This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The successful candidate(s) will have to ensure that they have the right to work in the UK or be able to secure this through another means without the sponsorship of the University. Further information about sponsorship is available on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.
The University of Reading, Security Services are seeking a professional, proactive, and highly dependable Security Control Room Officer to join our dedicated team. This is a key position responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of students, staff, visitors, and University assets. Working within our Security Control Room and across the University estate, you will play a crucial role in incident response, customer service, and operational support.
About You
You will be someone who remains calm under pressure, communicates confidently, and can make sound decisions in fast‑moving situations. You will also be committed to delivering a high standard of customer care and maintaining a secure and welcoming environment for the University community.
Key Responsibilities
Emergency & Incident Response
- Play an active role in all emergency procedures, including Terrorism or Other Life‑Threatening Incident Response.
- Follow all standard operating procedures and support effective incident management across the estate.
- Complete accurate incident reports via the IRIS reporting system.
- Maintain a detailed log of incidents requiring follow‑up action, including maintenance issues or complaints.
- Liaise with Police and other emergency services when required.
Control Room Operations
- Operate all Security Control Room systems: telephones, alarm receiving systems, CCTV, mass notification, refuge systems, radio channels, and associated technology.
- Monitor CCTV in accordance with relevant policies, Data Protection, and Freedom of Information legislation.
- Manage access control systems and facilitate approved out‑of‑hours access.
- Report system or service malfunctions in line with the call-out procedure.
- Supervise the shift and support other Control Room staff in the absence of a supervisor.
On Campus Security Duties
- Conduct regular foot and vehicle patrols across the University campus to maintain a safe and secure environment.
- Monitor buildings, grounds, and facilities for suspicious activity, security breaches, and safety hazards.
- Respond promptly to security incidents, alarms, emergencies, and requests for assistance.
- Provide a visible security presence to deter crime, anti-social behaviour, and unauthorised access.
- Assist students, staff, and visitors with enquiries, directions, and welfare concerns.
- Carry out building lock and unlock procedures and ensure security of University property.
- Report and record incidents accurately, completing logs and incident reports as required.
- Support emergency procedures, including evacuations, first aid response, and coordination with emergency services.
- Monitor CCTV and security systems in accordance with University policies.
- Enforce University regulations and contribute to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus environment.
Professional Conduct & Training
- Deliver excellent customer service, ensuring all interactions are polite, professional, and courteous.
- Represent and promote the University Security Service through smart appearance and professional behaviour.
- Undertake mandatory training as required (e.g., SIA, First Aid, assessments, online courses).
- Carry out additional duties appropriate to the level of the role as requested by Security Services Management.
You will have; compulsory
- Control room experience including experience of monitoring CCTV
- Current SIA door supervisor licence
- Excellent communication skills
- Incident reporting experience
- Experience in customer focussed role
- Willingness to work shifts
- Technology competent
Julian Ogden, Security Services Deputy Manager, Email; julian.ogden@reading.ac.uk
Colin Stonehouse, Security Supervisor, Email; c.j.stonehouse@reading.ac.uk