Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 7th May 2026
Location: Southampton (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
Salary: £35,663 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking a Personnel Security Advisor. This role sits within the Protective Security Assurance team at the MCA, with a focus on personnel security. The Protective Security Assurance team is a cross function, integrated team covering Personnel, Physical, Cyber and Technical security. The purpose of the team is to safeguard the organisations people, information, systems and physical assets against threats such as espionage, terrorism, insider risk, and criminal activity.
As a Personnel Security Advisor, you will strengthen the MCA’s protective security posture by operating and improving personnel security and insider‑risk controls across the people lifecycle and supply chain. You will run day‑to‑day National Security Vetting (NSV), managing aftercare and transfers, driving compliance with MCA policy and His Majesty’s Government (HMG) standards, advising on proportionate risk‑based controls, and contributing to casework and investigations. You’ll collaborate with Human Resources (HR), Physical, Cyber and Technical security colleagues, providing insight and reporting to governance forums, and help build a positive security culture that enables operational delivery.
Top Responsibilities
- Supporting the Physical and Personnel Security Specialist ensuring all vetting functions and processes are delivered in line with the relevant policies.
- Working across the MCA, verifying third‑party suppliers requiring NSV and managing the process.
- Supporting internal business‑facing processes including Building Pass, Overseas Travel and IT elevated access requests.
- Delivering pre‑defined overseas travel security briefings for staff travelling for business to high‑risk countries.
- Identifying, assessing and managing personnel security risks, escalating significant concerns in a timely manner.
- Supporting stakeholders with clear, proportionate security advice, reinforcing positive security culture through awareness activities and risk assessments.
- Liaising with stakeholders tracking and progressing actions in a timely manner.
- Deputising, as appropriate, in internal & external forums and work with and cover for the Physical Security Advisor, Third Party Security Advisor and Cyber Security Advisor.
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance.
About You
- An understanding of personnel security and risk, as well as a willingness to develop Government Security Function knowledge in related areas as appropriate.
- Experience of delivering a quality service in a high‑pressure environment to a range of customers.
- Proven ability supporting business change.
- Excellent communication with a customer‑focused approach, able to work within a small team.
- Ability to deliver concise written reports and presentations.
- Ability to communicate effectively, build relationships, confidence and trust with those you work with.
- Proven ability to work with high accuracy and attention to detail.
How to Apply
Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4vVmx45
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Thursday 7th May 2026
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