Heathrow is an amazing backdrop to a career filled with unique opportunities. Becoming a Security Officer is a big and exciting change for the people who join us. It’s a vital job, with significant prestige so understandably, it comes with lots of questions. So here’s a quick overview of the ones we get asked most often. If there’s anything else you need, please get in touch with us at [email protected]
What does a Security Officer do?
You’ll provide a visible security presence at Heathrow – helping to keep our passengers and colleagues safe while dealing decisively with any incidents that occur. This requires a good eye for detail, great people skills and a reasonable level of physical fitness as you will spend most of the day on your feet.
Much of your time will be spent effectively screening passengers through security, conducting searches, using x-ray machines to identify any dangerous items and patrolling the airport to identify any potential threats.
Do I need to be 18 and above to be an SO?
Due to the nature of the role, we can only hire candidates who are aged 18 or above.
What hours will I work?
You will be allocated a roster based on the preference you made on your application.
What will I earn?
You will receive a salary of £13.53 per hour when you join. This will rise to at least £14.07 from January 2024. You’ll then receive salary increases on your first and second-year work anniversaries, taking your hourly rate to at least £15.07 once you have been with us for two years. That means you can have clarity and confidence about the pay you’ll receive throughout your first 24 months at Heathrow.
Plus additional shift allowances on many of our work rosters.
Will I receive comprehensive training?
Yes. Whether you join us on a full-time or part-time basis, you will benefit from six weeks’ full-time training when you start. This training is mandatory and you must attend every day for the full six weeks. If you already have plans taking place during those six weeks then you may need to cancel or reschedule them as sadly our training programme isn’t flexible.
After your training programme is complete, you’ll complete the National X-Ray Competency Test (NXCT) before formally being signed off as a Security Officer. This will be followed by on-the-job training under the supervision and support of highly experienced colleagues to give you all the skills you need to succeed.
Do I need the 5-year employment history PDF document from HMRC to complete the referencing and vetting form?
You will need to request your 5-year employment history directly from HMRC during this process.
If you have not already done so, we would advise that you request this immediately.
If your application is successful, this document will be needed as part of the referencing process post offer and will also assist you in completing the online Referencing form.
Instructions of how to download the HMRC 5 Year History letter:
Click on the link – Personal tax account: sign in or set up. This link is at the bottom of the page under the “More on GOV.UK”- GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services) – and either sign in/create an account for Government Gateway. For this, you will need your National Insurance number.
Upon completing the necessary steps and verification, your name should appear in the “Account home” box, if so click Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
Next click on PAYE Income Tax History and you will then be able to save the page as a PDF by selecting “Print” and then change the printer name to “Save as PDF”.
Once you have saved this you will be able to print the copy. If you are unable to download your 5 years employment history online, you must request a paper copy as a letter from HMRC by calling them on 0300 200 3300
In all cases, your HMRC 5 years employment history will need to be seen by the Reference and Vetting team on the day of your security interview. You may also be asked to email a copy to the referencing team at a later date.
How do I create a Government Gateway Account?
Watch the video below for guidance on how to create a Government Gateway Account.
I already have a Government Gateway Account; how do I download the 5-year HMRC document?
If you already have your Government Gateway Account watch the below video for guidance on how to download your 5-year HMRC document.
How will I get to work?
There are a number of travel options to get to Heathrow. The airport is well served by the Tube, buses and the new Elizabeth line trains too. We also offer free travel on the Heathrow Express and discounts on some bus and coach routes.
We’re committed to sustainability, so we always encourage our colleagues to use public transport where possible. However, we understand that some shift patterns don’t fit in with public transport schedules, so we have a free staff car park available for colleagues who need to drive to work. We encourage car sharing where possible and have a great car sharing scheme that will guarantee you a lift home from work if you have an emergency.
We also have a dedicated cycle hub offering free bike servicing, discounts on purchases, and a cycle loan scheme should you choose to cycle to work.
Is there much scope for promotion?
Plenty! If you have the talent, commitment and determination, we have the opportunities. A career with Heathrow could take you almost anywhere, both within security and beyond. Many of our Security Officers have progressed to leadership roles in the operation, as well as to roles in other parts of the business such as IT, Communications and HR. And, because we want our people to thrive, we’ll support you every step of the way, no matter your aspirations.
I’m having problems with my zoom link for the Assessment Centre, what should I do?
Please contact our support team on 0203 9486 859 or email us at [email protected], immediately where we would welcome a discussion with you to talk through available options.
Why is referencing so important for this role?
Security Officers have a vital role to play here at Heathrow, so it is essential we recruit people with the right skills and approach, as well as the talent and personality we look for. There are also very strict rules on who can work in airport security, so we will need to make sure that you are eligible and that we complete all the necessary checks to ensure that we keep our airport, colleagues and passengers safe.
Referencing and vetting can be a long process, and can take up to 15 weeks. But you can help us speed it up by making sure we have all the information we need as soon as you apply. If we have asked for information, it is because we need it- please do take time to understand and provide everything that is requested. We will keep you informed and updated at every stage of the process. And thank you for your patience – this is an important process that all our Security Officers experience and we look forward to welcoming you to the team soon.
How long does training take?
You’ll be in training for the first 6 weeks of your employment and receive on-going training and development throughout your role as a Security Officer.
What happens during the medical and security Interview?
Meeting the Security and Referencing Team may sound daunting, but they’re a welcoming team, with a very important role to play. They are responsible for conducting the security interview, where they will guide you through the completed Referencing and Vetting Form in person.
The purpose of the interview is to ensure that your full 5 years history has been captured accurately on the form and to request any further information required as part of your vetting in line with all legal requirements.
Once the Security Interview is complete, all information will be passed the Referencing and Vetting Team, who will be responsible for completing all referencing against the agreed regulatory and security standards. They may be in contact should they require any further information to support your application.
Please note, it is very important that you disclose your full 5 years history ahead of your security interview and that you bring along a copy of your HMRC statement. Unfortunately, you will not be seen on the day if you have not complied with the above requirements.
Where can I park if I travel by car to the security interview and Medical?
We advise you where possible to use public transport when travelling for your Security Interview and Medical.
If you travel by car, you can park for free at the short stay car park MSCP1A. Remember to take a ticket at the barrier and collect an exit ticket following you Security and Medical Review.
Directions to the Medical and Security Interview can be accessed and downloaded by clicking on the Security and Medical Review tab.
What documents to I need to bring?
You will need to bring a number of documents to provide proof of your Right to Work in the UK (Document A) and also additional documents for Verification of Identity (Document B) in order to obtain an Airside Pass.
It is very important that we see original documents. If you are unable to provide all the relevant documents, unfortunately you will not be seen on the day. In that circumstance, we will need to reschedule this stage of the application process with you to a date when you have access to all the documents and can bring them along with you.
If your visa is currently in an out-date passport, or if you have documents that are currently with the Home Office, or if you are waiting for Bio metric card to arrive, please let us know immediately.
Please click on the Medical and Security Interview tab on this micro-site to obtain more information. You can access documents A and B here also.
Security Officer
