Border Force officer or assistant officer
Career outlook for border force officer or assistant officer
UK Salary Ranges
Entry-level
£26,000
£26,000
Experienced
£32,000
£32,000
Currently employed in Scotland
2,800
Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would check that people coming into the UK do not bring in anything that is harmful or is illegal in the country.
You would check and search vehicles arriving at UK borders for illegal immigrants – people who are not allowed to enter the UK. You’d arrange for them to go to a detention centre where they could apply for asylum if they wish and stay until they leave the country.
You’d look for illegal goods like drugs and investigate people who are trying to avoid paying taxes or customs duties by smuggling money or goods into the country.
You would:
- Question passengers at airports and seaports
- Ask people about specific details relating to their stay
- Search vehicles, ships and planes for illegal immigrants, drugs and other goods that could cause harm to people in the UK
- Search people for drugs and other goods which are illegal in the UK
- Check whether people trying to come into the country are involved in illegal activities
You could arrest people who were a danger to the UK or were here illegally. You would work closely with the police.
Working conditions
Hours
UK employment status
Full-time
80%
Part-time
15%
Self employed
6%
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- Building relationships
- Verbal communication
- Researching
- Attention to detail
- Making decisions
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Qualifications
While there are no formal educational requirements to enter this job, qualifiations at SCQF levels 4-6 may be helpful, in particular for direct entry into an officer position.
Useful subjects
- Maths
- English
- ICT
- Physical education
- Languages
- Social studies, such as psychology
You will also need
Be a UK national with no restrictions on your stay in the UK and have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years.
Selection for all positions is through an assessment centre, where candidates are tested on:
- Judgement
- Conflict management
- Communication skills, both oral and written
- Awareness of diversity and equal opportunities
You will also be required to pass a:
- Security clearance (due to the sensitive nature of the work)
- Medical examination
Helpful to have
Qualifications that demonstrate physical fitness and awareness of security such as Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4) may be useful in preparing for this job.
You may have an advantage if you also have some ability in a foreign language.