UK Parliament
Working at the UK Parliament offers a unique and rewarding career at the heart of the UK's democratic system.
With a wide range of roles available, our impartial colleagues enable the day to day running of the House of Commons, House of Lords and Joint Departments. Together, we make Parliament happen.
Staff Benefits
In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:
- 30 days' annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
- Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
- Access to training and development.
- Flexible working.
- Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.
Introduction
The Parliamentary Security Department (PSD) is responsible for physical and personnel security across both Houses of Parliament and provides support to Members and staff when away from the Estate. Its purpose is to keep Parliament safe and open for business. PSD sets security strategy, provides expert advice, and delivers an operational service.
The Role
The Head of Security Operational Resilience is responsible for the development of Parliament's operational security and operational fire protection capabilities by ensuring that recruitment and training is delivered which meets current and anticipated operational requirements; and by overseeing implementation of the Target Operating Model for Physical Security (TOM) in Security Operations.
Working closely with the Head of Physical Security Strategy, the Head of Security and Fire Operations and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), you will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the TOM in the Security Operations team. You will lead on the implementation of operational change as some of the roles and responsibilities previously held by the MPS transition to the PSD Security Operations team.
You will lead on the implementation of operational change as some of the roles and responsibilities previously held by the MPS transition to the PSD Security Operations team. Working with PSDs Strategy and Portfolio team you will also be responsible for ensuring that the Security Operations team are change-ready to operate and realise the security benefits of Parliament's investment in new technical and physical security capabilities.​
Some of the responsibilities for this role include:
- Develop the Security Operations Learning and Development team during a time of significant growth, ensuring operational requirements are met, while building a culture of continuous learning and development across Security Operations in an inclusive and diverse working environment.
- Lead and develop the Security Operations Centre and Security Hub function to ensure continued excellence of operational planning, contingency planning, and preparedness, in effective collaboration with SIRAS.
- Work with accommodation, estates and other parliamentary teams to ensure PSD Operations requirements are understood and factored into business plans.
- Provide resilience for the Head of Security and Fire Operations during periods of absence and hold devolved responsibility for departmental budget spend.
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:
Criterion 1 - Ability to apply security expertise to deliver strategic change
- Experience of developing and embedding strategic initiatives in physical and operational security to mitigate identified threats.
- Extensive track record of initiating protective security outcomes in a complex operating environment.
- Ability to establish authority and credibility amongst stakeholders at all levels to both drive and implement change.
Criterion 2 - Leadership and People Management
- Ability to lead, manage, develop, and motivate teams to deliver high quality outcomes and sustainable change, while promoting an inclusive and diverse working environment.
- Ability to lead across organisational boundaries, securing co-operation and buy-in without formal management levers.
Criterion 3 - Engagement and Communications
- Engages effectively at all levels, able to adapt approach to persuade, influence and challenge, building relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
- Ability to brief concisely with a tailored approach to meet specific stakeholder requirements.
- Ability to draft clear and accurate papers and proposals. Can explain complex technical issues to a lay audience.
Criterion 4 - Planning and Contingency
- Experience of overseeing planning of large-scale events with the ability to identify risks, issues and problems, and use information from a range of sources including data analysis to identify creative solutions and improvements.
- Takes a logical and systematic approach to problem solving, ensuring necessary contingencies are considered and developed.
Criterion 5 - Risk Management
- Experience of evaluating threats and vulnerabilities and implementing mitigations in a complex risk environment.
Next Steps and Additional Information
CV & Supporting Statement - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit your CV and covering letter with no more than 1000 words.
More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.
Please note that as part of this selection process, you may be asked to complete a test or presentation. Further details will be provided in due course.
Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.
We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.
Contact Details
For more information about the role, or for an informal chat, please contact Sophie Nicolaou,
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