Job Description
Director of Security for Parliament
Role Introduction
Sitting in the iconic Palace of Westminster, the UK Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Both work on behalf of UK citizens to scrutinise the work of Government. They set and shape effective laws, hold the power to set taxes, and debate and make decisions on the key issues of the day. The safety and security of Parliament, its people, and its processes are fundamental to maintaining public trust and enabling open democratic engagement.We are seeking a Director of Security for Parliament to lead the Parliamentary Security Department (PSD), a critical bicameral function serving both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. With accountability to senior governance bodies across both Houses, the Director will hold executive responsibility for all aspects of parliamentary security. This includes overseeing a complex and evolving risk landscape, encompassing terrorism, hostile state activity, public order threats, and cyber risks. Leading a team of around 650 staff, the Director will shape and deliver a comprehensive security strategy that balances robust protection with Parliament's commitment to openness and accessibility. Working closely with senior parliamentary stakeholders in both Houses, including Member committees, the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Strategic Estates team, the Restoration and Renewal team, Black Rod and the Serjeant at Arms and externally with government bodies including the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Home Office and the Cabinet Office, the Director will ensure that security arrangements remain effective, proportionate, and forward-looking.This is a high-profile leadership role at Managing Director level, requiring exceptional judgement, discretion, and the ability to operate confidently in a complex and high-pressure environment. The successful candidate will bring significant experience of leading large, multidisciplinary teams and managing security or risk in a complex organisation. You will demonstrate strong strategic thinking, with the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging threats, alongside a deep understanding of protective security and risk management. Outstanding communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills are essential, as is experience of working collaboratively with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and government bodies. The ability to balance competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, act with resilience and build trusted relationships at the most senior levels will be critical to success in this role.Saxon Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the UK Parliament on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit using reference OHXI. Alternatively email Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 26th May.
Role Introduction
Sitting in the iconic Palace of Westminster, the UK Parliament consists of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Both work on behalf of UK citizens to scrutinise the work of Government. They set and shape effective laws, hold the power to set taxes, and debate and make decisions on the key issues of the day. The safety and security of Parliament, its people, and its processes are fundamental to maintaining public trust and enabling open democratic engagement.We are seeking a Director of Security for Parliament to lead the Parliamentary Security Department (PSD), a critical bicameral function serving both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. With accountability to senior governance bodies across both Houses, the Director will hold executive responsibility for all aspects of parliamentary security. This includes overseeing a complex and evolving risk landscape, encompassing terrorism, hostile state activity, public order threats, and cyber risks. Leading a team of around 650 staff, the Director will shape and deliver a comprehensive security strategy that balances robust protection with Parliament's commitment to openness and accessibility. Working closely with senior parliamentary stakeholders in both Houses, including Member committees, the Parliamentary Digital Service, the Strategic Estates team, the Restoration and Renewal team, Black Rod and the Serjeant at Arms and externally with government bodies including the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Home Office and the Cabinet Office, the Director will ensure that security arrangements remain effective, proportionate, and forward-looking.This is a high-profile leadership role at Managing Director level, requiring exceptional judgement, discretion, and the ability to operate confidently in a complex and high-pressure environment. The successful candidate will bring significant experience of leading large, multidisciplinary teams and managing security or risk in a complex organisation. You will demonstrate strong strategic thinking, with the ability to anticipate and respond to emerging threats, alongside a deep understanding of protective security and risk management. Outstanding communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills are essential, as is experience of working collaboratively with law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and government bodies. The ability to balance competing priorities, navigate ambiguity, act with resilience and build trusted relationships at the most senior levels will be critical to success in this role.Saxon Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the UK Parliament on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit using reference OHXI. Alternatively email Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 26th May.
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