Security Officer

Security Beadle

Location:

Westminster, London

Vacancy Type:
Permanent Full‑Time, 40 contracted hours per week, full‑time, fully on‑site.

Are you ready to play a key role in safeguarding one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks? Westminster Abbey is seeking a dedicated Security Beadle to ensure the safety and security of our staff, visitors, worshippers, and the Abbey site. As part of our professional security team, you will be responsible for maintaining a secure environment 24/7.

The role of a Security Beadle at Westminster Abbey is integral to ensuring the safety and security of the Abbey’s site, staff, visitors, and worshippers. As part of a dedicated team, the Security Beadle’s responsibilities encompass a wide range of duties aimed at maintaining a secure environment on a 24‑hour basis. This includes tasks such as monitoring access control, conducting foot patrols, handling gate and barrier duties, and managing alarms and CCTV systems.

The Beadle is also responsible for assessing incidents, liaising with emergency services when necessary, and overseeing the safe evacuation of the Abbey in an emergency. In addition to these core security duties, the Beadle plays a key role in controlling parking arrangements and preventing retail theft within the precincts, ensuring smooth operational flow for both visitors and staff.

The position also requires a high level of professionalism, with Beadles expected to maintain an appropriate conduct and appearance at all times while performing their duties. Effective communication skills are essential, as Security Beadles often interact with a wide variety of people, from tourists and worshippers to police and emergency responders. The role demands vigilance, quick decision‑making in potentially difficult situations, and a proactive approach to identifying and responding to suspicious behaviours.

Additionally, flexibility is crucial, as the Security Beadle may be required to work night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays, and carry out specific tasks such as delivering parcels or performing flag duties when needed. The position is both a security and public‑facing role, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the safety of one of the UK’s most historic and culturally significant landmarks.

These are 40 hours per week. The normal arrangement of working hours is Monday to Sunday on a rota basis including day and night shifts, however the postholder will be required to work the hours to suit the needs of the organisation. This role is fully onsite.

From January 2026, the full‑time holiday entitlement is 33 days per annum, including recognised public holidays.

On‑site training will be provided in all aspects of the job. Any further training needs will be assessed through the probation period and in annual appraisals.

All employees can join a Group Personal Pension plan, where the minimum employee contribution is 3% and the maximum employer contribution is 9% (as determined by the level of the employee contribution). You will be auto‑enrolled into our qualifying workplace pension scheme after 3 months, if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Westminster Abbey is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults  prevent them from harm, we undertake appropriate checks on staff and volunteers and require them to complete relevant safeguarding training. Offers are subject to an enhanced level of criminal record check, receipt of references satisfactory to Westminster Abbey, right to work in the UK, proof of professional qualifications and medical clearance, which may include a medical assessment from the Abbey doctor.