Physical Security and Continuity Officer

Overall Purpose:

The Physical Security and Continuity Officer will be responsible for MRC’s physical security, policy implementation, strategic crisis management and resilience assurance activities across the MRC sites but will be primarliy be based at the MRC MLC Harwell site. The person will provide leadership for an evolving physical security function and Business Continuity Management (BCM) which is highly integrated with all of MRC’s core business operations.

They will be influential in working with the functional and institute leads across our risk environment and build a highly professional physical security service and resilience requirements that is effective against security threats, while directly supporting MRC’s security and resilience strategy goals. The post-holder will lead on relationships and integration with MRC’s partners to ensure effective countering of threats and incident response and, in line with the UKRI BCM Framework, facilitate and help to embed business continuity good practice, improving capabilities and building resilience across the MRC estates.

Some remote working will be permitted and we would discuss some flexibility of working hours to support a wide range of applicants, in line with our dedication to equality and work-life balance. Our approach is based on best practice from National Protective Security Authority and there is extensive cross-government collaboration and learning. They will play a key role in business development by maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and ensuring future investment.

Main Duties/Key Responsibilities:

· Monitor the changing risk landscape that has the potential to impact MRC’s operational continuity and security and establish and maintain effective communication channels and protocols to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information during a crisis or security disruption

· Ensure the effective use of emergency response and recovery plans and ensure appropriate interaction between strategic, tactical and operational responders

· Monitor and evaluate emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes related to Physical Security and Continuity Management and make recommendations for enhancements to the programme as necessary

· Support the undertaking of physical security audits and risk assessments as well as the delivery of continuous improvement in close coordination with UKRI Head of Physical Security, leveraging advice as required

· Lead the response and recovery efforts during incidents, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to minimise the impact on the organisation's operations and reputation

· Prepare and present reports and recommendations to senior management and executive leadership on the status of the business continuity programme

• Support the Health and Safety (H&S) Manager and Business Continuity & Security (BC&S) Lead to help ensure MRC maintains a robust set of business continuity plans for each of its institutes and systems, in accordance with best practice (ISO 22301 and BCI GPG 2013)

• Provide input into the operational business continuity risk analysis and business impact analysis

• Provide support and assistance to maintain the physical security of our sites

• Undertake physical security audits, risk assessments and reviews of current procedures and practices, making recommendations for change or amendment as required

• Provide support for all MRC Risk and Assurance activities when the H&S Manager and BC&S Lead are absent

• Coordinate and facilitate regular training and awareness programs to enhance the organisation's preparedness and response capabilities

• Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities to the organisation's operations and, where necessary, the production of papers and reports, as well as updating and management of the MRC documents within the UKRI Security and BCM SharePoint repository

• Engage with all security representatives to maintain business continuity and physical security roles and responsibilities across the MRC and the wider organisation

Working Relationships:

The post-holder will report to the H&S Manager, who leads on the MRC Security and Continuity requirements.

The post-holder will also liaise with the MRC’s Centres, Institutes and Units BCM Leads in order to provide support and guidance to develop and maintain an up-to-date business continuity program, including, where necessary, policies, procedures and plans, in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

The post-holder will be responsible for collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the development and testing of business continuity and disaster recovery plans for critical business functions and systems.