leave allowance.
• Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year.
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments.
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing.
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, Gym and Cafeterias and Shops.
• Entitlement to apply for Blue Light and Defence Discount Cards.
• Free MGS Security Uniform.
• This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey

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