The City Centre Safety & Operations Lead will be responsible for delivering key projects for MyMiltonKeynes BID, with a strong focus on crime and safety initiatives. They will oversee the public realm team and work closely with key partners — including Thames Valley Police (TVP), Milton Keynes Council, and local businesses — to implement the BID’s crime and safety objectives.
MyMiltonKeynes BID is at the forefront of ensuring businesses are "Ready to Respond" in the event of an emergency. The City Centre Safety & Operations Lead will lead the development and delivery of a City Centre Emergency Plan, working with partners to enhance business preparedness through training programmes and tabletop exercises.
A key element of the role is ensuring Milton Keynes remains a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and businesses. This includes developing the City Bar Watch scheme, promoting initiatives like Ask for Angela and Best Bar None accreditation, and delivering an innovative pilot programme using facial recognition technology to prevent banned individuals from accessing the night-time economy.
Additionally, they will chair the quarterly Crime Task Force Meeting, bringing together key city centre stakeholders to drive a co-ordinated approach to crime prevention and emergency response.
Further responsibilities include managing the BID’s radio scheme, overseeing the contract management of our private security team, and working with partners to implement legal measures such as civil injunctions, private prosecutions, and Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) to deter repeat offenders.
This role is office-based in central Milton Keynes but requires frequent on-site engagement with businesses, partners, and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Crime & Safety Initiatives:
* Develop, deliver and measure the success of the BID’s crime and safety plan, working in partnership with Thames Valley Police, MK City Council, and other key stakeholders.
* Develop and manage the City Centre Bar Watch group, promoting safe drinking environments for customers and secure working environments for staff.
* Develop, oversee and implement the BID’s ambitious plans to deliver a Live Facial Recognition technology programme to support crime prevention in the night-time economy.
MK Ready to Respond: Emergency Planning & Preparedness:
* Lead the development of the new MK Ready to Respond programme, working with key partners including citizenAID and Thames Valley police.
* Work towards the development of a City Centre Emergency Plan, ensuring businesses are prepared for critical incidents, developing a programme of training and tabletop exercises for our members businesses.
Partnership Working & Stakeholder Engagement:
* Chair the quarterly Crime Task Force Meeting, leading the agenda and delivering a co-ordinated programme of work for partners to get behind.
* Build strong working relationships with TVP, the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, local authorities, and business leaders.
* Work with partners to utilise appropriate tools to deal with problem individuals / repeat offenders, including civil injunctions, private prosecutions and CBOs.
* Act as a key point of contact for businesses, helping them access crime prevention resources.
Security & Public Realm Management:
* Oversee the development and growth of BID’s radio scheme, ensuring it is well run scheme and an asset to its members.
* Manage the contract for the private security team, ensuring maximum effectiveness and performance monitoring.
Funding & Reporting:
* Secure external funding and grants to support safety initiatives and public realm improvements.
* Regularly report progress to the CEO, BID Board, and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.
* Work with the BID’s communications team to promote success stories and increase awareness of crime prevention initiatives.
Enhancing City Centre Safety & Visitor Experience:
* Continuously assess what is needed to make the city centre more welcoming and safer for visitors, both during the day and at night.
* Work with businesses, law enforcement, and city planners to identify and implement measures such as improved lighting, security patrols, wayfinding, and safe spaces.
Homelessness Prevention & Rough Sleeper Support:
* Work with homelessness prevention services, outreach teams, and local charities to ensure a compassionate and effective response to rough sleeping, ensuring individuals in need are directed towards the appropriate support networks.
* Work with businesses and authorities to tackle issues related to professional begging, finding appropriate interventions that balance enforcement with support.
* Oversee the BID’s Tap to Donate programme, ensuring funds are directed effectively to support homelessness services and that businesses and visitors understand its role in providing meaningful help.
Person Specification
Experience, Skills & Attributes
* Background in policing, BID crime & safety, local authority community safety, shopping centre security/operations or similar (essential).
* Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and gain support from businesses.
* Experience in crime prevention, emergency planning, or security operations.
* Strong public speaking and communication skills, able to engage with senior stakeholders and present confidently.
* Ability to secure funding and grants to enhance safety initiatives.
* Strong analytical skills, with the ability to track KPIs and demonstrate measurable success.
* A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, hands-on environment and enjoys being out in the field engaging with businesses.
* Good attention to detail, with the ability to produce reports and recommendations.
* Understanding of business improvement districts (BIDs) and their role in city management.
* Knowledge of crime prevention technologies and community safety initiatives.
* Experience in contract management.
* Experience running training programmes or emergency response exercises.
* A strong commitment to improving public safety and enhancing the visitor experience.
* Well organised, punctual and reliable.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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