Archive for month: September, 2019

Corps Security to deliver security services to Registers of Scotland

Following a competitive tender process Corps Security has been awarded a three-year contract to provide security services to Registers of Scotland at Meadowbank House, in Edinburgh.

A team of 10 officers will provide guarding services with a focus on front-of-house, customer service, CCTV monitoring and patrols.

Registers of Scotland is the public body responsible for compiling and maintaining registers relating to property and other legal documents in Scotland.

Mike Bullock, Chief Executive of Corps Security, said: “We are delighted to be working with such a like-minded organisation. Corps Security is a trust which was set up to provide employment for ex-servicemen returning from the Crimea. We share values with Registers of Scotland and look forward to working closely together.”

/by
About Corps Security

Corps Security celebrates Security Officer Appreciation Week with ‘Thank Your Security Officer Day’

As part of Security Officer Appreciation Week, Corps Security is hosting an inaugural ‘Thank Your Security Officer Day’ on Thursday 19th September to thank their dedicated security guards.

Working in partnership with a range of clients, the management team at Corps Security will thank their security officers in person as well as sharing stories across several social media platforms to acknowledge those who go above and beyond delivering an unprecedented level of service.

Security Officer Appreciation Week, a US initiative, takes place from 15-22nd September. It’s an international week of recognition and provides the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the important security officers that keep people, and the workplaces and buildings they occupy, safe and secure.

“Our security officers work hard in often difficult conditions and at unsocial hours to keep people safe and our clients’ buildings secure. This is an opportunity for us to recognise their dedication to their work and thank them for their service,” said Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security. “In future years, we plan to build on the success of today by increasing the range of activities.”

Here’s what some of Corps’ clients have said about their security guards:

“I would like to put on record my thanks and personal appreciation for the work you are doing and especially for the support you have given me over the past five months. It is clear that you have taken a very personal interest in all operational aspects of the scheme and this is to the benefit of the company, the tenants, the owners and to me.” Head of a West End theatre

“Your security officer has proven himself to be an extremely conscientious and professional individual who has the best interests of all around him at the forefront of his thoughts. His work is pivotal to the security of the garrison site and his dedicated contribution and the level of support he provides cannot be underestimated.” Logistics Unit, HM Armed Forces

“You have some really impressive staff and their friendly support and enthusiasm to assist is a credit to Corps Security. I would not have achieved the many tasks I had in hand, were it not for the assistance of your security officers!” Exhibition organiser

“The expertise and advice of your security officers has been instrumental in securing the loan of the world-class and very high-value medal collection that is now on display. Thank you too for providing such a professional and smartly turned-out team to provide security for the opening ceremony – their contribution in calmly managing security, control of entry and car parking gave both my team and the local police great confidence.” Museum manager

/by

SPECIAL ALERT UPDATE!

‘Animal Rebellion’ planning to blockade Smithfield Market

It has been widely circulated through the media of the intention of a new protest group calling itself ‘Animal Rebellion’ to attempt to blockade City of London-based Smithfield Meat Market, during the period 7-21 October 2019.

How will this protest impact on our City of London customers’ colleagues and premises?

Following a Public meeting held by City of London Police (CoLPA) and attended by Corps Security’s Regional Operations Director, we can report the following:

  • Animal Rebellion, whilst linked with Extinction Rebellion, are a separate group with separate protest objections. Animal Rebellion (AR) intend to blockade Smithfield Market as a protest against Government Policy, with the aim of changing views on Cruelty to Animals and transitioning to more sustainable food sources. The Intention is to close the Market until Government respond to initial objective reported
  • This activity is planned to commence on 7th October, with AR stating that it plans to continue the protest until 21st October. AR are encouraging people to bring Tents, Food and Compost based toilets
  • CoLPA stated that as it is believed that AR activity is planned to peak around the Operational Hours of the Market Trading i.e. 0200-1000 Monday-Friday, CoLPA will be policing the area in increased numbers, during these hours, and have stated that the intention is to prevent the closure of the Market under any circumstances.
  • CoLPA, BTP and the Met are consolidating forces and, drawing upon experiences gained from the previous Extinction Rebellion protest in Central London, are prepared for smaller protests to break out across the City in support of this cause.
  • Currently preventative measures by police have already thwarted two potential threats in preparation for the protest activity

How may this protest impact upon the working day?

The numbers expected are unconfirmed but as a caution, CoLPA advised for the local area to prepare for a guide rate of 2,000-10,000 protestors. This will inevitably result in road closures and blockages, especially in the vicinity of the Market itself.

British Transport Police (BPT) have warned of possible major disruption at Farringdon Station, with possible closures. This is again based upon experiences learned from Extinction Rebellion’s previous activities.

Whilst most protestors will be focusing their attention on causing disruption at the Market, extra vigilance should be applied to managing access control.
Some protestors may attempt to gain unauthorised entry to places where there are possible links to their cause. In preparation, Access Control and lockdown measures should be strengthened. In addition, all persons (Security and other personnel) working throughout Central London should follow the TFL, and Police announcements on any impact on the Tube, Bus and other transport networks.

All site Security Control Rooms should be monitoring Sky/Breaking News around the clock.

 

It is also vital that measures are in place to alert the police via 999 calls (not 101) or panic alarms in real time.

We have been informed that a further briefing will be held on 1 October 2019, and we will issue further bulletins with updated information and intelligence as and when we receive it.

HMG’s terror alert status for the UK is detailed below:

The current threat level from international terrorism for the UK is now assessed as: SEVERE

The threat level for Irish related terrorism is set separately for Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Great Britain is set at MODERATE

In Northern Ireland it is: SEVERE

NOTE:

  • CRITICAL means that a terrorist attack is imminent
  • SEVERE means that a terrorist attack is highly likely
  • SUBSTANTIAL that an attack is a strong possibility
  • MODERATE that an attack is possible but unlikely

Everyone should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to the Police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline on: 0800 789 321

REPORT IT!

You may end up saving a life or lives… and there is nothing more rewarding than that…

The following telephone numbers may be useful:

Corps Security Central Support: 0141 847 2044
Specific advice on Counter-Terrorism matters: 020 7566 0516

Editor: Mike Bluestone MA CSyP FSyI

/by

5 minutes with… Pardeep Singh

What is your role at Corps and what does it entail?
I’m the Training & Development Advisor and my role involves working with colleagues across the business, to arrange and facilitate training requirements, such as first aid, SIA license training, and mental health awareness training. I also develop modules to add to our ‘Securing Excellence’ online training portal.

My role involves travel across our regional offices in the UK, delivering customer service workshops called ‘Welcome Host’. We host monthly workshops at HQ and also deliver workshops at our client’s premises, if required.

When did you join Corps?
I’ve worked at Corps now for nine years. Before becoming the Training & Development Advisor, I was a Compliance Administrator for six months and then the HR & Training Officer until 2017.

When did you start your career in security?
I started my security career with Mitie in 2008 as a Relief Security Officer, and progressed, gaining experience in a variety of roles, including Site Supervisor, Controller, and Licensing & Compliance Officer.

If you weren’t in security, what would you be doing as a career?
I actually graduated with a Business and Finance degree back in the late 90s and begun working in high street banks within the customer service department. Many banks started to really struggle after the credit crunch in 2007/8, so I had to change my route in life. I’ve been in security ever since! I think I’d still be working in the retail banking sector, maybe as a Bank Manager by now, if I hadn’t found my path in security.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite thing, I would say, is the people. I love travelling around meeting our colleagues based at our client sites and regional offices. In some big corporations’ staff are just a payroll number, here there’s a real friendly, family feel. Everyone’s door is always open, and you can talk to anyone.

/by

Our Social Values

We protect more than you think

There’s a lot more to Corps Security than you might expect. Yes, we are experts in security and we have over 160 years of experience. But we’re also experts in how to put sustainability and diversity at the heart of everything we do.

We are a Social Enterprise

>> ESG Report

>> Carbon Reduction Plan

>> Equal Employment Opportunities Policy

More Information

Accreditations

Corps Security Accreditations

About Corps Security

Built on over 163 years of experience and a clear social mission, we provide specialist security services tailored to ensure the safety of people and property.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, through the people we work with, the people we employ, the people we help and the planet we protect. Together we protect the things that matter.

Registered Office at 85 Cowcross Street, London EC1M 6PF.  Registered in England No. 03473589

Latest News