Published: 01 Apr 2022 in

If you're looking for a change in career or a change in company, and you’re considering a security officer role with Carter Security, there are a few things you'll need to be aware of before applying.

1. You must hold a valid SIA license

All of our security officers holds a valid SIA license and do so before applying. This qualification is give a thorough overview of what being a security officer entails and sets the basic standard. This ensures that the individuals we recruit know exactly what's expected of them to work in security, and it's also a huge factor as to why we don't subcontract staff. Knowing the expectations of your role makes for a much smoother transition into security and Carter Security. We can then we can build on this training with our dedicated training facility in Wisbech.

But what exactly is an SIA license, and why is it so important?

The Security Industry Authority, or SIA for short, is a body created by the government to regulate standards across the private security industry. By introducing a compulsory set of training modules, security officers that undergo the training are then fully-trained and vetted, and therefore capable and competent to carry out their role effectively.

You can find out more by visiting the Security Industry Authority website. You'll need to do this and complete it before applying for a role with us if you don’t already hold this qualification.

2. It's likely you'll need to be available for evening and weekend working

The nature of the role means that it's very likely you'll be expected to work both evenings and weekends on a rota. It might be that you're also required to cover sickness and annual leave from your other colleagues from time to time.

A position as a security guard is a lifestyle choice as well as a job. The times that a business is most at risk is under the cover of darkness, or during the time where the premises is expected to be empty, and this tends to be during evening and weekends. This makes it difficult to accommodate for individuals looking for a role in security that operates for the usual 9 am-5 pm' office' hours. If this is exclusively what you're looking for, we'll do our best, but the majority of our roles do not accommodate for this.

3. You must have the right attitude

Working remotely means we must be able to trust you, and our clients must be able to trust you'll do your job well too. Services such as alarm response and key-holding mean we trust our security guards with keys and entry codes to business premises and manned guarding and mobile patrols might be required in areas which may have restricted access to other individuals. Being a security guard is a highly trusted position and so being calm, responsible and respectable are all necessary to be successful. Having a strong moral compass and trustworthy nature is, therefore, an essential characteristic of all Carter Security security officers.

So, if you're looking to further your career within the security industry, please check the careers section on our website or email us an up to date copy of your C.V. We are currently recruiting across the country, so we look forward to receiving your application and, hopefully, inviting you for interview.

Alternatively, for more information on how we can work with you to provide a quality security service at your business, please don't hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.