Job summary
An opportunity has risen within the Securities Services Department in Facilities Services. The Head of Security, Car Parks and Access will lead on the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Trust's security strategy and operational practices in line with national NHS guidelines and legislative requirements.
The Head of Security, Car Parks and Access will provide strategic leadership and expert guidance on all aspects of security across the organisation, ensuring compliance with national and government security frameworks. The postholder will be responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving the organisation's security strategy, with a focus on physical security, counterterrorism, and resilience planning.
Main duties of the job
Act as the organisation's lead for the NHS Violence Prevention and Reduction Standard (VPRS), counter-terrorism readiness, and access governance, and will represent the organisation in national and local security forums. Including but not limited to the Cambridge biomedical campus group (CBC) Daily CEFM meetings, Security organisational group (SOG), VPRS strategy group, Exclusion notice review group, smoke free campus.
Line manage the Security Manager, Car Park and Access Manager, ensuring alignment with the organisation's safety, estates, and Facilities strategies.
This is a senior leadership role requiring deep expertise in healthcare / public sector security, SIA compliance, PMVA principles, national counter-terrorism guidance, access protocol, car parking operations and Estates security risk management.
While the role does not have direct responsibility for cyber security, the postholder will support the Associate Director and IT teams as needed to ensure alignment between physical and digital security measures.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
The advert will close at midnight on 30 November 2025.
Interviews are due to be held on 9 December 2025.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
The advert will close at midnight on 30 November 2025.
Interviews are due to be held on 9 December 2025.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Master's degree in security management, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- SIA Licence (Door Supervisor or Security Guarding) or equivalent
- Relevant security management qualification (e.g., Level 4/5 in Security Management, MSyl, or equivalent)
- Full membership of a recognised professional security body (e.g. The Security Institute [MSyI], ASIS International, or equivalent)
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in security, counterterrorism, violence prevention or related areas
Desirable
- Management qualification (e.g. ILM Level 7 or above)
- PMVA Instructor Certificate
- NEBOSH or equivalent safety / security qualification
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience working in a senior security management role within a large, complex organisation, ideally within the NHS or healthcare sector
- Demonstrated track record of leading and managing physical security operations, including access control, CCTV, incident response, patrols and emergency procedures
- Proven experience implementing and maintaining compliance with the NHS Violence Prevention and Reduction Standards (VPRS) or equivalent violence prevention frameworks
- Significant experience coordinating with police, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) and emergency services to develop and deliver counterterrorism, resilience, and emergency preparedness initiatives
- Experience conducting comprehensive security risk assessments, investigations, and incident reviews and developing action plans for improvement
- Strong background in developing, implementing and reviewing security policies, procedures and training programmes
- Experience supervising, mentoring and developing security teams, including performance management and supporting professional development
- Evidence of successful partnership working with Estates, Facilities, Clinical and IT teams to deliver integrated security solutions
- Experience representing the organisation at security forums, regulatory inspections, or audits
Desirable
- NHS or healthcare security leadership experience
- Experience in major incident preparedness and response
- Oversight of access control and surveillance systems in complex organisations
- Experience supporting or liaising with cyber security teams to ensure alignment between physical and digital security, even if not directly responsible for cyber security
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, deliver quality improvements and drive a positive security culture across the organisation
Knowledge
Essential
- In-depth understanding of SIA legislation, counter-terrorism strategies (NaCTSO/CONTEST) and violence prevention approaches (VPRS)
- Knowledge of NHS guidance and estates frameworks (e.g., PAMS, ERIC, HTM standards)
- In-depth knowledge of physical security systems and technologies, such as CCTV, access control, intruder alarms and incident reporting platforms, as applied in a healthcare environment
- Strong grasp of risk assessment methodologies, incident investigation processes and best practice in security operations within large, complex organisations
- Awareness of partnership working with police, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs), emergency services and external agencies to support resilience and security planning
- Familiarity with NHS estate and facilities management and how security integrates with clinical, operational and support services
Desirable
- Understanding of Trust-wide operational governance, risk registers and emergency planning arrangements
- Understanding of staff training principles, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques relevant to healthcare settings
- Awareness of the boundaries between physical and cyber security and how physical security measures can support the overall protection of Trust assets and information
- Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and how they apply to security operations and staff management in the NHS
- Familiarity with NHS estate and facilities management and how security integrates with clinical, operational and support services
Skills
Essential
- Excellent leadership and staff development skills
- Strong communication and influencing skills with stakeholders at all levels
- Strong strategic planning, risk assessment crises management skills
- Resilience planning and ability to analyse complex data and provide evidence-based recommendations
- Skilled in report writing, data analysis and policy development
- Ability to manage complex incidents and escalate appropriately
- Competent in managing sensitive information with discretion
Desirable
- Ability to deliver or coordinate staff training (e.g. PMVA, lone working awareness)
- Project management qualification or experience
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
- Ability to participate in Trust-wide emergency planning and incident response
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel between sites if required
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Master's degree in security management, Risk Management, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- SIA Licence (Door Supervisor or Security Guarding) or equivalent
- Relevant security management qualification (e.g., Level 4/5 in Security Management, MSyl, or equivalent)
- Full membership of a recognised professional security body (e.g. The Security Institute [MSyI], ASIS International, or equivalent)
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in security, counterterrorism, violence prevention or related areas
Desirable
- Management qualification (e.g. ILM Level 7 or above)
- PMVA Instructor Certificate
- NEBOSH or equivalent safety / security qualification
Experience
Essential
- Extensive experience working in a senior security management role within a large, complex organisation, ideally within the NHS or healthcare sector
- Demonstrated track record of leading and managing physical security operations, including access control, CCTV, incident response, patrols and emergency procedures
- Proven experience implementing and maintaining compliance with the NHS Violence Prevention and Reduction Standards (VPRS) or equivalent violence prevention frameworks
- Significant experience coordinating with police, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) and emergency services to develop and deliver counterterrorism, resilience, and emergency preparedness initiatives
- Experience conducting comprehensive security risk assessments, investigations, and incident reviews and developing action plans for improvement
- Strong background in developing, implementing and reviewing security policies, procedures and training programmes
- Experience supervising, mentoring and developing security teams, including performance management and supporting professional development
- Evidence of successful partnership working with Estates, Facilities, Clinical and IT teams to deliver integrated security solutions
- Experience representing the organisation at security forums, regulatory inspections, or audits
Desirable
- NHS or healthcare security leadership experience
- Experience in major incident preparedness and response
- Oversight of access control and surveillance systems in complex organisations
- Experience supporting or liaising with cyber security teams to ensure alignment between physical and digital security, even if not directly responsible for cyber security
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, deliver quality improvements and drive a positive security culture across the organisation
Knowledge
Essential
- In-depth understanding of SIA legislation, counter-terrorism strategies (NaCTSO/CONTEST) and violence prevention approaches (VPRS)
- Knowledge of NHS guidance and estates frameworks (e.g., PAMS, ERIC, HTM standards)
- In-depth knowledge of physical security systems and technologies, such as CCTV, access control, intruder alarms and incident reporting platforms, as applied in a healthcare environment
- Strong grasp of risk assessment methodologies, incident investigation processes and best practice in security operations within large, complex organisations
- Awareness of partnership working with police, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs), emergency services and external agencies to support resilience and security planning
- Familiarity with NHS estate and facilities management and how security integrates with clinical, operational and support services
Desirable
- Understanding of Trust-wide operational governance, risk registers and emergency planning arrangements
- Understanding of staff training principles, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques relevant to healthcare settings
- Awareness of the boundaries between physical and cyber security and how physical security measures can support the overall protection of Trust assets and information
- Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and how they apply to security operations and staff management in the NHS
- Familiarity with NHS estate and facilities management and how security integrates with clinical, operational and support services
Skills
Essential
- Excellent leadership and staff development skills
- Strong communication and influencing skills with stakeholders at all levels
- Strong strategic planning, risk assessment crises management skills
- Resilience planning and ability to analyse complex data and provide evidence-based recommendations
- Skilled in report writing, data analysis and policy development
- Ability to manage complex incidents and escalate appropriately
- Competent in managing sensitive information with discretion
Desirable
- Ability to deliver or coordinate staff training (e.g. PMVA, lone working awareness)
- Project management qualification or experience
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
- Ability to participate in Trust-wide emergency planning and incident response
- Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Desirable
- Full UK driving licence
- Willingness to travel between sites if required
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Addenbrookes Hospital-Division Corporate
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ
Employer's website
https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)