Job Description

Role Title: SafeGuarding Officer

Grade and Salary: Grade 4, £36,350 per annum (inclusive of contracted overtime and 15% shift allowance)

FTE and working pattern: Full-time (42hrs per week) (1.2FTE)

Contract: 2 positions available; 1 open-ended, and 1 fixed term (6 months)

Reward and Benefits: 28 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About our Team

SafeGuarding Services are the security provision for the University. This Service encompasses emergency incident response, planning and management, support for the safety and security of all Campus users, and pastoral care for our students.The primary role of SafeGuarding Services is to provide an integrated framework to:

• Support an ethos of effective risk control to protect our staff, students and others; and which protects University property and assets.
• Provide competent advice to the University Executive in support of the development and application of a safety and security management framework which ensures that the University can meet its statutory requirements and contributes to the University's values.
• Ensure that the University has a modern SafeGuarding provision which meets its needs and enhances its reputation whilst supporting its strategic plans.
• React proportionately to threats to the University's business processes by provision of robust emergency planning and management framework which protects the University's population and secures its assets.

Purpose of Role

To provide an effective SafeGuarding Service which protects the University’s population, assets and reputation whilst underpinning its values and supporting its strategic objectives. We are also pivotal in delivering a strong care and support service to the University.

SafeGuarding operates 365 days a year and 24 hours a day and our SafeGuarding Officers are the first responders to any security and emergency incidents occurring on campus.

SafeGuarding Officers must be very approachable and always welcome direct contact with the various elements of our University Community.

SafeGuarding also manage the campus roadways and car parking and lost/found property.

This role involves a stable rotational working pattern, encompassing 12 hours shifts on a 4 on 4 off rotational basis which does include weekend working. Overtime opportunities are available.

Training – a comprehensive package of enhanced training is provided for successful applicants.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure a reliable, effective SafeGuarding service to meet the university requirements.
• Provide high levels of professional pastoral care and support to the student population.
• React as a first responder to emergency situations as necessary.
• A SafeGuarding Officer’s priority when responding is to ensure the wellbeing of the individuals involved and to create an environment that helps to promote safety and reassurance.
• A SafeGuarding Officer will work collaboratively with Student Wellbeing, the Chaplaincy and the Student Union and other relevant disciplines to ensure that the full spectrum of student support is available to all.
• Contribute to the planning of security requirements where necessary.
• Adherence to University policies and procedures.
• Participate in relevant initiatives in partnership with other services in the University.
• Locking and unlocking University buildings including satellite locations as necessary. Patrolling University buildings and campus to protect the property of the University from crime.
• Protecting the assets of the University against damage by fire, flood or other hazards and reporting possible breaches of Health and Safety procedures as required within SHIELD System.
• Monitoring CCTV coverage and dealing appropriately with identified breaches of security.
• Contacting and liaising with emergency services as necessary
• Provide support and assistance to colleagues, students and visitors.
• Act as an ambassador for the University at all times.
• Respond to routine and atypical service requirements.
• Manage personal work profile in keeping with service demands following established procedures and as directed by management.
• Participate in and ensure completion of all necessary oral and written reporting in area of responsibility.
• Provide first line of contact for colleagues and students where appropriate
• Receive, dispatch, transport and store securely materials required for university business.
• Participate in essential internal and external communication.
• Any other tasks appropriate to the post and in line with Service business needs
• Responsible for co-operating and complying with University Health and Safety Policy and associated procedures.

Person Specification

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.

Essential

1. Experience of communicating with a wide audience
2. Relevant similar experience in a support focussed disciplined environment
3. Ability to work as part of a team and act on own initiative
4. Courteous and helpful manner
5. Flexible approach to work
6. Demonstrable customer service skills
7. Computer literate
8. Advanced information handling skills both written and verbal
9. Full driving licence

Desirable

1. Experience of using integrated CCTV systems
2. First Aid Certificate or be willing to undertake appropriate training to obtain certificate
3. Operate IT based access control systems in conjunction with integrated security management systems

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV

Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Monday 19th October 2026.

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application promptly.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.