We’re continuing our 5-minute series, where we celebrate our talented colleagues behind the scenes at Corps Security. This month, we have quality and compliance manager Sharon McLaren.
What does your role entail?
I manage compliance at Corps Security. This involves maintaining our accreditations, undertaking internal and external audits, and producing action plans to ensure statutory and regulatory rules are followed. My role is varied, one day I could be writing or updating processes as part of our Integrated Management System, the next I could be engaging with stakeholders. I also manage our carbon footprint and other environmental controls, to help us work towards our sustainability goals.
What roles have you worked in prior to joining Corps Security?
Stepping into this industry has been an exciting shift for me, as my career was in banking and finance. I honed my skills in some of the sector’s leading firms, serving as a mortgage adviser, financial adviser, and managing a team of 15 financial advisors as a regional sales manager.
My most recent position as a management information manager challenged me to craft detailed reports, implement effective controls to maintain oversight of global standards, and identify risks or shortfalls in service delivery. These roles demanded a sharp eye for detail, an invaluable skill that I carry with me into my current role.
Tell us about your journey within the company
I started working for Corps Security in March 2022 after leaving banking. I started in our Bristol office as compliance supervisor, ensuring legal compliance to BS7858 security screening for new starters. I managed the compliance administration team across the South, developed process and procedure improvements, and wrote systems guides. In October 2022, I was promoted to my current role of quality and compliance manager.
What steps has your development taken and how has Corps supported you in this?
Corps has been completely supportive in both the roles. In this role particularly, the company has funded two qualifications: one in internal auditing and the other in managing safely (an IOSH qualification).
I’ve always felt supported in my learning journey. In the early days, I had the support of an external consultant to help me understand the international standards, auditing, and environmental controls. As I progressed, I developed my knowledge in various sectors of sustainability. This led me to become an EcoVadis practitioner.
What’s been your biggest highlight/moment in your role?
Now that’s a difficult one to answer! There have been so many highlights, not only in how I have grown but how much I have learnt in the role. I still remember my first external audit, meeting our site-based colleagues and clients, representing Corps at award events, and even getting to meet Wolverine and Captain Marvel (if you know, you know!). Ultimately, they all involve working with a team of genuinely lovely people that want you to succeed.
What do you love most about working at Corps?
I love the opportunities available to support our charity partners. In April, I was part of a wonderful team who completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Combat Stress. I trained for the race over 3 months.
As my training runs gradually got longer, I began to struggle. I had to dig deep and remember my “why” for running in the first place. It was for a greater purpose, raising money for a charity that does essential work to support our veterans. Eventually, I came through the other side, and I knew I had achieved something incredible. It’s amazing what you can overcome with a challenge.
What helps you create a good work/life balance?
Although I work nationally, and can be travelling around the country, I can also work remotely from home. On the days I’m at home, I can take my youngest child to Sixth Form or go to the gym.
I’d have to say my dog gives me a good work/life balance. He will sit by my chair and nudge me, until I take him for a walk. It certainly motivates me to increase my daily steps on an app we’ve recently integrated across the business named Treekly –
What are the key ingredients to finding happiness at work?
To have a passion and purpose in what you do, and to see every day as a new chance to do your best.
