Locksmith

Job summary

At FCDO Services we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Designing and building brand-new embassies in bustling cities and remote locations. Collaborating with architects, engineers and surveyors to design and reconfigure a high commission’s office space. Developing a secure site’s new CCTV System. This work is as varied and as vital as it gets. Now you’ve got the opportunity to join them.

Designing and building embassies.
Providing a world-class service.
Protect the UK’s security interests.
It all matters

Job description

Protect UK security at home and abroad

We’re looking for a locksmith ready to bring their skillset to protecting physical security on a global scale. You’ll support the organisation, preparation and delivery of physical security work for our customers – the government estate in the UK and overseas, FCDO and wider government partners.

You will work on a diverse range of projects across the UK government estate and overseas. From supporting embassies and high commissions to delivering specialist physical security installations in challenging environments, no two assignments are the same.

You’ll be involved in the installation, maintenance and upgrade of mechanical and electromechanical locking systems. While proactively ensuring work is delivered on time, to cost and reaches our standards. Health and safety are a top priority for us, so you’ll be expected to complete risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).

Regular overseas deployments provide the chance to broaden your technical expertise, experience different cultures, and contribute directly to protecting UK interests around the world. There may be opportunity to lead small-scale installations activities too.

Grow your expertise with us

You will need to be a Member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) as a QML, or working towards passing this accreditation. Being confident on applied physical security principles and locking systems is a must. This will be paired with experience in generalist and specialist locksmithing activities – specifically in installation, maintenance, and fault-finding activities. An effective communicator, you can clearly explain processes to stakeholders. When on-site, you’ll follow safe working practices.

Additional qualifications or experience in locksmithing on government approved locking systems, as well as health and safety principles, would be advantageous. Experience or certification in any of the following would also be beneficial: master key systems, electromechanical locking systems, asbestos awareness, manual handling.

While you will be based in King Charles Street, London, you will visit some of our other UK sites and travel overseas as part of your role. When deployed, you will work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver installation activities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled locksmith looking to take their trade beyond traditional workshop and site-based work. You will develop specialist knowledge while working as part of a highly respected government organisation. You’ll add your voice to discussions on developing new products, systems, skills and technical training.

Discover the support you need to grow your career further

But we’re always looking to improve – just like you. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, good holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It's a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. You can find out more about vetting on our website: https://www.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

To find out more about our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Person specification

We are looking for people with :

• Member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), or working towards accreditation (or equivalent recognised professional standard)
• Demonstrable experience in generalist and specialist locksmithing activities, supported by relevant training or industry-recognised qualifications
• Knowledge of applied physical security principles and locking systems
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and documentation.
• Experience of installation, maintenance, or fault-finding activities in a technical environment.
• Understanding of safe working practices, including manual handling and site-based risk controls.
• Evidence of training in health and safety practices relevant to site-based engineering activity (e.g. risk assessments, safe systems of work, RAMS) Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Qualifications

Member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), or working towards accreditation (or equivalent recognised professional standard
if selecting or similar equivalent” please provide details of qualification or experience you are using as equivalent

Memberships

Member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), or working towards accreditation (or equivalent recognised professional standard

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), or working towards accreditation (or equivalent recognised professional standard
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and documentation
• Understanding of safe working practices, including manual handling and site-based risk controls
• Experience of installation, maintenance, or fault-finding activities in a technical environment
• Demonstrable experience in generalist and specialist locksmithing activities, supported by relevant training or industry-recognised qualifications
• Knowledge of applied physical security principles and locking systems
• Interview Evidence of training in health and safety practices relevant to site-based engineering activity (e.g. risk assessments, safe systems of work, RAMS)
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,889, FCDO Services contributes £10,107 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• Annual leave starting at 25 days.
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• A Civil Service pension.
• Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

To apply for this role, you will be asked to provide your CV, a personal statement, and provide answers to some job specific/technical skills.

Your CV and personal statement will not form part of the assessment they will provide an insight into your work history and experience.

Your CV should include:

• no personal identifying details
• career history with key responsibilities
• achievements
• qualifications

Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role.

Candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the technical/ job specific questions which are outlined in the application form.

Those that are successful will be invited to a Face to face interview.

At the interview you will be asked a blend of questions on technical/job specific skills and behaviours.

Candidate will also need to complete a technical exercise on the day of the interview along with the interview questions.

Candidates who are judged to be close to meeting the criteria may be considered for other positions in FCDO Services which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk
• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : Fcdoservices.recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact FCDOServices.Recruitment@fcdo.gov.uk in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from FCDO Services, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. For more information, please visit their website.