Civilian Security Officer (CSO EXTERNAL)
Job Title: Civilian Security Officer (CSO EXTERNAL)
Salary: The starting salary is £38,355, which includes allowances totalling £8,832.
The salary is broken down as £29,523 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £31,582. Plus, a 20% shift disturbance allowance and a location allowance of £1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.
Location: The role is based at either Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace or Buckingham Palace. There may be voluntary opportunities to deploy for short tours to Scotland to cover the Palace of Holyrood house, Balmoral Castle, Birkhall and the Castle of Mey.
Introduction:
The Metropolitan Police has responsibility for the protection and security of a number of Royal sites in London and Windsor. We need Security Officers to join our team providing 24-hour security coverage working 12 hour shifts. You’ll be working closely with Police Officers as part of a security and protection operation.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the department responsible for providing static and close protection for the Royal Family at some of the most iconic sites in the world.
The role holder will join a team of security officers providing security duties including access control, vehicle access, guest management at events.
You’ll be representing both the Met and the Royal Household so you will need to be polite, smart and able to engage with a range of customers including VIP’s.
At times you may have to deal with incidents in the vicinity of the palaces. You will need to be highly vigilant and able to remain calm, have excellent communication and de-escalation skills.
You will also need to be reliable, discrete and trustworthy with the ability to communicate professionally and diplomatically at all levels within the organisation as well as an ability to remain calm in sometimes stressful situations.
On joining, you will be expected to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
Role Profile:
The Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) department is responsible for the static protection of the Royal Residences in London, Windsor and Scotland – a high profile and hugely significant operation, in the national interest.
Role Purpose:
Why - The purpose of the role of to maintain security of Principals and the Sterility of Royal Residences.
How – The Security officer on the gate will primarily be responsible for controlling day to day access and egress of people, vehicles and deliveries into and out of the Royal Residences at the designated post.
What – Controlling access and egress is underpinned by the access and control policy.
Agile Working:
The role is classed as an operational role with the requirement for the member of staff to be deployed at the location. There is unlikely to be opportunities for agile working.
Key Responsibilities:
The role of the Civilian Security Officer is primarily to manage access and egress of people, deliveries and vehicles at Royal Residences in accordance with the Control Policy.
- Access Control
Role holder is responsible for ensuring secure and controlled access to Royal Residences, verifying credentials and managing entry of authorised personnel, contractors, deliveries and guests in line with established protocols.
- Event Delivery
Support the delivery of the security requirement for events including Guard Change, Investitures, Garden Parties etc.
- Incident Response
Respond swiftly and appropriately to security incidents, suspicious behaviour, or emergencies and ensure accurate documentation, escalation and reporting.
- Patrol
Complete routine and targeted patrols of external areas, including perimeters and access points.
- Professional Conduct & Discretion
Role holder will uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality when interacting with staff and visitors.
- Collaboration with other teams
Work closely with police officers and other stakeholders to support coordinated security operations and share intelligence as required.
- Compliance & Record Keeping
Maintain accurate logs of incidents, access records, and operational activities, ensuring compliance with security procedures and data protection standards.
Working Conditions:
- Shift-based work including nights, weekends, and public holidays
- Shift changes at late notice
- Outdoor duties in varying weather conditions.
- High-profile environment requiring strict adherence to conduct and confidentiality standards.
Additional information
Specialist Operations and RaSP is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss whether such arrangements could be accommodated in this role.
RaSP welcomes officers from under-represented groups to the Command and we particularly welcome applications from BAME and female colleagues along with all of the protected strands. RaSP recruitment is open to all, but we are keen to positively support those who are younger in service to join into our specialist environment.
Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of RaSP more representative of the communities we serve. Applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged.
RaSP is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations’.
How to apply
To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply button “. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and Personal Statement.
Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 11th December 2025.
Once received, your application will be reviewed against eligibility criteria, following this, your application will be reviewed by the hiring manager.
Following application review, successful candidates will be invited to interview. Interview dates will commence January 2026.