Job Description

Details

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Reference number

413187
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Salary

62,837
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
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Job grade

Senior Executive Officer###

Contract type

Permanent###

Type of role

Estates###

Working pattern

Full-time###

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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London

About the job

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Job summary

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing, and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to the government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe. A role in MI5 means you'll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.###

Job description

As a Fire Safety Officer, you'll play a crucial role in delivering proactive, expert, and professional services aligned with our comprehensive estates safety strategy. This is a unique opportunity to work within an unparalleled estate environment, managing a uniquely varied portfolio. Leading the development and delivery of fire safety measures across our estate, you'll ensure our people and operations remain protected and resilient. Collaboration with stakeholders at all levels is essential, supporting the broader Estates team in maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.


You could be working with operational teams to embed fire safety into day-to-day activities, advising on emergency planning and incident response. Alternatively, you might manage third-party suppliers to deliver our fire risk assessment programme, ensuring our estate remains compliant and fit for purpose. We also have responsibilities that span training, inspections, and audits, where you play a key role in maintaining high standards and driving continuous improvement.


Whichever area you work in, you'll be part of a collaborative, supportive, and highly skilled team operating across sensitive and high-priority environments. Engaging with a wide range of people - from internal colleagues and senior leaders to local fire services, suppliers, and government partners- is a key aspect of the role.


Day-to-day, taking ownership of fire safety across our estate, involves leading the development and ongoing management of fire strategies that support operational continuity. Overseeing the delivery of fire risk assessments, conducting inspections and investigations, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements are key responsibilities. Additionally, providing expert advice to support emergency planning, delivering fire safety training, and coordinating regular alarm tests and fire drills are essential tasks. Building resilient relationships with local fire services and leading a small team of fire safety professionals - developing their capabilities and enhancing their impact through effective leadership and continuous improvement - is also a crucial part of the role.

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Person specification

You'll bring a solid foundation in fire safety and a proactive approach to managing complex workloads and shifting priorities. With demonstrable experience in fire safety management, you'll have a deep understanding of fire safety legislation, guidance documents such as Approved Document B (which provides guidance on building regulations for fire safety) and BS9999 (which offers a holistic approach to fire safety in building design and management), and the practical application of fire strategies across a varied estate.


Confidence in working as part of a wider team is essential, along with the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels and offer clear, practical advice in high-pressure situations. Demonstrable technical knowledge of fire protection design and building regulations is required, as well as holding a recognised qualification in fire safety - such as a Level 4 Fire Safety Diploma or equivalent. Membership of a recognised professional body, such as the Institute of Fire Engineers, further supports credibility as a subject matter expert.


We're particularly interested in individuals who are passionate about fire prevention and can apply creative problem-solving to deliver innovative, risk-based solutions. Being highly safety-conscious, observant, and calm under pressure - with the ability to reassure others, explain technical matters clearly, and plan effectively. Your communication skills will be key, as will your ability to lead by example and inspire confidence in those around you.


Your expertise will be essential to our mission, as will your ability to drive continuous improvement. Acting as a role model for your team, sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and helping to embed a culture of safety and resilience across our estate are crucial aspects of the role.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 62,837, MI5 - The Security Service contributes 18,203 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.25 days annual leave, automatically rising to 30 days after 5 years of service, and an additional 10.5 days of public and privilege holidays.
o Opportunities to be recognised through our employee performance scheme.

o Dedicated development budget.

o Interest-free season ticket loan.

o Excellent pension scheme.

o Cycle to work scheme.

o Facilities such as a gym, restaurant, and on-site coffee bars (at some locations).

o Paid parental and adoption leave.

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

What to Expect

Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and based on merit. Here is a brief overview of each stage, in order:



o On-Line application

o Applications are then sifted to look at your role-specific knowledge, experience, and motivation for the role and organisation.

o Invitation to an on-line competency - based interview.

o If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment.


Please note, you must successfully pass each stage of the process to progress to the next. Your application may take around 6 to 9 months to process, including vetting, so we advise you to continue any current employment until you have received your final job offer.

Before You Apply

To work at MI5, you need to be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality. Read about our eligibility criteria.



This role requires the highest security clearance, known as Developed Vetting (DV). It's something everyone in the UK Intelligence Community undertakes. Find out more about the vetting process.



Please note, we have a strict drugs policy. Once you start your application, you can't take any recreational drugs, and you'll need to declare your previous drug usage at the relevant stage.



Before you apply, we advise you to consider setting up a separate email address for your contact with us to ensure your personal and application correspondence remain separate. Try to avoid having identifying features in your email address, such as your first and/or surname and date of birth. This is good practice and will help you to manage your application with us more securely.



The role is based in London, so you'll need to live within a commutable distance. Please consider any financial implications and practicalities before submitting an application. An interest-free loan via our benevolent fund is available to assist with relocating into privately rented accommodation to take up the offer of employment.

Please note, you should only launch your application from within the UK. If you are based overseas, you should wait until you visit the UK to launch an application. Applying from outside the UK will impact on our ability to progress your application. You should not discuss your application, other than with your partner or a close family member.

Right to Withdraw Statement:

Please be aware that we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date once a certain number of applications have been received. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.###

Security

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 (opens in new window) checks.###

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.###

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.###

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.###

Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : careers@recruitmentoffice.org.uk Email : careers@recruitmentoffice.org.uk
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Recruitment team

* Email : careers@recruitmentoffice.org.uk