Scottish Government
Personnel Security Officer
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Job description
Do you have the judgement, integrity and attention to detail needed to help protect the people, information and assets that support public services across Scotland?
This is a fast-paced and rewarding role for someone who thrives on taking responsibility, demonstrating excellent attention to detail and making sound decisions that matter.
You will work within the Personnel Security Team, undertaking National Security Vetting (NSV) and Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) casework. The role involves conducting pre-employment checks for incoming non-permanent staff, including contractors, agency workers, secondees, student placements and tenants, as well as supporting NSV clearance processes for staff within the Scottish Government (SG) and wider Scottish public sector organisations.
The successful candidate will quickly develop a sound understanding of BPSS and NSV policy and guidance, applying this accurately and consistently across a varied caseload. They will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, developing strong networking and customer service skills while ensuring agreed performance targets are met and customer expectations are managed effectively.
This is a high-volume operational environment that would suit a highly motivated individual with excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
The role is that of a Personnel Security Officer, primarily focused on BPSS and NSV casework, although the post holder may be required to support other grade-appropriate personnel and physical security activities as business needs dictate.
The post sits within the Personnel Security Team, part of the Security and Business Continuity Unit, Workplace Division, Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate, DG Corporate.
There are no line management responsibilities associated with this role.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Process and review BPSS applications for non-government staff (e.g. consultants, agency workers, contractors and unpaid student placements) who require access to SG buildings, information and assets, working to agreed timescales.
- Ensure any missing information and documentation are obtained prior to completion and that established processes are followed at all times.
- Process and review NSV applications in line with Cabinet Office and UK Security Vetting guidance, provide NSV advice and guidance when required, and occasionally deliver vetting awareness sessions.
- Process NSV change of circumstances reviews.
- Examine original identification documents using specialist tools and training (provided on the job) to confirm their authenticity.
- Handle sensitive personal data, including criminal record data, with professionalism and discretion.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding BPSS requirements and ongoing applications via email and MS Teams chat.
- Handle physical documentation with care and attention to detail, updating a range of databases in a timely manner and ensuring information is complete and accurate.
- Escalate cases appropriately to the Personnel Security Adviser (Team Leader).
- Undertake other physical or personnel security tasks commensurate with the grade when required.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.
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Technical / Professional Skills:
- Applied Personnel Security - Awareness
- Threat Awareness – Awareness
- Risk understanding and mitigation - Awareness
You can find out more about the skills required, here: Government Security Profession career framework [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5e418898e5274a08e9dc7464/Government_Security_Profession_career_framework.pdf]
Behaviours:
- Working Together - Level 1
- Delivering at Pace - Level 1
- Making Effective Decisions - Level 1
Find out more about Success Profiles [https://www.gov.scot/publications/success-profiles-candidate-guide/pages/behaviours/].
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance [https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/use-of-ai-tools/] for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
SKILLED WORKER SPONSORSHIP NOT BEING OFFERED
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 05/10/2026 however this may be subject to change.
RECRUITMENT PRINCIPLES
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles [https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/document/02a-recruitment-principles-april-2018-final/] and we investigate any complaints [https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/complaints/] received in relation to recruitment cases.
QUALIFICATIONS
About us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service [https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/about-us/], observing the Civil Service Code [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-code/the-civil-service-code] and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer [https://www.jobs.gov.scot/what-we-offer].
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As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules [https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/nationality-requirements/].
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-baseline-personnel-security-standard], and read about the Government Vetting Charter [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vetting-explained-and-our-vetting-charter/the-vetting-charter], or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide [https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/pre-employment-checks/].
Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
Additional Security Information
Please note: in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy.
You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.
Location
The job is based in Saughton House, however following completion of training and a consolidation period, there could be the option to work on occasion from St Andrews House or Atlantic Quay, subject to approval.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity [https://www.jobs.gov.scot/an-inclusive-organisation] and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments [https://www.jobs.gov.scot/requesting-adjustments-2] for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website [https://www.jobs.gov.scot].
Read our Candidate Guide [https://www.gov.scot/publications/recruitment-candidate-guide/pages/introduction/] for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Apply before 23:59 on 28th September 2026. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only. External candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to
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