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- Tasks: Ensure a safe and welcoming environment for millions of visitors at the British Museum.
- Company: Join the iconic British Museum, a hub of history and culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, family perks, financial support, and wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Be part of a close-knit team making a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in security roles and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 28196 - 31325 £ per year.
Full-time working 4 ON / 4 OFF working days only, or days and nights. Permanent position with a salary of £28,196 - £31,325 per annum depending on the working pattern offered. Apply by 12pm (midday) on Monday, 2 February 2026.
About the role:
The Visitor and Security Services department is looking for Security Officers to help provide a welcoming, safe and secure environment for our visitors, staff, and our world-famous collection. In 2024, the British Museum in Camden received 6.5 million visitors, more than any other museum in the UK. The Museum is now undergoing an extraordinary project of transformation including re‑imagining the visitor experience. As part of the first and last person visitors see and a member of the Visitor and Security Services department, you will have a key part to play in this. The successful candidate will be able to deliver security awareness and customer service to a high standard.
Why join the British Museum?
- The security department is a close‑knit team where working together to keep everyone and the Museum’s objects safe while contributing to the visitor experience.
- Our values drive everything we do, from how we handle our objects to how we work in our team to fostering a culture where everyone feels heard and empowered:
- Care Deeply
- Embrace the Unknown
- Value Many Voices
- Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus 2.5 privilege days and bank holidays.
- Family Friendly Perks: enhanced maternity pay, shared parental leave and more.
- Financial Support: Interest‑free travel loans and rental deposit loans.
- Wellbeing: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for mental health and wellbeing support.
- Everyday Extras: Subsidised staff canteen, and discounts in our gift shop.
- Exceptional Pension: Secure your future with one of the UK’s most generous defined benefit schemes – guaranteed income for life.
- Cultural Perks: Free tickets to exhibitions, plus complimentary and discounted entry to leading museums and galleries worldwide.
What might a normal day look like?
No one day is ever the same, so flexibility and teamwork are essential to ensuring a safe and secure environment. You can expect to find yourself:
- Welcoming visitors on arrival.
- Conducting security bag and vehicle searches.
- Controlling all pedestrian and vehicle access to the Museum.
- Providing a high visibility presence by regular patrolling of public spaces.
- Responding to alarms, escalated security incidents and suspicious behaviour.
- Collaborating with Metropolitan Police and Emergency Services when required.
- Providing security services for evening functions and events.
About you:
- Experience and knowledge of working in an operational security role.
- Able to work cooperatively as a team and follow instructions and processes in routine and emergency situations.
- Good written and verbal communication skills to understand visitor needs and respond appropriately.
- High level of awareness and responsiveness to security situations.
- Able to show initiative to de‑escalate situations where safe and appropriate.
- Able to effectively respond to emergency situations and undertake rapid response activities.
- Able to take responsibility for tasks, escalating where required only.
- A valid SIA Door Supervisor licence is essential for the role. Successful applicants without a licence may receive assistance with organising and funding for the course.
How to Apply and Next Steps:
To apply for this role, you must complete your application through our website. You will need to complete a form to tell us about your skills and experience. In the Personal Statement part of the form, please ensure you answer the questions below:
- Why do you want to be a Security Officer at the British Museum? (No more than 50 words)
- Give an example of how you worked in a team when responding to a security incident (No more than 100 words)
- Give an example of how you have delivered customer service to a high standard (No more than 200 words)
Successful applicants will be invited to attend an Assessment Day between 16 – 20 February which will include:
- Job and security screening briefing
- Timed multiple choice security knowledge assessment
- Incident Report writing exercise
- Short interview for candidates who have successfully completed and passed the above stages
It is anticipated that the start date for this role will be the week commencing 13 April. We will provide a week-long induction which will help you settle into the team and develop your skills, this will run Monday 13 – Friday 17 April and you will need to be available for this period.
If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
Unfortunately, for this role we are unable to offer Sponsorship to applicants. The Museum also adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
Security Officer employer: THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Contact Detail:
THE BRITISH MUSEUM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the British Museum and its values! When you walk in for your interview, show that you care deeply about their mission. Research their recent projects and think about how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment for visitors.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Security Officer, you'll need to interact with a diverse range of people. Role-play scenarios with friends or family where you respond to security incidents or provide customer service. This will help you feel more confident during the assessment day.
✨Tip Number 3
Teamwork is key! Think of examples from your past experiences where you worked as part of a team, especially in high-pressure situations. Be ready to share these stories during your interview to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Make sure your application highlights your relevant experience and skills. Tailor your personal statement to reflect why you want to be a part of the British Museum's Visitor and Security Services team.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are and why you’re excited about being a Security Officer at the British Museum. Keep it genuine and relatable.
Stick to the Word Limits: Make sure you pay attention to those word limits in the Personal Statement section. It’s a great way to show us you can communicate effectively and concisely. So, get straight to the point while still making your case!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: In your examples, highlight how you’ve worked with others during security incidents. We love a good team player! Share a specific moment that shows your ability to collaborate and respond effectively under pressure.
Customer Service Matters: Don’t forget to include a solid example of your customer service skills. We’re all about creating a welcoming environment, so tell us about a time you went above and beyond to help someone. Make it memorable!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Security Officer at the British Museum. Understand the importance of providing a welcoming environment while ensuring safety. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values of care, teamwork, and security awareness.
✨Showcase Teamwork Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to work in a team, especially during security incidents. Think of a time when you collaborated effectively with others to resolve a situation. This will demonstrate your capability to follow instructions and support your colleagues.
✨Customer Service Matters
Since delivering high-quality customer service is key, come equipped with specific examples of how you've excelled in this area. Whether it’s handling difficult situations or going above and beyond for a visitor, make sure to convey your commitment to excellent service.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Be prepared to discuss how you handle emergency situations. Think of instances where you had to de-escalate a tense situation or respond quickly to an incident. Highlighting your ability to remain calm and act decisively will show that you're fit for the role.
