Security Lead

Job summary

This role supports safe and therapeutic environments within the Forensic Service by combining security duties with proactive security leadership.

You will ensure secure access to the unit, monitor compliance with procedures, and respond to incidents, while also working closely with the multidisciplinary teams to provide specialist security advice and support risk management.

The role contributes to service improvement through audits, training, and policy development, helping to maintain high standards of safety, security and patient-focused care across the unit.

Main duties of the job

Provide a professional and secure point of contact for all staff, patients and visitors entering and exiting the unit, ensuring identity checks and access controls are consistently applied.

Maintain the safety and security of the reception area, including monitoring CCTV, alarm systems, airlock access, and communication equipment, and escalating any concerns promptly.

Ensure all visitors and patients comply with security procedures, including property checks and searches in line with policy, and clearly communicate prohibited items prior to entry.

Respond effectively to incident and alarms, coordinating staff response and active decisively in emergency or high-risk situations.

Work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies (e.g. police, MAPPA, transport services) to support safe and efficient service delivery.

Support team functioning by assisting with supervision, training, and leadership activities such as coordinating meetings or contributing to service improvements.

Directly responding to alarms as appropriate.

Carry out any other appropriately identified task as required by your manager.

Cover reception breaks and sickness in emergencies (Reception open 7 days a week, times 07:15-20:15).

Participating in on call rota.

About us

We are Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway and are rated 'Good' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Our teams support children, young people and adults with a wide range of mental health needs. We also provide specialist services, including all-age eating disorder services and neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people, such as autism and ADHD.

Because we work across the whole county and across hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the people we serve.

Our vision is simple: we are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It's why we're passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. Everything we do is guided by our values: caring, inclusive, curious and confident.

Join us if you share our passion for better mental health care and want to be part of a team that's working well together.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities of the role.

Person specification

Training, Qualifications and Registration

Essential

• IT Literate
• Experience in a role which requires similar pressures and demands

Experience

Essential

• Relevant experience in security
• Communication with a range of people on a variety of matters in an appropriate manner
• High attention to detail and ability to use own judgement in accordance with policies and procedures

Desirable

• NHS or healthcare experience
• Experience in Mental health services
• Working knowledge of security systems, e.g. CCTV

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Ability to communicate professionally
• Able to prioritise workload under pressure. Work may not be routine throughout the day
• Punctual and flexible