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Security officer
How to become a security supervisor
To become a security supervisor, you’ll need to have experience in supervising staff and working in the security industry.
What is a security supervisor?
An NHS security supervisor is responsible for overseeing the security operations within NHS facilities. They protect and help staff and patients on NHSScotland premises.
Security supervisors also provide training and operational leadership to security staff. They are responsible for allocating and prioritising the work of staff under their leadership and making sure that staff work within established procedures.
Starting your career as a security supervisor
Choosing subjects at school
School subjects that could lead to a career as a security supervisor include:
- English
- Maths
- Administration and IT
These subjects are useful for a security supervisor because they help you manage records, write reports, and handle data.
Speak to your guidance teacher or careers adviser about subjects offered at your school.
Education and training pathway
To become a security supervisor, you must have:
- verified employment and personal history
- a PVG or Disclosure Scotland check
- experience or training in supervising and supporting staff
The following qualifications are useful to have:
- first aid qualification
- full UK driving licence
- health and safety qualification (IOSH or NEBOSH)
- SIA accredited training would be advantageous
- customer service training or experience
Get to know the role
As a security supervisor, you'll be responsible for supervising, leading, and coordinating security staff on a day-to-day basis. You'll also provide training and support to security staff, making sure they adhere to all NHSScotland policies and procedures.
In your role, you'll make sure that security systems function correctly and that equipment is ready for emergency situations. You'll also allocate work so that the department has enough staff on shift to run on-site security services.
You may be involved in the following:
- undertake staff members' personal development plans (PDP)
- carry out toolbox talks with staff
- report and record all incidents
Your tasks may include:
- security patrols
- CCTV monitoring and management
- conflict resolution
- traffic management
- access control and key management
- mobile patrols
- dynamic risk assessments
- daily safety checks of the helipad
- transport patients to and from helipads as required under the guidance of clinical supervision
- responding to fire alerts while in full PPE
Security supervisors need these skills:
- initiative
- communicating
- problem-solving
- remaining calm and professional at all times
- focusing
- organisational skills
- critical thinking
- adapting
- resilience
As a security supervisor you could work with:
- security staff
- emergency services including police, fire and rescue services, and the local authority
- NHS colleagues
- members of the public
- external contractors
You could work in:
- hospitals
- clinics
- health and social care facilities
- community care centres
Learning and development
During your career as a security supervisor, you will have the opportunity to gain professional development and promotion.
This can be completed by undertaking training in different systems and procedures. Your manager will be able to confirm training opportunities.
Career progression
As you develop in your NHS career and gain more experience, you could become a:
- security manager
- a manager within another discipline using the transferable skills that you gain while in the security supervisor role
Find work-based learning qualifications and access tools to support your career development.
Professional bodies
As an NHSScotland security professional, you can join the national association for healthcare security (NAHS).
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