Join us as a Border Force Officer in Holyhead and play a vital role in keeping people safe, protecting communities, and securing the UK border.
From safeguarding vulnerable people to tackling organised crime and facilitating legitimate travel and trade, no two days are the same. You’ll work at one of the UK’s most important ports, using your judgement, communication skills and professionalism to make decisions that have a real impact every day.
You’ll receive a salary of £34,415, plus an additional Annualised Hours Allowance (AHA) of approximately £14,000 per year based on the salary minimum. This is at the grade of Executive Officer.
The closing date for applications is 13th October 2026.
About the role
As a Border Force Officer, you’ll be at the frontline of protecting the UK’s border.
Based in Holyhead, you’ll work in a busy operational environment where thousands of passengers, vehicles and goods move between the UK and Ireland. You’ll help facilitate legitimate travel and trade while identifying people, goods and activities that may pose a risk.
This is a role where you’ll think on your feet, communicate effectively and make sound decisions. One day you could be interviewing passengers and checking travel documentation. The next, you could be safeguarding vulnerable people, carrying out customs activity, or supporting law enforcement action.
Working alongside colleagues and partner agencies, you’ll contribute to some of Border Force’s key priorities, including tackling organised crime, countering human trafficking, protecting vulnerable people, and maintaining the security of the UK border.
The work can be challenging, but you’ll never face it alone. You’ll be part of a supportive team with access to training, mentoring and development throughout your career.
Meet the team
Want to learn more? Join one of our online information events to hear about the role, meet members of the team and ask questions. Sign up below to secure your place.
Tuesday 6th October, 14:00-15:00
Thursday 8th October, 18:00-19:00
You’ll gain a better understanding of the role, hear about day-to-day life in Border Force, and pick up tips to support your application.
Qualifications
To apply, you must have:
- GCSE English and Maths at grades 4-9 (C-A*) or equivalent qualifications
- Evidence of your qualifications if requested during pre-employment checks
- A full, valid UK manual or automatic driving licence at the time of application
You must also be aged 18 or over when you submit your application.
Working Arrangements
This role operates on a shift-working pattern to support Border Force’s 24/7 operations.
You will:
- Work shifts of up to 12 hours
- Work early mornings, late evenings, overnight shifts, weekends and public holidays
- Work between 22:00 and 06:00 where required
- Follow a pre-planned roster
Please be aware that some shifts may start or finish outside public transport operating hours.
Part-time working requests are welcomed but cannot be guaranteed and are subject to business requirements. Where agreed, full shift attendance of up to 12 hours may still be required.
Training
You’ll receive comprehensive training and support from day one.
This includes:
- Structured classroom learning
- Workplace mentoring and on-the-job training
- Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) Level 3
- Ongoing coaching and support from experienced colleagues
The training will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to work effectively at the border and exercise law enforcement powers when required.
Even after your initial training, you’ll continue learning and developing throughout your career.
Benefits
In addition to your salary, you’ll benefit from:
- Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
- Annualised Hours Allowance (approximately £14,000 per annum based on minimum salary)
- In-year reward scheme for exceptional personal or team achievements
- 25 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service
- Eight public holidays plus one privilege day
- Access to learning, development and career progression opportunities
- A culture that encourages inclusion and diversity
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Holyhead is the principal crossing point between North Wales and Ireland and one of the UK’s busiest roll-on roll-off ports.
As a Border Force Officer, you’ll support immigration, customs, international trade and safeguarding activity at this key UK port.
The port handles high volumes of freight, foot passengers and vehicle traffic, creating a varied and dynamic operating environment where no two shifts are alike.
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- Operate immigration and customs controls at UK points of entry
- Check passengers have the correct documentation and permission to enter the UK
- Identify vulnerable adults and children and refer them to appropriate support agencies
- Interview passengers and make decisions under immigration legislation
- Search people, goods and vehicles for customs offences
- Use law enforcement powers, including arrest powers where appropriate
- Preserve evidence, manage detained individuals and work with law enforcement partners
- Support the movement and clearance of imported and exported goods
- Investigate customs irregularities and undertake appropriate follow-up action
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- Demonstrable professionalism, integrity and sound judgement, acting ethically, impartially and honestly while making difficult decisions when required.
- Able to build effective relationships and communicate confidently, working collaboratively with others and influencing a wide range of stakeholders.
- Resilient and adaptable, remaining flexible and responding effectively to changing circumstances, challenges and complex situations.
- Displays leadership potential, role modelling professional behaviours, maintaining high standards, motivating others and communicating clearly.
- Able to use analytical and problem-solving skills to gather information from multiple sources, assess evidence objectively and make well-reasoned recommendations.
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The selection process consists of four stages.
Stage 1: Online tests
Eligible candidates will complete:
- Civil Service Verbal Test
- Customer Service Skills Test
Stage 2: Application
If successful in the online tests, you’ll complete a full application including a personal statement of up to 500 words demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria.
Stage 3: Sift
Applications will be assessed against the essential criteria.
Stage 4: Interview
Successful candidates will attend an online Teams interview, which will assess:
- Behaviours
- Strengths
- Experience
Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
Successful candidates will also need to:
- Pass pre-employment checks
- Meet Security Check (SC) clearance requirements
- Successfully complete the additional Border Force Integrity Check
- Complete criminal record checks
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If you’re looking for a role where your judgement, professionalism and communication skills can help protect the UK border and support vulnerable people, we’d like to hear from you.
