Personnel Security Officer

Do you have the judgement, integrity and attention to detail needed to help protect the people, information and assets that support public services across Scotland? This is a fast-paced and rewarding role for someone who thrives on taking responsibility, demonstrating excellent attention to detail and making sound decisions that matter.

You will work within the Personnel Security Team, undertaking National Security Vetting (NSV) and Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) casework. The role involves conducting pre-employment checks for incoming non-permanent staff, including contractors, agency workers, secondees, student placements and tenants, as well as supporting NSV clearance processes for staff within the Scottish Government (SG) and wider Scottish public sector organisations.

The successful candidate will quickly develop a sound understanding of BPSS and NSV policy and guidance, applying this accurately and consistently across a varied caseload. They will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, developing strong networking and customer service skills while ensuring agreed performance targets are met and customer expectations are managed effectively.

This is a high-volume operational environment that would suit a highly motivated individual with excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. The role is primarily focused on BPSS and NSV casework, although the post holder may be required to support other grade-appropriate personnel and physical security activities as business needs dictate.

Responsibilities:

• Process and review BPSS applications for non-government staff (e.g. consultants, agency workers, contractors and unpaid student placements) who require access to SG buildings, information and assets, working to agreed timescales.
• Ensure any missing information and documentation are obtained prior to completion and that established processes are followed at all times.
• Process and review NSV applications in line with Cabinet Office and UK Security Vetting guidance, provide NSV advice and guidance when required, and occasionally deliver vetting awareness sessions.
• Process NSV change of circumstances reviews.
• Examine original identification documents using specialist tools and training (provided on the job) to confirm their authenticity.
• Handle sensitive personal data, including criminal record data, with professionalism and discretion.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding BPSS requirements and ongoing applications via email and MS Teams chat.
• Handle physical documentation with care and attention to detail, updating a range of databases in a timely manner and ensuring information is complete and accurate.
• Escalate cases appropriately to the Personnel Security Adviser (Team Leader).
• Undertake other physical or personnel security tasks commensurate with the grade when required.

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Applied Personnel Security - Awareness
• Threat Awareness – Awareness
• Risk understanding and mitigation - Awareness

Behaviours:

• Working Together - Level 1
• Delivering at Pace - Level 1
• Making Effective Decisions - Level 1

How to apply:

Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 05/10/2026 however this may be subject to change.

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

In addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application.

The job is based in Saughton House, however following completion of training and a consolidation period, there could be the option to work on occasion from St Andrews House or Atlantic Quay, subject to approval.

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Apply before 23:59 on 28th September 2026. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only. External candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy.