At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safety and security for visitors and staff at The British Museum.
- Company: The British Museum is a leading UK attraction with a rich collection spanning two million years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team in a world-renowned museum, making a real impact on visitor experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in security roles is preferred; SIA licence training provided for the right candidates.
- Other info: Assessment day required before job offers; flexible shifts and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 27000 £ per year.
Full-time working 4 ON / 4 OFF working days only, or days and nights
Permanent
£28,196 – £31,325 per annum depending on working pattern offered
Apply by 12pm (midday) on Monday, 2 February 2026
About the roleThe Visitor and Security Services department is looking for Security Officer\’s 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 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. To this end, 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. These are:
Care Deeply
Embrace the Unknown
Value Many Voices
Alongside this, we offer a range of benefits including:
Be a part of a world-renowned institution, where history, culture, and innovation come together!
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 is 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 StepsTo 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 and will include a:
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.
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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
Familiarise yourself with The British Museum's layout and security protocols. Understanding the museum's unique environment will help you demonstrate your commitment to providing a safe and secure experience for visitors during the assessment day.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your customer service skills, as this role requires high standards of interaction with visitors. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled difficult situations or provided exceptional service.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the incident report writing exercise by reviewing common security scenarios and how to document them effectively. Being able to articulate your response clearly will be crucial during the assessment.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice teamwork scenarios with friends or colleagues. Since collaboration is key in this role, being able to showcase your ability to work well under pressure with others will set you apart during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Security Officer position at The British Museum. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: Use your supporting statement to directly answer the specific questions outlined in the application guidance. Be concise and ensure you stay within the word limits provided for each question.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When discussing your experience, focus on roles that demonstrate your operational security knowledge and customer service skills. Use specific examples that illustrate your ability to handle security incidents and work effectively in a team.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a role in security.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BRITISH MUSEUM
✨Dress to Impress
As a Security Officer, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Make sure to dress smartly and maintain a professional appearance to create a positive first impression.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Good communication is key in this role. Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to listen and respond to visitor needs during the interview. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated in previous roles.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
The role requires collaboration with other team members. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you worked as part of a team, especially in challenging situations or during security incidents.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Excellence
Customer service is crucial in this position. Be ready to provide examples of how you've delivered high-quality service in past roles, focusing on your ability to treat everyone with dignity and respect.