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Considering a career in Security?

Today approximately half a million people are employed in security roles in the private security sector, and the security industry contributes approximately £7 billion to the economy of the UK.

The private security sector encompasses a wide variety of security occupations, ranging from the traditional uniformed security officer to highly skilled technicians installing security systems alarms.

With the National Minimum Wage rising by 6.6 per cent in April 2022, and expected rises in National Insurance, the security industry is going to experience a steep rise in labour costs. A knock-on effect of COVID & Brexit has created an exceptionally competitive jobs market, particularly in security and the FM sector where there is an industry-wide recruitment problem.

The costs of new obligatory top-up training and license renewal fees are making many security officers reconsider their career. Also, with the above impact of the National Minimum Wage rise, security companies are going to have to be more pro-active and creative in how they attract candidates to avoid significant labour shortages, especially for entry level positions.

So why are we telling you this?

As a regional and family-owned company that celebrated its 30th Birthday in 2022, we want to be upfront and transparent with you. We are passionate about security and in fairness we are pretty good at what we do and we care about our staff.

We are also trying to change the landscape. We understand the pros and cons of working in the security sector. We know at times this career can be unrewarding but on the other hand it can also be one of the best jobs in the world!

The recent pandemic has provided recognition for security officers as key workers, essential to national infrastructure, operating in critical roles. It has also reminded us and the nation that a career within the security sector is an essential part of how business operate.

Top 10 reasons for working in the security sector

Helping people feel safe is rewarding

Protecting people and maintaining safety are two of the main responsibilities of a security guard. An effective security guard often deters criminals and prevents incidents by simply being present. The presence of a security guard is appreciated, and helping them feel comfortable and safe can be rewarding.

Greater employability

The demand for security guards has always been high, and it will continue to be so. By becoming a security guard, you can work across multiple industries in many different situations and buildings.

Multiple scheduling options

There are opportunities in security for everyone, regardless of whether you prefer working during the day or at night. You can often choose from a variety of shift options since security is a 24/7 service.

It’s a great part-time job

Despite the fact that security guards have different schedule options, they can work as part-time jobs while managing other responsibilities, such as school and family.

Enhances your observational skills

Observing people can be a leisure activity regardless of the situation, but security guards get paid for it! Guard duty improves your observation skills and keeps you sharp.

There's a large amount of variety

Different security guard jobs are available, depending on the company and the situation. For example, some security guard jobs are stationary while others require patrolling. There are some shifts that are a flurry of activity during the day, while others offer quiet, peaceful hours at night.

Improves your people skills

Being hospitable and providing customer service is an essential part of being a security guard, as many people will seek your advice. Making a difference to someone's life keeps things interesting, and providing assistance to those in need can be rewarding.

Crisis training

Security guards are trained to handle emergency situations, such as fire prevention and first aid. Training of this kind can be useful no matter what your situation is, whether at work or at home.

A mix of autonomy and teamwork

The ability to work autonomously can be very appealing to security guards. Despite your independence, you benefit from working as part of a strong team.

Life experience

A combination of all of the above! In addition to crisis training, you will be more prepared to face life's challenges in general by gaining experience with all types of situations. You, and people around you, will appreciate being able to help others and keep them safe in all areas of your life!

What we offer

Why Work for SPS Security

Those looking for their next career move and seeking professional development and recognition should consider a career with SPS Security. Our success is built on the hard work, professionalism, and spirit of our people.

You will be joining an organisation that provides many benefits and opportunities for advancement in a professional, engaging environment that focuses on delivering innovative security solutions.

We also care about our employees! It is important to us that you feel happy at work, so we will do our utmost to make your work engaging, diverse, and challenging as much as possible.

Working at SPS Security means:

Our employees are encouraged to enjoy their downtime, their time away from work, and to ensure they have the correct balance between a healthy work-life and a fulfilling personal life. We all have different ways to balance work and life. Ultimately, it depends on how much focus and time a person puts into their work versus other aspects of their lives. All of us have different priorities based on various factors. As an example, age can change their balance, but we encourage them to: –

Work smarter instead of harder.
Avoid working unreasonable hours.
Comply with working time guidelines.
Leave work at work.

We monitor staff for signs of burn out, stress and overwork and will take the necessary steps to prevent the situation from worsening, and we fully understand that a happy workforce results in increased productivity for our company and our clients.

In our capacity as employers, we are aware of our responsibility to invest in people who want to excel in their careers. Our company is committed to retaining a loyal, talented workforce that will contribute towards individual and organisational success.

Training and development are key to ensuring our employees are performing at their best. On the way to achieving your career goals, we will support you to reach your full potential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I don't have much experience in security, can I still apply?

Yes! We understand that everyone has to start somewhere, once the SIA licence has been obtained, we are more than willing to help train new members of staff and get your career in security kickstarted.

Can I work flexible hours?

Absolutely! Hours can be flexible to suit when you need as we have a range of different job roles that can suit your needs from days, nights, weekdays or weekends. Have a look to see what’s currently available.

How do I apply?

Check out our vacancies page to see what jobs are currently available.

Don’t worry if you don’t have your security licence yet. We can help you through the entire process.

To get you started it is essential that we are able to verify the last 5 years of your employment.

Please make sure you have this information for when you apply as it will speed up the process of getting you started.

What courses do I need to work in security?

Anyone looking to work in the UK as a security guard will be required to hold a valid SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence.

What different courses are available?

There are a few different licences available from the SIA that all work slightly differently.

The Security Guarding licence covers your essentials and is required for any job in the security industry.
The Door Supervisor licence is more advanced as it covers you to work with establishments where alcohol is consumed and provides physical intervention training. (Getting this licence means you wouldn’t need to get the regular Security Guarding licence.)
The Close Protection licence is the most extensive training you can receive under the SIA used for personal bodyguards and high-profile security jobs. (Having this licence means you wouldn’t need to get either the Security Guarding licence or the Door Supervisor Licence)

To be able get a job in the security industry you only need the base Security Guarding licence.

You can also (optional) get a CCTV licence which you would need in addition to any of the above licences but would allow you to monitor and interact with CCTV systems.

Are there opportunities for progression?

Absolutely! As you gain experience in the field and get more confident in the job, you can explore different licences and get support in expanding your skills.

What is the vetting process?

Vetting consists of a few checks to make sure that we are being fully compliant with employment laws and the rules set out by the SIA. It confirms what the applicant has been doing over the last 5 years and goes through some additional criminal record checks. (Supplying a valid DBS certificate when applying for a job would be ideal but not necessary.)

To successfully complete the vetting process, we will need to confirm the last 5 years of your employment history. This means you will need to provide the name and contact details of the places you have worked at during that time. You will not be able to start working without this employment confirmation.

What if I have been unemployed at any point in the last 5 years?

Thats not a problem either, there are many ways to show what you have been doing in the last 5 years one way this can be done is providing a copy of your National Insurance contributions if you have been receiving Universal Credit or Job Seekers Allowance or providing a witness who can confirm that you have been out of work (Only can cover up to 6 months)

How long does it take to complete the vetting process?

While we aim to get the vetting process completed as fast as possible it can take some time as we need to wait for your previous employers to respond to us.

This means that giving us accurate information is vital to getting you started working with us and will drastically speed up the process of getting you started.

Do SPS provide uniform?

Yes! We can provide you with the uniform you need to look smart and professional on the job.

I have pre booked holidays, who do I talk to?

If you have pre booked holidays tell us around the time of the interview and we will honour that request of leave when you join.

I have a few additional questions, who can I contact?

We have a webform on our contact page that you can fill in and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Alternatively, you can give us a call and we will endeavour to answer any questions you may have.

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