Maintaining a safe environment in a hospital requires more than simply monitoring entrances and responding to incidents. It calls for people who can stay composed under pressure, communicate respectfully and make sensible decisions when situations become difficult. Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust is recruiting several Security Officers (Band 3) to help protect patients, visitors, staff and property across its premises.
Based in Birmingham B18, this is a full-time position paying between £25,760 and £27,476 per year. The role follows a 12-hour shift system, with officers working four shifts followed by four days off. The working pattern includes weekends and Public Holidays when they fall within the rota.
A Security Role Within a Healthcare Setting
The successful applicants will provide a visible and reassuring security presence while helping prevent and detect crime. Hospital security can involve a wide range of circumstances, from routine patrols and access control to responding to alarms, emergencies and security incidents.
Because the position is based in a healthcare environment, officers will regularly interact with patients, visitors and staff. Some individuals may be upset, anxious or distressed, so the ability to remain professional, compassionate and courteous is particularly important.
Officers will also need to deal with challenging behaviour. Diplomacy and conflict-management skills will be required to help diffuse and de-escalate aggressive situations. Where necessary, the role can include physically assisting with the restraint of violent individuals, including patients or visitors.
What Your Working Day Can Involve
The position includes a variety of security responsibilities across hospital premises. Officers will be expected to:
- Patrol hospital sites and maintain an effective security presence.
- Monitor CCTV systems from the dedicated Control Room at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
- Control access to restricted areas.
- Respond to alarms, emergencies and security incidents.
- Help manage risks involving violence and aggression, theft, safeguarding concerns and public safety.
- Work alongside clinical staff and management when security issues arise.
- Cooperate with external agencies, including the police, when required.
- Complete reports relating to incidents and other security activities.
- Use computer software to carry out required tasks.
The successful officer must also follow relevant NHS policies, health and safety regulations and national security guidance while carrying out their responsibilities.
The Person They Are Looking For
This position requires someone who can work effectively within a very active team while maintaining a professional approach. Candidates should have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be capable of communicating clearly in potentially difficult circumstances.
Strong observation and conflict-management abilities are important because officers need to recognise risks, respond appropriately and help maintain the wellbeing of people within the hospital environment.
A smart appearance is expected, alongside a compassionate, professional and courteous manner. The ability to cope calmly and effectively with both routine responsibilities and emergency situations is also essential.
Previous security experience within a large and diverse organisation would be advantageous. Applicants who hold an SIA Door Supervisor licence and an SIA CCTV licence may also have an advantage.
Essential Requirements
A full driving licence is essential for this position. Candidates must also be IT literate because the role involves filing reports and completing a range of duties using computer software.
Successful applicants will be required to complete the training necessary for the role.
It is also important to note that officers may be deployed to any premises of Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospital NHS Trust when required.
Shift Arrangement
The working pattern consists of four 12-hour shifts followed by four days off. The rota covers weekends and Public Holidays as they occur, so applicants should be prepared for this working arrangement.
Who Could Be a Good Fit?
This opportunity is suited to someone who combines security awareness with strong people skills. Candidates should be comfortable working as part of a team, communicating with different groups and managing sensitive situations professionally.
Those with relevant security experience, particularly in a large organisation, may find their background useful. SIA Door Supervisor and CCTV licences are advantageous, while a full driving licence is an essential requirement.
Interview Questions
1. How would you handle a situation where a patient or visitor became aggressive while remaining professional and using de-escalation techniques?
2. If you were responding to a security incident while also needing to communicate with clinical staff and complete an incident report, how would you manage the situation?