Job Description

ID 3240

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The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate's name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.

Vacancy details

Vacancy title
Protective Security Officer (Associates) - 2 posts


Closing date
17/11/2025, 16:00


Advertising basis
Fixed Term
Actual starting salary
A starting salary between 29,657and 33,748 will be offered to the successful candidate based on their skills, knowledge, experience and performance at interview. This range is not negotiable.
Salary range or pay band
EO 29,657 to 33,748
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (not suitable for candidates who wish to work on a part time or job share basis)
Duration
Fixed Term appointment for 18 months with possibility of permanency.
Group
Corporate Services and Inspectorates
Directorate
Departmental Security Unit
Branch
Departmental Security Unit
Location (s)
Cardiff
Main office base
Cathays, Cardiff
Purpose of post
This post involves providing protective security to Ministers and contributing to the wider remit of the Departmental Security Unit. You will work closely with Ministers and the police, provide general security advice to Welsh Government officials, and develop and maintain security policies.
Key tasks
Work with the police and external contacts for VIP events and engagements. Prepare risk assessments - assess Ministers' diaries, identify areas of potential risk to Ministerial engagements and evaluate relevant threat assessments (e.g., notifications from the police about planned protests). Ensure that appropriate security arrangements are in place for public events attended by Ministers - this includes advance reconnaissance of venues and attending events to provide physical protective security. Assist the Chief Security Officer to review Welsh Government security arrangements (e.g., inspections, security sweeps). Attend security meetings with colleagues from UK Government departments and other Devolved Administrations as necessary. Assist colleagues in the Departmental Security Unit and contribute to the wider remit of the Division (e.g., investigations, project work, inspections, presentations, responding to staff queries). Prepare security briefs for Ministers traveling overseas on ministerial engagements.

Development opportunities
These Fixed Term appointment posts will provide successful candidates with the opportunity to be supported to achieve BTEC level 3 Close Protection Operations qualification. They also provide an opportunity to work as part of a highly skilled group providing protective support in a dynamic and challenging environment.


There may be a possibility of permanency and the opportunity to apply for promotion within the team, following successful completion of the BTEC qualification and subject to there being vacancies available at these grades, satisfactory performance, conduct and attendance.



Other vacancy related information
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.


This is a fixed term position for 18 months but with possibility of a permanent post. At a specific point during the 18 months, there may be opportunity for individuals to apply internally for Security Protection Team roles as a permanent employee, subject to satisfactory completion of the qualification, there being vacancies available at these grades and satisfactory performance, conduct and attendance.


Due to the nature of the role there is an expectation that you will remain in the Protective Security team for the duration of the 18 month Fixed term.

Location

Most engagements take place in the South Wales area with the team deploying out of the Cardiff Office at Cathays Park. Ministerial engagements can take place throughout Wales during the whole week (including evenings and weekends). The amount of travel varies between once a week to several times a week and can be at short notice. Occasional travel overseas may also be required. You will receive a combination of time off in lieu or paid overtime for evening and weekend working.

Timeline

Stage 1

-

Sift - 17th November - 5th December 2025

Stage 2 -

Assessment Centre (Cardiff) - provisionally scheduled 16th or 17th December 2025

Stage 3 -

Interviews - provisionally scheduled week commencing 5th January 2026

Application stage

At application stage you will be asked to answer knockout questions regarding your qualifications for the role. You will also be asked to complete and submit a

CV

. Please ensure your CV includes details of the qualifications and experience you have, or are undertaking, which make you eligible to apply for this role along with how you satisfy the essential criteria listed (CV maximum of 3 sides of A4)


Please ensure that your CV clearly shows how you meet the following

Essential Criteria:

You have a level 3 First Aid at Work certificate (where the expiry date is at least 1st February 2027 or longer). Confirm that you have experience of basic self-defence e.g. member of self defence/boxing club or received formal self-defence training. You are a front-line SIA license holder or a police office or a volunteer with security training e.g. PCSO with basic security training You have a full driving licence Confirm you have experience in leading a team Provide details of your experience of working in a team where strong decision-making skills have been required.


Vetting level
SC - Candidates applying for a role that requires SC clearance must have normally resided in the UK for a minimum of the last 5 years
Number of posts
2
Contact point for further information regarding the post
securitypolicy@gov.wales