As the living, growing home of our national story, The National Archives is already a special place to work. We’re an institution nearly 200 years old with a collection spanning 1,000 years of history. But it’s where we go next that makes things really interesting. In our strategic vision: Archives for Everyone, we set ourselves the challenge of becoming the 21st Century national archive - a different kind of cultural and heritage institution: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial, Disruptive. We won’t become this overnight. It will take time, focus, effort and daring. That’s where you come in. Because we can’t do this without you. Job Overview Contract: Permanent Salary: £26,004 Grade: AO/B Closing date: 19th January at midnight We are looking for someone with a recognised security qualification and a passion to work in a security and invigilation role. As a custodian of the collection, this person will be a team player with outstanding interpersonal skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure and have experience of delivering excellent customer service. You will also be a highly motivated, adaptable, and well organised individual, with a diligent and methodical approach. Working collaboratively with the Front of House Team, you will be working in a busy environment and will also act as an ambassador for The National Archives when welcoming visitors and users of our services. On any given day the job holder will undertake varied duties within the Reading Room environment, such as managing the entrance points for the Document Reading Room and the Map and Large Document Reading Room, monitoring CCTV and undertaking security patrols of the designated areas The working pattern for a full-time position is Tuesday – Saturday to include Tuesday/Thursday 10:50-19:02 roster. Join us here in beautiful Kew, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Overground and Underground stations, and you can expect an excellent range of benefits. They include a pension as well as discounts with local businesses (e.g. beauty salons and bars). We also offer wellbeing resources (e.g. on-site therapists) and have an on-site gym, restaurant, shop and staff bar. How to apply: To submit your application please click the 'Apply' button on this page. You will be asked to provide details of your work experience and write a personal statement, not exceeding 1200 words. In your statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the essential criteria below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section. We understand that you might use artificial intelligence (AI) and other resources to assist with your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice. Essential criteria: A recognised security qualification; SIA CCTV Operator Previous experience in a customer facing role dealing directly with the public. Excellent face to face communication; including influencing, negotiating and people engagement skills. Able to remain calm when under pressure or in a difficult situation. Ability to work as part of team, as well as independently. Basic IT skills with a working knowledge of the range of MS office packages and knowledge of electronic security systems and CCTV To be physically fit with good eyesight and an attention to detail; corrected vision (glasses or contact lenses) are acceptable. Desirable criteria: Previous invigilation experience in a Museum or Gallery. A sound working knowledge of security best practice and legislation affecting the security role. A First Aid qualification Job Description Role and Responsibilities Main Duties: On any given day the job holder will undertake varied duties within the Reading Room environment, such as managing the entrance points for the Document Reading Room and the Map and Large Document Reading Room, monitoring CCTV and undertaking security patrols of the designated areas. Undertaking invigilation duties, you will be responsible for ensuring the security of TNA Reading Rooms, managing our visitor’s expectations and the protection of our documents through close invigilation and direct reader interaction. You will interact with the public and staff offering advice to how they should handle rare and unique public records and when required, enforce the rules accordingly. To be efficient, courteous and friendly, helpful and responsive to our customers’ needs at all times. To be able to assist all of our internal/external customers with a ‘can do’ attitude. Monitoring computer based security systems; in particular, CCTV monitoring of the Reading Rooms and other internal public areas. To record any incidents or infringements of the rules on the Invigilation log on a daily basis. To be physically fit so as to be able undertake patrols up to 2km each day. In the event of an incident; you will produce comprehensive and factually based incident and occurrence reports. Incident Management: Undertake specific duties and procedures in the event of any emergency situation that may arise; including the evacuation and securing of the building. Working Conditions Normal office working environment; though you will be working within large open plan reading rooms or security control rooms. Internally, lone patrols are also undertaken. Display Screen Equipment user Moving items up to 10kg in weight May come into contact with distressing material Other Requirements This role requires on site presence and is not suitable for home working. The working pattern for a full-time position is Tuesday – Saturday to include Tuesday/Thursday 10:50-19:02 roster. The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy. Benefits Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development. Annual leave entitlement of 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year, and incrementally to 30 days after six years) and 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum. Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ ( opens in new window) Reasonable adjustments If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact The National Archives via careersnationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks (opens in new window) Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. (opens in new window) The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative. (opens in new window) Contact point for applicants: Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team Email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact The National Archives via email: careersnationalarchives.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/ (opens in new window)