About this role
Help protect the UK's critical nuclear infrastructure
Security threats continue to evolve. That's why the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is looking for experienced security risk management professionals to join us as Protective Security Inspectors, helping to safeguard the UK's civil nuclear sector.
The role
You'll regulate how operators protect nuclear sites, materials, information and transport from security threats, making evidence-based regulatory judgements and influencing senior stakeholders to drive improvements in security standards.
The role offers a unique mix of inspections, assessments and engagement with industry across a diverse and growing nuclear sector. You'll work on complex and nationally significant challenges, collaborating with colleagues across multiple disciplines while helping shape protective security standards in the UK and internationally.
No previous regulatory experience is required. Successful candidates will complete a comprehensive 18-month training and development programme, including regular attendance at the ONR Academy in Bootle.
About you
You'll bring
Significant experience as a protective security practitioner, ideally within the nuclear sector or another high-hazard, high-consequence industry. Strong knowledge of security risk management, including physical security and wider protective security disciplines. Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex technical information and make proportionate, evidence-based judgements. Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage senior stakeholders and explain technical issues clearly. The ability to achieve and maintain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance and a full UK driving licence.
Why join ONR?
This is an opportunity to build a specialist regulatory career while making a direct contribution to the UK's national security. You'll work alongside leading experts, influence security standards across a critical national industry, and enjoy a flexible, supportive and inclusive working environment with excellent training, hybrid working and ongoing professional development.
Regular travel across Great Britain and occasional international travel will form part of the role.
Please note that this role requires attendance at an in-person interview in Bootle during which candidates will be required to demonstrate their security risk management competence through a verbal briefing and a short, written report.
About security roles for ex-police
Security management, operations and consultancy roles. Years of operational policing — command, incident response, public order — translate directly into corporate security, and employers in this sector actively rate police experience.
See all security jobs in London →Why this fits a police background — match score 80/100
- Police experience explicitly valued
- Protection & firearms
- Working to legislation & regulation
- Security operations
What security roles pay ex-police
Advertised UK ranges, editorial estimates reviewed July 2026
| Security officer (SIA) | £24,000–£29,000 |
| Security supervisor / team leader | £28,000–£34,000 |
| Site / security manager | £38,000–£52,000 |
| Regional / operations security manager | £50,000–£65,000 |