Security guard

Security guards provide a protection service for property, people, cash and other valuables. Many officers/guards are permanently based at one site. Mobile guards patrol different locations by van, or work on armoured “cash in transit” vans.

Work activities

Security guards are responsible for protecting premises, cash and valuable items. The most common security work is as a static guard. They are based permanently in places such as factories, offices, shopping centres and construction sites. Static security officers:

• Patrol inside and outside premises.
• Check that windows and doors are locked.
• Check vehicles in and out.
• Make certain that unauthorised people do not enter the grounds.
• Keep the risk of accidents to a minimum.
• Take action when a security or safety incident occurs.

Some security guards are based at a reception desk. They check visitors coming in and out of the building and sometimes issue identity badges and operate security doors or barriers. Many security guards use closed-circuit television or other surveillance equipment. Some officers patrol with dogs. Most have two-way radios so they can keep in touch with other on-duty guards or their security control centre. They can then get help in emergency situations.

Mobile officers patrol premises by van. They usually have several different properties to protect. These officers concentrate on:

• Checking the outside of buildings.
• Making sure that all doors and windows are locked.
• Checking that nothing has been disturbed.

People who guard cash in transit – and security van drivers – make sure that money and valuable items are collected, loaded and taken safely from one place to another. They must keep in regular radio contact with their headquarters.

Retail security guards provide a high-profile visible presence to deter shoplifters in supermarkets, department stores and shopping centres. They stand at the entrance to the store, and also patrol inside. Some security guards work at large events such as concerts, sporting events or exhibitions; they make sure that spectators are safe and that the event takes place without any disruption or incident. Security guards should be willing to wear a uniform, if required. Some need to wear protective clothing and a steel helmet.

Personal qualities and skills

As a security guard, you’ll need:

• A full driving licence.
• Your own vehicle.
• First-aid skills.

Pay and opportunities

Pay rates for security guards vary depending on employer and duties. The pay rates given are approximate. Security officers earn around £18,000 a year, rising to around £32,000 with experience.

Security guards work long hours, up to 48 per week. This can include nights, weekends and bank holidays. Those involved in transporting cash and valuables generally work daytime only. Overtime is a fairly common feature for all security officers.

Employers throughout the UK are private security firms, commercial and industrial establishments, property estate owners, government departments, shops and warehouses. Opportunities for security guards occur in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on job boards and employers’ websites, on the Government’s Find a Job and Find an Apprenticeship services.

Entry routes and training 

Employers usually carry out a thorough screening of the history of the applicant. Security guards working under contract are regulated and licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and security operatives must hold an SIA licence to operate legally. To obtain an SIA licence, operatives must be at least 18, take approved training, attain a national qualification in their sector and pass an identity and criminal records check. An SIA licence is issued for three years. An intermediate apprenticeship as a professional security operative is a great place to start.

The SIA endorses awarding bodies that offer qualifications and approve trainers. It has a list of training providers approved by these awarding bodies to offer the level 2 Award in Security Guarding. The training covers three units, with three multiple-choice tests. Topics covered include:

• Patrolling and searching.
• Customer care and communication skills.
• Law relating to the private security industry.
• Dealing with incidents and emergencies.
• Access control and security systems.
• Reporting and record keeping.
• Health and safety (and fire safety).
• Conflict management.

There are separate specific training and licensing programmes for contracted staff who carry cash and valuables in transit and for public space surveillance closed-circuit television (CCTV) operators. There is a Certificate in Providing Security Services at level 2 that can be taken while in employment. Specialist training in professional dog-handling might also be available.

Security guards can progress to team leader, supervisor and manager posts. A few colleges and universities offer courses in Security and Risk Management including with part time/flexible and distance learning study options.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Working as a security guard under contract is usually an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to. Not all criminal records will prevent you from applying for an SIA licence. If you have a criminal record, the SIA will look at how recent, how serious and how relevant the record is. The SIA has a Criminal Record Indicator on its website where you can check anonymously whether you would be eligible for an SIA licence.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, which you may be able to complete alongside your apprenticeship if you don’t already hold. A relevant work-related qualification, such as an Edexcel (BTEC) level 2 First qualification, might be accepted for entry. Depending on the post, you might need a full driving licence.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. Contracted security officers and guards must be at least 18 years of age to hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. Depending on the post, entrants might need a full driving licence.

Relevant short, attended courses lead to SIA licensing. A list of training providers is available from the SIA website.

Related careers

• CCTV operator
• Close protection officer
• Door supervisor
• Police community support officer
• Police officer
• Porter
• Prison officer
• Private investigator
• Store detective