62883 - RCJ Security Guard

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Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service 

Job Title: Security Guard RCJ 

Background   

Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service has embarked on a reform programme that will include significant estates modernisation and greater use of digital solutions, and will provide much improved services for service users. Our vision is to have an efficient and effective courts and tribunals system which enables the rule of law to be upheld, and provides access to justice for all. 

Significant investment has been made by HM Treasury to allow HMCTS to provide a more accessible system which is modern and responsive, treats those who use our service with dignity and respect, and which provides better value for money for the taxpayer. Key to implementing the reform programme will be close collaboration with the judiciary, and effective staff engagement. Maintaining a positive and lasting connection between HMCTS management and its staff at this time of such significant change will be critical to success. 

An effective courts and tribunals service is fundamental to our democracy, underpinning the rule of law. This is an important opportunity to work in a leadership role that will support and enable this major transformation programme designed not just to give our courts and tribunals a sustainable and affordable future, but to improve further the delivery of justice. 

Our service is currently largely organised regionally, and delivered locally, through a large number of courts and tribunal venues. As the reform programme progresses we will increasingly deliver our services nationally through customer service centres, with local venues continuing to be used for hearings.  The Royal Courts of Justice will continue to be a flagship hearing centre, with improved courtroom utilisation and modernised and reformed digital case management and e-filing services, and digital working in court.  

Key purpose of the role 

Security's role is to maintain a safe working environment at the Royal Courts of Justice (RCJ), which is a part of the High Court, comprising just over 100 courts, 79 located in the main Strand building and 31 in the Rolls Building close by. 

The cases heard at the RCJ are some of the most high profile ones in England and Wales, reflected in the occupiers including our most senior Judiciary. There is a high degree of liaison with resident and visiting Judiciary.

In addition, there are close to 1,000 members of staff. Hundreds of members of the public and the legal professions use our facilities every day.

Teams of security personnel provide a presence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A security presence is also required at the ceremonial and private functions held here in the evenings and weekends. The core times for this role are 9:00am – 17:00pm.

It must be noted that security work can be physically demanding. Security members will receive the appropriate training to support them in this role, including a 2 day external course for a Court Security Officer (CSO) The Courts Act 2003.  Additionally, local training will be provided including the assignment of a mentor as part of the induction process.

The current high standard of customer service must be maintained and improved upon if possible, all members of the Security team, as frontline staff, have a key role to play in this 

Key responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring premises and visitors via CCTV and x-ray machines, together with other security checks such as "wanding" court uses/bag searches on arrival.
• Restraining someone attending court, ejecting someone from the court or excluding someone from the court.
• Controlling access doors and gates, checking of vehicles. Searching members of the public entering the court building. Checking pass holders passes.
• Patrol of buildings and satellite buildings, keeping in contact with the Control room with the use of hand held radio’s. Securing the building when it is closed to the public. Escorting contractors, Judiciary and VIP’S etc. Generally providing a secure environment.
• Dealing with enquiries from Staff, Judiciary and public within the complex.
• X-Ray trained to Aviation Standard and AMD’S.
• Responding to panic alarm buttons (PAB’S) in Judges rooms, Courts and Office’s.
• Responding to any security issues within the complex and recording and reporting details of those incidents
• Issuing security passes 

Other duties 

The post holder is required to work in a flexible way and undertake any other duties reasonably requested by line management which are commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post. 

Key Civil Service Behaviours 

You will be required to provide evidence of the following behaviours; 

Effective Behaviour

People who are effective are likely to…

Communicating and Influencing

• Put forward your views in a clear, constructive and considerate manner.
• Use an appropriate method of communication for each person such as an email, telephone call or face-to-face, taking into consideration their individual needs.
• Use plain and simple language, being careful to check written work for errors.
• Consider the impact of language used on different groups of stakeholders.
• Remain honest and truthful when explaining opinions.
• Listen and ask questions to ensure your understanding.

Working Together

• Proactively contribute to the work of the whole team and remain open to taking on new and different roles.
• Get to know your colleagues and build supportive relationships. Listen to alternative perspectives and needs, responding sensitively and checking understanding where necessary.
• Ask for help when needed and support others when the opportunity arises.
• Be aware of the need to consider your own wellbeing and that of your colleagues.
• Understand that bullying, harassment and discrimination are unacceptable.

Managing a Quality Service

• Gain a clear understanding of customers’ needs and expectations.
• Plan, organise and manage your own time to deliver a high quality service which gives taxpayers a good return for their money.
• Act to prevent problems by identifying issues, reporting them and providing solutions. Keep customers and all colleagues up to date with progress.
• Show customers where to access relevant information and support that will help them to use services more effectively.

Delivering at Pace

• Always work with focus and pace to get the job done on time and to a high standard.
• Follow the relevant policies, procedures and rules that apply to the job.
• Use own knowledge and expertise to organise work. Keep focused on delivery and take responsibility for the quality of work produced.
• Keep a consistent level of personal performance.
• Keep managers and stakeholders updated on how work is progressing. 

HMCTS offers a range of benefits

Annual Leave

Generous allowances for paid holiday starting at 25 days per year, and rising as your service increases. There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year.  Additional paid time off for public holidays and privilege days. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis. 

Support

• A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
• Access to flexible benefits such as salary sacrifice arrangements for childcare vouchers, and voluntary benefits such as retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens