15536 - Security Vetting Officers (Manchester)
| Posting date: | 06 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £36,151 to £37,887 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 March 2026 |
| Location: | M60 9DJ |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Ministry of Justice |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 15536 |
Summary
HMPPS Band 5 - Security Vetting Officers (Manchester)
The Personnel Security Vetting Team is expanding as we enter a new era of enhanced vetting within HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Because of this expansion we operate out of additional offices that are not referenced in the job description. Our offices are now located in:
Newport
Manchester
Gartree
Birmingham
Due to an upcoming office move, our new location will be: Manchester Civil Justice Centre, 1 Bridge Street West, Manchester, M60 9DJ.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing team at the forefront of personnel security, playing a vital role in protecting the organisation from potential threats.
As a Security Vetting Officer, you will carry out a range of vetting checks across different applicant groups, helping to ensure that those joining HMPPS share our values and do not pose a risk to the safety, integrity, or mission of the organisation. Your work will directly support the delivery of secure and effective services across the agency.
Career Development and Progression Opportunities
This role offers excellent prospects for professional growth. Within HMPPS, Security Vetting Officers can progress to senior vetting roles, team leader positions, or apply for broader roles across HMPPS. The skills you develop, such as risk assessment, investigative techniques, and compliance expertise, are highly transferable and valued across the wider security and law enforcement sector.
Officers could go on to secure roles in agencies such as UK Border Force, the National Crime Agency, and other government departments where vetting and security clearance expertise is essential. These pathways open doors to careers in counterterrorism, organised crime investigations, and border security operations, providing a strong foundation for long-term advancement in the security profession.
Recruitment Process
Stage 1: Written application (Behaviours + 500‑word Statement of Suitability).
Stage 2: Virtual group‑based assessment conducted post‑sift.
Stage 3: Interview on Behaviours and Strengths.
As part of the recruitment process, candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to an online assessment. Those successful in completing the online assessment will be invited to interview.
Security Clearance
All Risk and Capabilities Unit employees must hold SC level security clearance. For SC clearance you must have the UK footprint of 5 years. More information can be found about the vetting and clearance levels before completing your application.
The Personnel Security Vetting Team is expanding as we enter a new era of enhanced vetting within HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Because of this expansion we operate out of additional offices that are not referenced in the job description. Our offices are now located in:
Newport
Manchester
Gartree
Birmingham
Due to an upcoming office move, our new location will be: Manchester Civil Justice Centre, 1 Bridge Street West, Manchester, M60 9DJ.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing team at the forefront of personnel security, playing a vital role in protecting the organisation from potential threats.
As a Security Vetting Officer, you will carry out a range of vetting checks across different applicant groups, helping to ensure that those joining HMPPS share our values and do not pose a risk to the safety, integrity, or mission of the organisation. Your work will directly support the delivery of secure and effective services across the agency.
Career Development and Progression Opportunities
This role offers excellent prospects for professional growth. Within HMPPS, Security Vetting Officers can progress to senior vetting roles, team leader positions, or apply for broader roles across HMPPS. The skills you develop, such as risk assessment, investigative techniques, and compliance expertise, are highly transferable and valued across the wider security and law enforcement sector.
Officers could go on to secure roles in agencies such as UK Border Force, the National Crime Agency, and other government departments where vetting and security clearance expertise is essential. These pathways open doors to careers in counterterrorism, organised crime investigations, and border security operations, providing a strong foundation for long-term advancement in the security profession.
Recruitment Process
Stage 1: Written application (Behaviours + 500‑word Statement of Suitability).
Stage 2: Virtual group‑based assessment conducted post‑sift.
Stage 3: Interview on Behaviours and Strengths.
As part of the recruitment process, candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to an online assessment. Those successful in completing the online assessment will be invited to interview.
Security Clearance
All Risk and Capabilities Unit employees must hold SC level security clearance. For SC clearance you must have the UK footprint of 5 years. More information can be found about the vetting and clearance levels before completing your application.