Job Description

Ready to be at the forefront of safety and security within the Scottish Government?

The position of Security Control Room Officer is an integral part of the Security Control Room Team, based within the Facilities Branch of the Workplace Division. This team is responsible for the 24/7 operation of the Scottish Government’s central Security Control Room.

All areas of Facilities Services support the safety and security of people and SG assets. The Control Room team particularly focus on the safety and security of the estate via remote monitoring. Security Control Room Officers participate in the safety and security culture across the service.

Responsibilities

• Proactive Surveillance Diligently monitor the estate’s CCTV system through regular camera patrols and advanced analytics, ensuring prompt detection and response to incidents and events. Respond to actual or potential security incidents reported to the Security Control Room from various sources, undertaking initial investigations (either remotely or on-site) and resolving or escalating matters in accordance with established Security Control Room procedures, policies, and protocols.
• Alarm System Management Monitor and respond promptly to a range of alarm systems (including fire and intruder alarms). Attend sites across Edinburgh in response to alarm activations, conduct initial investigations, and liaise effectively with emergency services and other relevant organisations as required.
• Incident Logging and Reporting Maintain concise, accurate, and timely records of incidents, events, decisions, and shift handover information, utilising appropriate forms and templates as outlined in Security Control Room protocols.
• Key Holder Services Provide key holder services for the Scottish Government and other public organisations as agreed with Facilities Management, including the physical opening and closing of designated sites.
• Mobile Security Patrols Be able physically to conduct both scheduled and ad-hoc mobile security patrols across Edinburgh sites, ensuring the security of premises by checking that doors, padlocks are secured on gates, windows are secure and performing both internal and external patrols.
• Access Control Monitor and facilitate access and egress to designated sites during silent hours, ensuring only authorised personnel are admitted.
• Stakeholder Communication Respond to telephone enquiries from a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including emergency services and members of the public. Act as first responder and provide a physical presence at St Andrew’s House in the event of the sudden activation of SGoRR outside normal office hours.
• Administrative Support Undertake ad-hoc security-related administrative functions as required, supporting the effective operation of the Security Control Room.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Qualifications

The post holder must hold a valid Driving Licence.

The post holder must hold a current SIA CCTV Operator licence or be prepared to undergo and successfully complete appropriate training to obtain this.

Experience

1. Proven track record of working in a control room or similar operational environment, strong working knowledge in monitoring and operating CCTV, alarm systems and remote access platforms, enabling the identification, assessment and escalation of incidents in real time are essential.
2. Strong knowledge and ability to carry out mobile patrol duties and delivering an effective service, respond to incidents and emergency situations, accurate incident reporting, record keeping and adherence to operational protocols and liaising with internal teams and external emergency services.

Behaviours:

• Seeing the Big Picture - (Level 1)
• Communicating and Influencing – (Level 1)
• Delivering at Pace – (Level 1)

• Working Together – (Level 1)

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and Presentation.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules

Location

This role is based in Edinburgh. The operation is supported by two control rooms: Victoria Quay (VQ) and St Andrew’s House (SAH). The successful candidate will be based at Victoria Quay, with St Andrew’s House used as a secondary location when required to support operational continuity.

Working pattern

The Security Control Room Team is responsible for the 24/7 operation of the Scottish Government’s central Security Control Room, the current shift working pattern is 12 hours ( 4 on 4 off ) on a rotational basis.

Security checks

Due to the sensitive nature of this role and the information to which the post holder may be exposed, successful candidates will be required to undergo Security Clearance (SC) level.

Read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide

Pay supplement

A Shift Disturbance Allowance of 21% applies to this post. This allowance is calculated as a percentage of basic pay only, is pensionable, and is subject to tax and National Insurance deductions

Equality statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Apply before 23:59 on 28 May 2026.