At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor CCTV, respond to incidents, and ensure safety across Edinburgh.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government's dedicated Security Control Room Team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, shift allowance, and inclusive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible 12-hour shifts with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in safeguarding your community and making a real difference.
- Qualifications: Valid Driving Licence and SIA CCTV Operator licence required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Ready to be at the forefront of safety and security within the Scottish Government? The position of Security Control Room Officer is an integral part of the Security Control Room Team, based within the Facilities Branch of the Workplace Division. This team is responsible for the 24/7 operation of the Scottish Government’s central Security Control Room. All areas of Facilities Services support the safety and security of people and SG assets. The Control Room team particularly focus on the safety and security of the estate via remote monitoring. Security Control Room Officers participate in the safety and security culture across the service.
Responsibilities
- Proactive Surveillance: Diligently monitor the estate’s CCTV system through regular camera patrols and advanced analytics, ensuring prompt detection and response to incidents and events. Respond to actual or potential security incidents reported to the Security Control Room from various sources, undertaking initial investigations (either remotely or on-site) and resolving or escalating matters in accordance with established Security Control Room procedures, policies and protocols.
- Alarm System Management: Monitor and respond promptly to a range of alarm systems (including fire and intruder alarms). Attend sites across Edinburgh in response to alarm activations, conduct initial investigations, and liaise effectively with emergency services and other relevant organisations as required.
- Incident Logging and Reporting: Maintain concise, accurate, and timely records of incidents, events, decisions, and shift handover information, utilising appropriate forms and templates as outlined in Security Control Room protocols.
- Key Holder Services: Provide key holder services for the Scottish Government and other public organisations as agreed with Facilities Management, including the physical opening and closing of designated sites.
- Mobile Security Patrols: Be able physically to conduct both scheduled and ad-hoc mobile security patrols across Edinburgh sites, ensuring the security of premises by checking that doors, padlocks are secured on gates, windows are secure and performing both internal and external patrols.
- Access Control: Monitor and facilitate access and egress to designated sites during silent hours, ensuring only authorised personnel are admitted.
- Stakeholder Communication: Respond to telephone enquiries from a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including emergency services and members of the public. Act as first responder and provide a physical presence at St Andrew’s House in the event of the sudden activation of SGoRR outside normal office hours.
- Administrative Support: Undertake ad-hoc security-related administrative functions as required, supporting the effective operation of the Security Control Room.
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Qualifications
- The post holder must hold a valid Driving Licence.
- The post holder must hold a current SIA CCTV Operator licence or be prepared to undergo and successfully complete appropriate training to obtain this.
Experience
- Proven track record of working in a control room or similar operational environment, strong working knowledge in monitoring and operating CCTV, alarm systems and remote access platforms, enabling the identification, assessment and escalation of incidents in real time are essential.
- Strong knowledge and ability to carry out mobile patrol duties and delivering an effective service, respond to incidents and emergency situations, accurate incident reporting, record keeping and adherence to operational protocols and liaising with internal teams and external emergency services.
Behaviours
- Seeing the Big Picture - (Level 1)
- Communicating and Influencing – (Level 1)
- Delivering at Pace – (Level 1)
- Working Together – (Level 1)
How to Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and Presentation.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About Us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Location
This role is based in Edinburgh. The operation is supported by two control rooms: Victoria Quay (VQ) and St Andrew’s House (SAH). The successful candidate will be based at Victoria Quay, with St Andrew’s House used as a secondary location when required to support operational continuity.
Working pattern
The Security Control Room Team is responsible for the 24/7 operation of the Scottish Government’s central Security Control Room, the current shift working pattern is 12 hours (4 on 4 off) on a rotational basis.
Security checks
Due to the sensitive nature of this role and the information to which the post holder may be exposed, successful candidates will be required to undergo Security Clearance (SC) level. Read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Pay supplement
A Shift Disturbance Allowance of 21% applies to this post. This allowance is calculated as a percentage of basic pay only, is pensionable, and is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before 23:59 on 28 May 2026.
Security Control Room Officer employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for Security Control Room Officers, where your role is crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the public estate in Edinburgh. With a commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, including obtaining your SIA CCTV Operator licence, and enjoy a competitive pay structure with additional allowances. Join a diverse team dedicated to public service, where your contributions directly impact the well-being of communities across Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Security Control Room Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the Scottish Government and its values. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to security control room operations. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role, especially around incident response and communication.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the work culture and might even give you tips on how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Scottish Government's Security Control Room Team.
We think you need these skills to ace Security Control Room Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Security Control Room Officer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in monitoring CCTV and responding to incidents. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of how you meet the skills and behaviours outlined in the job description. Keep it concise but impactful – remember, you've got a 1000-word limit!
Be Honest About Your Experience:While AI tools can help, make sure everything you include is truthful and reflects your own experiences. Plagiarism can lead to your application being withdrawn, and we definitely don’t want that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Know Your Security Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the specific security protocols and procedures relevant to the role of a Security Control Room Officer. This includes understanding how to monitor CCTV systems, respond to alarms, and manage incidents. Being able to discuss these in detail during your interview will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Prepare to share specific examples from your past experience that highlight your skills in monitoring security systems, conducting mobile patrols, and responding to emergencies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Security Control Room Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including emergency services. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider role-playing common scenarios you might face, such as responding to an alarm or liaising with the police.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, the technology used in the control room, or how success is measured in this role. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
