The MGS (MOD Guard Service) plays a vital role in supporting MOD security.
What we do
The Ministry of Defence Guard Service (MGS) has guarded the defence estate since 1992 and provides security services at more than 135 sites across England, Scotland and Wales, including high-profile locations such as MOD Main Building in London and His Majesty’s Naval Bases in Portsmouth, Devonport and the Clyde.
The MGS was formed as a result of a security review of all British military bases following the bombing of the Royal Marines School of Music at Deal Barracks by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in 1989. Over the years, the MGS has evolved into a dynamic organisation that takes great pride in the services it delivers.
The MGS works closely with its security partners: Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), Security Services Group (SSG) and Military Provost Guard Services under Standing Joint Command (SJC) GUARDIAN and the wider MOD to protect the homeland and defend Defence.
The MGS prides itself on delivering a high-quality customer-focused service and will continue its mission to protect Defence from threats including crime, terrorism, espionage and sabotage by providing the highest quality of security services through professionalism and excellence. Working to become a technical authority on security, its vision is to be recognised as an outstanding provider of security services.
It strives to ensure its standards are maintained through external accreditation, holding the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Gold standard.
The MGS employs more than 2,700 operational and support staff as civil servants. They are managed by a Head Office team, dispersed strategically around the country according to requirements.
MGS officers are often the first point of contact with the MOD for employees, visitors and contractors. They pride themselves on their inclusive, customer-focused culture, working to the Civil Service Code of Conduct and MGS core values of honesty, integrity, professionalism and efficiency.
MGS services
MGS offers a range of services to meet customer needs.
These include:
- control of access and egress
- security searches
- reception management
- event security co-ordination
- incident cordon and control
- control room management including CCTV and alarm monitoring and response
- emergency first aid
- patrolling, including dog patrols
Working for MGS
To achieve our goals, we need dedicated, highly-motivated people with diverse backgrounds, experience and skills, who can adapt to meet a complex range of threats and challenges in a rapidly-changing world.
Our staff come from a variety of backgrounds and professions and bring a wealth of customer service and security experience. We take the time to understand our customers’ values and security needs, and our highly-trained officers must be equipped to deliver services which reflect our culture and underpin the security mission.
We offer a broad range of interesting and challenging jobs, with a variety of working patterns, contributing directly to the UK’s Defence Mission. We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time. We believe that if we look after our people, they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers.
Training and development
The MGS is committed to investing in its people through structured training and development. All officers receive role‑specific initial training to ensure they are prepared for operational duties, supported by regular continuation and refresher training to maintain skills, confidence and professionalism throughout their career.
We align our training with Defence standards and best practice, supporting both operational effectiveness and personal development. There are opportunities to develop specialist skills, progress into supervisory and management roles, and build long‑term careers while contributing directly to the UK’s Defence Mission.
New entrant requirements
All new entrants will be subject to security vetting and must pass a selection interview.
The MOD Guard Service is currently undertaking a review of grade structures, pay and conditions, aimed at improving employee experience, wellbeing, and career progression. This review may result in future changes to terms and conditions; however, the requirement for this role remains unchanged.
Working hours and leave
Most staff work on average 48 hours per week. Further benefits include:
- day and shift working for operational staff
- flexitime scheme upon completion of 6 months service (dependent on role)
- alternative working practices
- 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
- in addition to 8 public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday
- generous maternity and paternity package
- highly competitive pension scheme
How to apply
Please visit Civil Service Jobs and look at our for more information.
If you have any questions, please email MGS-RH@mod.gov.uk