Border Force Higher Officer - International Trade
| Posting date: | 16 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £37,300 to £39,911 per year |
| Additional salary information: | This role currently does not attract an Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA). |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 30 June 2025 |
| Location: | Southampton |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 409229/1 |
Summary
Border Force is a dynamic and vital part of the Home Office, dedicated to managing UK border controls. We implement immigration and customs regulations and collaborate with the wider Home Office on critical issues such as counter-terrorism, organised crime, modern slavery, and trafficking. Learn more on the Border Force careers page.
Why Border Force?
Border Security is a sophisticated system designed to ensure a world-class border experience. Our mission is to facilitate the smooth flow of passengers and goods through primary control entry points, while maintaining the highest standards of security and efficiency. We are committed to upholding our legal duties related to customs, freight, immigration, and safeguarding.
Our Reach
Border Force operates across six regions within the UK: Central, Europe, Heathrow, North, South, and South East. These regions are responsible for securing the border 24/7, 365 days a year, at over 140 seaports, airports, 200+ general aviation ports, postal depots, and international rail networks.
Why You Should Join Us
- Impactful Work: Play a crucial role in protecting the UK and its citizens.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
- Inclusive Environment: We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Join us and be part of a team that makes a real difference. Your skills, dedication, and passion can help shape the future of border security.
The role of our Higher Officers (HOs) is fast-paced, exciting, varied, and highly rewarding. As a Higher Officer in International Trade, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the security of the UK border while ensuring the efficient clearance of goods from all over the world.
You will be responsible for managing a busy International Trade team, ensuring that shifts run smoothly, and operational priorities are met. As the first point of escalation, you will engage with a diverse range of people, including direct contact with members of the public, other law enforcement bodies, and key external partners.
International Trade Teams are responsible for facilitating the movement of legitimate imported and exported goods, collecting any unpaid taxes as appropriate.
An exciting and challenging role, although primarily office-based there is an element of outdoor working which includes physical examinations at Ports, Wharfs and at temporary warehouses for prohibited or restricted items. This may include drugs, firearms, tobacco, alcohol, endangered plants or animals. You may also be involved in the detection and investigation of Intellectual Property Rights infringements (counterfeit goods).
As part of this dynamic team, the work you perform will have a tangible impact on the UK’s prosperity through the collection of revenue owed at the border, closing the tax gap and supporting the integrity of the economy.
The Higher Officer grade is mobile, offering the possibility of moving between regional commands and working across various sites within the region based on changing priorities.
Border Force South Region
Gatwick Airport is the largest and busiest port located within Border Force South Region. The region covers aviation and maritime locations and, as well as Gatwick, is also responsible for securing the border at South Wales, and around South-West England.
Locations advertised at this time include – Southampton.
Currently there is no AHA payable at this location as times of attendance are between 08:00 – 16:00, Monday to Friday to match the needs of the trade. This is currently under review as there may be a future regular requirement for Saturday attendance.
Key Responsibilities
- Dynamic Leadership:Manage the busy day-to-day International Trade operation at a number of locations, prioritising and allocating resources swiftly to maintain border security. Collaborate with Higher Officer counterparts and the Duty Senior Officer as needed.
- Critical Decision-Making:Manage the selection and examination of goods, authorising the seizure of prohibited and restricted items.
- Expert Guidance:Take referrals from your teams and advise on the admissibility of arriving goods to determine if Customs offences have been committed.
- Live Case Management:Handle live operational cases, including, seizures, arrests and authority for searches of persons.
- Team Collaboration:Work independently or as part of a small team to run a busy operational International Trade shift, ensuring professional and efficient delivery of services to the trade and public.
- Stakeholder Engagement:Liaise with and manage enquiries from trade, agents, other government departments and port operators to support and facilitate a smooth border crossing, ensuring goods can be processed promptly.
- Leadership and Development:Lead a law enforcement team, undertaking line management responsibilities to ensure wellbeing, learning and development, performance, and discipline matters are addressed appropriately.
- Professional Integrity:Demonstrate the professional behaviours and personal integrity associated with a customer-focused law enforcement organisation. This includes acting ethically as a civil servant, making difficult decisions when needed, always doing the right thing, and being impartial and honest.
Note: This is not an exclusive or exhaustive list, and the post holder will be required to perform any additional duties reasonably expected of them.
Working Pattern
We understand the importance of work-life balance and encourage applications from candidates who wish to work part-time or on a job-share basis. While such opportunities cannot be guaranteed in frontline roles due to the 24/7 operational nature of our business, we are committed to exploring flexible working arrangements wherever possible.
If you are interested in part-time or job-share opportunities, please notify the vacancy holder as soon as possible. We will work with you to explore whether these arrangements can be accommodated at your selected location. Job share candidates may wish to refer to Civil Service Employee Policy: guide to job sharing.
You must be at least 18 years of age at the time of submitting your application. You will be required to work between 22.00 and 06.00, so this is a legal requirement. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/night-working-hours
Training
We are committed to ensuring you have all the training and support you need to excel in your role. Here’s what you can expect:
Thorough Training: You will receive full training, starting with classroom sessions to build your foundational knowledge.
On-the-Job Mentorship: Your training continues on the job with a dedicated mentor who will support you until you feel fully confident in your role.
Team Support: Even after your training, you are never alone. You will work as part of a supportive team where there is always someone available for advice and assistance.
For more detailed information on what the training involves, please visit our website.
Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST)
You will be required to undertake Public and Personal Safety Training Level 2. This will teach you skills in personal safety and restraint techniques to keep you and your team colleagues safe. This requires physical activity and physical contact with the other delegates.
You will be required to complete a health declaration in advance and, if necessary, attend a medical examination. A formal job offer cannot be made if you do not have the level of physical fitness needed to undertake and pass the training. You must be fit, willing and able to undertake annual recertification.
Can I do an Apprenticeship with Border Force?
In Border Force we are committed to your professional development throughout your career with us. An apprenticeship offers you a fantastic opportunity to learn, earn and develop your skills. They provide a unique opportunity to combine formal learning and development with on-the-job experience.
Should you wish to complete an apprenticeship, there will be opportunities available.
As part of our commitment to your professional growth, all successful candidates will complete the HOSO Leadership Course. This essential programme covers core management skills, including HR fundamentals, leading difficult conversations, and building a strong team culture— empowering you to lead with confidence and drive operational excellence.
Meet the team
Border Force Higher Officer - Recruitment Webinar
Event Listing:
Are you interested in joining Border Force and want to learn more about our current vacancies? Then this session is for you!
Join us for the opportunity to hear from officers about their experience of working for Border Force. We will provide an overview of the current vacancies available and take you through the assessment process.
The session will include a Q&A to help you consider whether a potential career with Border Force is for you.
Book your place now – we look forward to welcoming you.
Monday 23 June 12:00 – 13:00
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/border-force-higher-officer-recruitment-webinar-tickets-1383994186869?aff=oddtdtcreator
Tuesday 24 June 19:00 – 20:00
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/border-force-higher-officer-recruitment-webinar-tickets-1384008660159?aff=oddtdtcreator
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