- Describe your sector in a nutshell.
The Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency was established as a Statutory Agency by an Act of the Gibraltar Parliament and has been operating since 1 November 2011. The Agency contributes to the overall security of Gibraltar
The Agency made a good start despite having to manage considerable change. Soon after setting up, a review of the airport, Frontier and Port operations was carried out which highlighted a number of deficiencies that had been inherited. These were positively addressed as the Agency is striving for a more professional, engaged and focused operation by securing our borders, carrying out immigration checks on people entering Gibraltar, gathering intelligence as well as carrying out security checks and controls on all passengers, vehicles, baggage and cargo at all our air and sea passenger terminals/ports.
We are committed to work hard to ensure we can provide a service Gibraltar can be proud of; to improve the visitor and passenger experience without compromising security; and to improving the service we provide by contributing to the security of Gibraltar, acting as facilitators and working in partnership with the private sector.
Core Values
Communication – We understand the importance of the swift passage of information and strive to ensure effective internal and external communications.
Integrity and Respect – Acting honestly, maintaining the trust and promoting confidence of travellers.
Committed to Professionalism – Providing an efficient service, always striving to improve our performance and determined to achieve the best results. Ensuring we portray a professional image.
Pride – We take pride in the work we do and how we do it.
Equality and Diversity – We are committed to equality and fairness in the delivery of our service. We aim to act with fairness and impartiality and not to discriminate.
- What are the different career opportunities/jobs available in your sector?
The Agency’s hierarchy comprises of the following officers; 1 CEO, 1 Training Manager,2 Training Officers, 1 Head of Immigration, 1 Deputy Head of Immigration, 1 Clearance Officer, 1 Compliance Manager, 16 Senior Borders and Coastguard Officers (SBCOs) and 99 Borders and Coastguard Officers (BCOs).
- What’s interesting/fun about your sector/industry? Why should a young person want to work there?
Due to our duality in our duties i.e. carrying out functions as Immigration Officers at all entry points into Gibraltar and responsibilities as security officers at the Gibraltar International Airport, this in itself makes the role of a BCO challenging and engaging.
- What skills/qualities do you seek in someone wanting to join your sector?
As a Borders and Coastguard Officer you will have a wide variety of responsibilities (see full job description below) at entry points to the Gibraltar such as the land frontier, the airport, the port and marinas, protecting Gibraltar’s borders 24 hours a day working shifts.
You will:
- Check travel documents, passports and question passengers about their travel plans and their visit
- Search people, luggage, vehicles, vessels and aircraft
- Detain people where necessary for further questioning
- Record statements and make case notes
- Support operations by other security agencies like the police
- participate in continuous professional development to meet required regulatory requirements
The ideal candidate will be required to have:
- A confident, responsible and methodical approach to work
- The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- The ability to manage a complex workload
- Good spoken and written communication skills
- Good team working skills
- The ability to work alone and in a team
- Good powers of observation
- The ability to manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner
- A willingness to work flexibly
Qualifications/other requirements:
- Minimum 3 GCSEs at grades A, B or C one of which must be English
- Spanish GCSE would be desirable
- In possession of a valid ‘B’ class driving
- Clean criminal record
- Gibraltar resident
- Participation in a shift rotation on a permanent basis, working weekends, nights and public holidays
All applicants will be required to sit an entrance exam from which shortlisted candidates will be selected for interview.
- What is demand looking like in your sector? How do you think this will change in the future?
Due to the uncertainty of Brexit this could have an overall impact on the way BCA functions related especially to our Immigration role and duties.
- What is the approximate salary range people can earn?
Salary is incremental in a 10 spine point system. Basic starts at £20,354 on the first scale, to £31,532 on the last scale. This does not include the 15% on Shift Allowance and other allowances, e.g. weekend premiums, CPD etc.
- What career pathways are available for a young person wanting to join your sector? (University and non-university routes)
There is at present no particular route for a person to join our organisation. Vacancies are advertised by Government of Gibraltar Bulletins internally for government departments, agencies, authorities etc.
The last time vacancies were advertised publicly was in October 2019.
- Any advice to a young person wanting to join your sector
Our advice is to contact us, if interested, and we can arrange for an introductory talk on what Borders & Coastguard is all about, imparted by our training department.
