The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.
Border Force is a law enforcement arm of the Home Office. We are responsible for handling the UK border control by implementing immigration and customs regulations and working with the wider Home Office on counter terrorism, organised crime, modern slavery and trafficking. Learn more on the Border Force careers page.
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that both protects and enhances the UK economy. Our work is varied and rewarding, attracting people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
As a Border Force Assistant Officer at the frontline of our operation, your contributions will have a direct impact in delivering what the public expect from us. Your role at port will facilitate the clearance of passengers and goods from all over the world, representing the UK, while directly maintaining national Border Security in your role.
The role our Assistant Officers perform is dynamic, fast -paced and always evolving. You can expect to join a team where together we make a real difference to everyday life. Our work can be difficult and challenging but there will always be your team to support you throughout your career, not just the start. The part you play will be a fundamental aspect in how we maintain the security of the UK Border. Our work is high profile within public interest as we deliver the Home Office’s wider policy agenda to keep our country safe and prosperous.
Border Security includes a wide range of systems that function in tandem to facilitate a world class border the public expects. Our intention is to enable the flow of passengers and goods quickly and effectively through the Primary Control entry points, while refusing entry to the UK when appropriate and required. This includes checking passengers to ensure travel and trade is optimal whilst ensuring our legal duties towards Customs, Freight, Immigration, Safeguarding are always upheld.
Our operational activity is intelligence-driven with searches for prohibited, counterfeit or restricted goods (such as drugs, firearms, weapons, cash, tobacco, and alcohol) as well as people of interest.
As a Border Force Assistant Officer, you may be involved in the following types of activity:
* Undertaking checks and research on IT systems to identify people or vehicles of interest at the border.
* Conducting searches on people, goods and vehicles to establish if a customs offence has been committed.
* Using law enforcement powers to assist in the arrest and detention of people involved in border offences, preserving evidence and liaising with law enforcement partners.
* International Trade work including processing and recording documentation, investigating errors and responding to complaints.
* Using and gathering intelligence to inform border activity.
* Identifying vulnerable adults and children, prioritising their safety and welfare and referring to the appropriate agencies.
* Supporting wider frontline Border Force activity in its operational and corporate functions including recruitment, training and finance.
For more information about working for Border Force and to hear from some of our colleagues, please visit our careers website at Border Force - Home Office Careers.
Border Force Central Region
Border Force Central Region covers a large geographical area of central and eastern England, stretching from the Thames Estuary in the south and as far north as East Midlands Airport, near Derby. In the region there are around 1,250 colleagues and activity includes aviation, maritime and postal operations.
Working Pattern
We encourage applications from candidates who wish to work part-time; however, part-time opportunities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to the requirements of the role and business. Candidates wishing to work part-time should notify the vacancy holder as soon as a provisional offer of employment is made, to explore whether this can be accommodated at your selected location.
You must be at least 18 years of ag e at the time of submitting your application. You will be required to work between 22.00 and 06.00, so this is a legal requirement. For more information visit:
Training
You will receive full training and support to do the job. Training takes place initially in the classroom and then continues on the job with a mentor who supports you until you are fully confident in the role. Even then you are never alone; you work as part of a team where there is always someone around for advice and support. Further information on what the training involves can be found on our website.
Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST)
Depending on the location and the operational environment you will be required to work within, you will be required to undertake PPST either at a Level 2 (defensive and de-escalation techniques) or PPST Level 3 (which includes restraint & arrest techniques). This will teach you skills in personal safety and restraint techniques to keep you and your team colleagues safe. Both sets of training involve physical activity and physical contact with the other delegates.
Can I do an Apprenticeship with Border Force?
There may be an opportunity in the future for you to undertake a Level 3 Operational delivery apprenticeship in this role, which will provide a unique opportunity to combine the development of on-the-job experiences with formal learning. For further details on apprenticeships, please see apprenticeships.gov.uk.
Meet the team
If you want to learn more about these roles you can join one of our free online live events, during which you will hear from current Border Force staff about what the job is like, what opportunities and career prospects you will have and why the job matters. We will also talk about the recruitment and security vetting processes, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions from our friendly and experienced team members.
Register by clicking on the date and time you want to attend. There’s no requirement to attend in order to apply.
Wed, 4 Dec 2024 19:00 – Border Force Officer and Assistant Officer roles
Thu, 5 Dec 2024, 12:00 – Border Force Officer and Assistant Officer roles
Sat, 7 Dec 2024, 12:00 – for candidates applying under the Disability Confident Scheme
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .