Corps Security Blog Archives

5 Minutes With Gillian Bunclark

For the latest edition of our “5 minutes with” series, we sat down with Gillian Bunclark, TrackTik System Administrator. She spoke about her career journey, the decade she has spent working at Corps, achieving a distinction in a full-time data course, and why having a supportive team is key to happiness at work.

What does your role entail?

As TrackTik System Administrator, my role varies day to day. I oversee our TrackTik system, a cloud-based security management platform by Trackforce. It helps manage our workforce, operations and compliance, so it is a critical part of the running of our business.

The most continuous part of my role is auditing the system, keeping it accurate and intuitive for users. I train all new admin users on the system and work as the bridge between Trackforce and Corps Security to resolve any issues and optimise our user experience.

What roles have you worked in prior to joining Corps Security?

I left school at the age of 17 after being accepted into a training programme with a global technology company. I spent 15 years working there across various roles within the business.

My main role was working as an out-of-hours call manager. I was one of the subject matter experts for our high-profile clients and it was my job to make sure our extremely tight deadlines were met. I loved how fast paced it was. I typically had just a few hours to organise an action plan, and send parts and engineers to fix the issue. This could be made much trickier when the client was in another country!

In 2016, I entered the security industry when I joined Corps at the central support team, and the rest is history.

Tell us about your journey within the company

I was initially a Relief Scheduler, so I answered the phone, organised schedules and completed other administrative duties. After a few months, I was offered a full-time position as a dedicated scheduler for the London teams. I built up a lot of knowledge doing these roles, particularly as someone new to security.

I became supervisor for the scheduling team, and soon after, we brought in TrackTik as our new Time & Attendance system. I’m one of those people who likes to know the real ins and outs of systems, so I immersed myself in learning everything I could about TrackTik, and I naturally fell into my current role.

What steps has your development taken and how has Corps supported you in this?

I have always been lucky with supportive colleagues at Corps. I can get quite settled in my comfort zone, but Margaret Dalziel, my manager at the time, offered me the position working with the London teams. It was that first nudge I needed to get back into learning and developing my skillset for the industry. Every manager I’ve worked with since then has been the same, and I have always felt supported.

In 2024, I completed a full-time data technician apprenticeship. It was an intense, full-time course, and I was proud to achieve a distinction grade. I would have never been able to do it without the time and support I was given from my management team.

What’s been your biggest highlight in your role?

Being awarded a distinction grade for my apprenticeship is 100 per cent my proudest achievement since joining Corps. There were definitely moments where I thought there was no way I’d complete it. In my youth training programme, I completed dozens of college courses and two modern apprenticeships, but I never thought I’d be studying and writing essays again 20 years later.

It was completely worth it. It’s never too late to learn a new skill!

What do you love most about working at Corps?

The people I work with are just fantastic. I love my Corps colleagues. Being a people person is definitely a big part of my role, and I work with people at every level of the business, which brings an interesting variety to my work.

I also love the history of Corps, and how rich its heritage is. We had a great presentation a few years ago of Corps artefacts and historical documentation throughout the years. It showed me how far back our history actually goes, and that it meant so much to people that they kept all this information and data for over 160 years.

It makes you feel part of something bigger, and it helps that Corps really looks after its people. Something like the real Living Wage means the world to officers, and it makes a massive difference, especially in the world we live in now.

What are the key ingredients to finding happiness at work?

Having a good, supportive team around you to be there for the good, the bad, and the ugly is so important. You need people you can talk to about absolutely anything without judgment, and I’ve been lucky to always have that at Corps.

What helps you create a good work/life balance?

I have developed a great work/life balance by finding a hybrid working pattern that works for me.

I am also a very organised person. On a Friday afternoon, I’ll take 10 minutes to look at my calendar for the next week and make sure everything is where it needs to be. I also schedule in my breaks and make sure that I take time away from my desk.

This helps me work efficiently, so it doesn’t eat into what matters: time with family and friends.

Read more of our “5 minutes with” series, and if you are interested in working with us, please get in touch.

March 19, 2026/by Corps Security

Corps Security Blog

Corps Innovation Day 2026: Value Isn’t What You Know, It’s What You Share

Earlier this month, we welcomed security experts and industry leaders from across the UK to Corps Security’s 2026 Innovation Day at The National Archives in Richmond, Greater London.

The historic landmark holds over 1,000 years of heritage, including some of Corps Security’s own past, so it was the perfect reminder that in order to innovate, we must reflect on how far security has come and the impact that our officers have had throughout our 167-year history.

Sharing knowledge

Mike Bullock, CEO at Corps Security, opened with a powerful reminder: “Value isn’t what you know, it’s what you share”. That was the ethos of the entire day, bringing together the installers, security experts, and innovative solutions that will shape the future of our industry.

Paul Lotter, Managing Director at Corps Security, spoke about our social value achievements this year. We became a Living Wage Employer in 2019, and are proud to say that today, over 95 per cent of Corps colleagues earn the Living Wage. We also ranked in the top seven per cent of security companies globally with our EcoVadis Silver status. Innovation is driving change across Corps, but we remain a people-first business and take pride in meeting sustainability goals that protect our people and our planet.

Neil Shanks, Director at Corps Intel, discussed our newly launched intelligence services. Corps Intel offers services from weekly intelligence reports to bespoke threat alerts and dedicated analysts. Intelligence is more than just giving clients a rundown of threats, he explained, it has to answer the “so what?” and deliver actionable guidance.

Innovations in action

RISK was up first to demonstrate its metal detector arches. These are modular and portable structures that are designed to be set up in under five minutes and can detect metal objects down to the size of a pound coin. They have been deployed largely in educational institutions, but also in embassies and at sporting events.

The team put their money where their mouths are and set up a five-minute timer to prove that it could be done – of course, they passed with time to spare.

PPSS Group introduced its lightweight stab vests. Weighing in at 1.5kg, the vests also have a ten-year guarantee – double the lifespan of other Kevlar vests. They are ISO-accredited for knife, spike and blunt force protection with zero penetration. The team put blunt force protection to the test with a baseball bat, which simply bounced off the vest.

Beespace then took the stage to showcase its security sensors. They use LoRaWAN, wide-area networking, to perform checks of areas of 80-90m that save security personnel performing site-wide checks of low-use areas. The sensors also integrate with an AI facilities manager that automates patrol reports and temperature monitoring.

Finally, Security Drone Group demonstrated its fully-automated drones. These can operate 3km from their docking stations, performing perimeter checks and identifying intruders with thermal imaging and AI-powered smart tracking. They can also deliver audio warnings through pre-programmed messages or can connect to monitoring centres where operators can deliver live messages.

Ethical innovation

Mike Reddington, CEO of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), highlighted its work on ethical facial recognition. When draft bills threatened an outright ban five years ago, the BSIA published the first legal and ethical guide to facial recognition technology in 2021. “How do you open your phone or use passport gates?” Mike asked, arguing that there is already social acceptance but that we need transparent governance.

A panel discussion then explored robotics and emerging tech. Aron Kisdi from Autodiscovery explained how robotics remove people from harm while humans operate remotely with better intel. He explained that tech can provide that first line of defence and inform officers with camera footage and location services. He also spoke about the risk that tech can break or be damaged by intruders. He commented that regulations need to catch up, and affordability remains key for early adopters.

Another line of defence discussed was PanicGuard’s domestic violence response devices. They can trigger police arrival in under eight minutes and are able to gather video evidence for court. This, coupled with Mike Reddington’s insight on facial recognition, showcased a future of advanced solutions designed to protect the general public, as well as private sites.

Comprehensive solutions

Comprehensive site security means addressing the details people often overlook, like secure storage for spare keys, or protecting mail deliveries. Failing to address the basics alongside innovation threatens the safety of your site.

Loxal Security Ltd. presented its secure lock solutions, which are backed by a 15-minute attack test. They can generate daily 7-digit codes and come in various sizes to hold dozens of keys. Parcel Tracker showcased its mail management software that helps organisations track, log and securely hand over deliveries. Radiocoms Systems Ltd. demonstrated cellular network devices that integrate with fire alarms and CCTV.

There were other advanced solutions showcased such as AiLert, software that detects weapons via cameras and connects to monitoring systems, and Aura UK’s keyholder services that use algorithms to identify and communicate with the officer closest to a reported incident in just six seconds.

Having a well-protected and connected team is key to ensuring the safety of not only the site, but the officers operating in it as well.

Innovation in the future

Security innovation means more than staying steps ahead of advanced threats. Industry experts must consider where technology can be best integrated with current roles, and which areas need new capabilities to adapt to the increasingly complex threat landscape.

A key theme throughout the day was that no matter how sophisticated technology is, human decisions will always remain central to driving change in the industry. Our monitoring centre is aided by innovative technology, but it is our operatives who answered 14,000 calls and handled 242,000 alarms in January alone.

By sharing knowledge, our industry benefits from the joint expertise of leaders and innovators. We must remain agile and aware to protect our partner sites and the general public. It was a pleasure to host our Innovation Day at The National Archives, and we are proud of our industry’s spirit of collaboration.

If you are interested in learning more about Corps Security, Corps Monitoring, or Corps Intel, please get in touch with our team.

March 2, 2026/by Corps Security

Corps Security Blog

Celebrating 167 years of Corps Security

Today is Corps Security’s 167^th anniversary, marking another year of supporting customers with proactive security solutions and expertise. On this milestone, we reflect on our heritage and our founding mission to provide meaningful employment for veterans.

Since our foundation, our work has significantly expanded – we prioritise social value as a social enterprise, advocate for the Real Living Wage, engage in fundraising initiatives and have deepened our partnerships. We’ve also expanded our services by relaunching our intelligence and consultancy business, Corps Intel, in January.

But despite all these changes, we still stay true to that original mission, to support active and ex-service members both within and outside of our organisation. In our 167^th year, our focus is on our Corps Veteran Association, as well as innovations that equip customers for the challenges of tomorrow. This, coupled with our ESG advancements and continued work with our charity partners, gives us reason for celebration.

Innovative offerings

This past year was a year for innovation at Corps. Relaunching Corps Intel advanced our services to help organisations navigate uncertainty and act with confidence in a complex and interconnected risk landscape. Intel’s intelligence, specialist risk management and tailored consultancy services now include a wider range of external experts and analytics offerings.

In 2026, Intel will continue its collaborative approach to provide actionable intelligence and information using verified data to identify threats, risks and vulnerabilities, all to aid clients’ decision making.

In 2025, we also launched our drone security service in partnership with Security Drone Group, which offers greater visibility and rapid response across complex sites. Our innovation steering group also developed a partnership with RISK Metal Detectors to improve lightweight transportable arches for educational institutions and sporting events, enhancing safety for students, visitors, staff and officers.

In November, we held the first of our Risk and Resilience event series in Glasgow. Neil Shanks, Director of Corps Intel, discussed the current threat landscape and overlooked threats facing and within organisations, like outdated equipment in the network and phishing attempts on employees.

Recently, we also hosted our 2026 Corps Security Innovation Conference at The National Archives. The day featured live demonstrations, supplier stands, and Q&A sessions on the most pressing issues facing the sector. It was a chance to connect with industry peers and offer a comprehensive overview of our services and expansion plans.

Sustainability highlights

In 2025, we were recognised for our commitment to exceeding sustainability goals. We earned Gold Certification from Neutral Carbon Zone, reducing total emissions by 7.15 per cent compared to our 2023 baseline. We also achieved a silver award from EcoVadis, an independent provider of sustainability ratings. We were judged under 21 subgroups and gained two points from our 2024 assessment.

Our 2025 ESG report highlights other achievements from throughout the year. Our Glasgow and Bristol offices now run on green energy tariffs, and we’ve installed EV charging points at our London and Glasgow locations. Additionally, 15 out of 42 company vehicles are electric or hybrid, compared to just four in 2023. Increasing awareness of our carbon footprint has allowed us to make meaningful changes across the business, and we are dedicated to exceeding targets to make Corps more responsible every day.

Supporting the veteran community

This past year, we’ve kept up our engagement in charity events, fundraisers and Corps Veteran Association (CVA) events for the Armed Forces community. We were honoured to host the Commissionaires Canada for Remembrance weekend. They joined us in parading past the Cenotaph, at our annual ceremonial luncheon, and we visited the Brookwood Cemetery to honour fellow commissionaires by laying wreaths at the UK and Canadian memorials.

We also remembered our colleague Darrell Jacques, who passed away earlier in the year after 25 years of service with Corps. We saved a place for him in the formation and at the luncheon table.

Remembrance is always a special time for Corps, and this past year it was especially poignant to remember those lost within our team and connect with our international colleagues. Corps Monitoring Managing Director Andrea Strong also shared her personal reflections on the importance of remembering those we have lost.

The CVA also marked the 81^st anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, with members walking 27 kilometres and raising £1,360 for Rhondda Sea Cadets. The team also honoured the 80^th anniversary of VE Day with charitable events, including a dinner supporting Blind Veterans UK.

Corps’ founder, Captain Sir Edward Walter’s mission to support soldiers returning from the Crimean War remains a core value of our organisation. We are proud of the CVA’s ongoing work, to provide specialised recruitment pathways, mentoring programmes, and professional development opportunities for those transitioning to civilian life.

Focuses for the next year

Today, the threat landscape has evolved beyond what could have been predicted by Captain Sir Edward Walter. But we will always be committed to equipping our officers and customers with the tools and knowledge to keep sites and visitors safe.

We would like to thank our colleagues for their dedication this year, as well as our partners and customers for their ongoing support.

If you would like to work with us and learn more about the security, monitoring, and intelligence services, contact our team of security experts. If you would like to learn more about the CVA, please visit our page.

February 12, 2026/by Corps Security

Corps Security Blog

5 Minutes with Mark Taylor

In our latest “5 minutes with” blog, we spoke to Mark Taylor about his journey from becoming a security officer at 21 to National Accounts Director. Mark reflected on what his role requires day-to-day and what he values about working at Corps Security.

What does your role entail?

I provide strategic leadership across our national accounts portfolio, overseeing contract performance, regional operations, and the development of long‑term client partnerships. My role centres on navigating complex client environments and responding effectively to emerging challenges.

While some aspects are reactive, a significant part of my work is dedicated to proactive planning and shaping the future of our service delivery. This includes leading on initiatives such as new service integrations and technology rollouts like drone deployments, to ensure our clients receive high‑value, future‑ready solutions.

As the lead for our National Account Managers, I guide the team’s directions and strengthen relationships with senior stakeholders across our national portfolio. I focus on equipping the National Account Managers with the insight, capabilities, and tools to deliver service excellence.

Operational delivery is the baseline expectation. The real value comes from shaping the vision, anticipating client needs, and defining what comes next for our team in terms of innovation, strategic development, and long‑term account growth.

Another important aspect of my job is figuring out how to grow and sustain accounts. That, alongside keeping accounts running smoothly, requires a lot of juggling priorities to keep everyone happy at the same time!

What roles have you worked in prior to joining Corps Security?

I began my career as a personal security officer at 21, which gave me a deep, ground‑level understanding of the industry I’ve committed to for decades. That frontline experience has shaped how I lead today.

I progressed into managing security contracts and then into national account leadership, where my focus is on large, multimillion‑pound portfolios. I’ve overseen programmes for major brands – including BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Westfield, and Co‑op – driving performance, resilience, and long‑term growth.

Before joining Corps, I was an Account Director for a major facilities management provider. I have operated across multiple sectors, including highly regulated environments such as defence, while directing multi‑million‑pound accounts.

Alongside long‑term portfolios, I also led complex short‑duration projects and events, notably delivering security for Westfield Stratford City’s Olympic gateway, where I coordinated around 300 personnel per day over a five‑week period on site.

Working both for the government and privately gave me a strong grasp of the security industry across retail and corporate sectors. I have been able to bring diverse skills to my role at Corps, where I saw room to personally develop while supporting its large, nationwide accounts.

Tell us about your journey within the company

I joined the team in September 2022 as National Accounts Director. While I’ve been here, I’ve seen huge growth across the accounts. We have taken on key relationships, improved our processes and embraced advancement. I’ve also helped lead technological advancements at Corps. For drone monitoring, I worked directly with the supplier, Security Drone Group, to take our services to market. Though a significant undertaking, it has helped Corps adapt and innovate in this rapidly advancing industry.

What steps has your development taken and how has Corps supported you in this?

Corps offered me one-to-one executive coaching opportunities, and I have found that it has helped me understand my own personality type, how I am perceived in the workplace, and my leadership approach. I have quarterly catch-ups discussing what went well, which challenges I faced, and focusing on how my emotions were managed throughout. Honestly, it is the most valuable training I’ve ever done, because it pushes me to be a better leader and colleague for my team.

What’s been your biggest highlight in your role?

Retention and strategic growth remain my highest priorities. Our National Accounts division has recently secured two major media contracts worth £10 million, and playing a key role in achieving this expansion has been incredibly rewarding. It reflects the strength of our client relationships, the confidence the market has in our delivery, and the forward‑looking approach we’re building as a team.

Being part of that team and supporting my colleagues is what gives me true happiness at work, though. Working with Account Managers to roadmap and strategise their development, both personal and professional, has been a huge highlight of my work at Corps.

What do you love most about working at Corps?

I genuinely value the culture here, it’s what gives real purpose to my work. There’s a strong sense of mutual respect, and we actively celebrate each other’s successes. It’s not a competitive environment where people try to outdo one another; instead, it’s forward‑thinking, collaborative, and built on true togetherness.

Our work as a social enterprise is also important to me. It helps drive our supportive culture and means our workplace thrives on lifting each other, which can be hard to come across. Hard work and great results are clear at all levels, and that is really encouraged by Corps’ people-first perspective.

What are the key ingredients to finding happiness at work?

Balance is fundamental for me. Knowing when to put in the extra effort is valuable, but it’s even more important to recognise when to step back, switch off, and trust that what you’ve delivered is enough. Growth is another major driver. I take real pride in the projects I’m involved in, and seeing them come to life is hugely motivating. Those moments of delivery and impact are what give the work real purpose.

Equally, recognising success matters. It’s easy to celebrate when we fix a problem, but we should also appreciate the times when everything runs smoothly or when a new installation lands perfectly. Valuing your own contribution and acknowledging the work of colleagues is essential to progressing and creating a positive, high‑performing environment

What helps you create a good work/life balance?

Finding the right balance is essential. Busy periods need to be offset with quieter weeks, and navigating those peaks and troughs takes a clear understanding of project timelines. It’s a discipline, but an important one. I make sure to build that balance into my routine by working from home one or two days a week.

Corps gives me the autonomy to manage my own schedule, and I try to use that flexibility intelligently. I also plan dedicated admin days, because you can’t rely on finding five spare minutes during a hectic week. Sometimes you have to proactively carve out the time.

Read more of our “5 minutes with series.” If you’re interested in working with us, please get in touch.

January 20, 2026/by Corps Security

Corps of Commissionaires Retirement Benefits Scheme Statement of Investment Principles November 2025

Corps Security Blog

Corps of Commissionaires Retirement Benefit Scheme – November 2025

In accordance with regulations surrounding pension schemes, the Trustees of the above Scheme have prepared the following documents as part of their fiduciary duty:

Corps of Commissionaires Retirement Benefit Scheme – Statement of Investment Principles – November 2025 PDF >>

January 13, 2026/by Corps Security

In This Edition Of Our “5 Minutes With” Series, We Speak To Amy Wilkinson, Content Manager

Corps Security Blog

5 Minutes with Amy Wilkinson

For the latest edition of our “5 Minutes with” series, we sat down with Amy Wilkinson, Content Manager. She spoke about her expertise, how that has shaped her role within Corps Security, and balancing a busy work life with parenthood.

What does your role entail?

As a Content Manager, I work with anything and everything involving writing. If it needs written words, I’m there, and I love it. I mostly work on major bids, which is really exciting, especially when we’re pitching for contracts with much-loved, iconic brands. I also write case studies, award nominations, web content, brochures, and internal-facing resources.

An especially important responsibility for me is showcasing the work of our frontline colleagues. In my eyes, security is another emergency service, and they deserve recognition for the incredible work they do. I spend a lot of time developing award nominations to further that visibility.

What roles have you worked in prior to joining Corps Security?

I started my career in sales and, in 2008, took the role of Sales & Marketing Coordinator for a major security and aviation services provider, which was my first step into the security industry. Here I was enabled and encouraged to work across both sales and marketing, and spent some time in client-facing roles, but always loved the writing element of my work and the buzz of a sales environment. I was based in a bustling central London office working across both operational teams and support departments, which kept me incredibly busy!

Tell us about your journey with Corps Security

After having my first child, I knew I needed a change, so I joined Corps in 2019 as Bid Manager. In 2021, it was decided that a reshuffle was on the cards to make the most of the incredible skills we had across the team. So I moved into the role of Content Manager, to focus all my energy on telling the Corps story. This transition has allowed me to get involved in all kinds of written content that brings value to our organisation and the communities we operate within.

What steps has your development taken and how has Corps supported you in this?

Corps is very focussed on developing colleagues, and I’ve been given full support in achieving my ambitions. I’ve taken part in loads of different courses, including creative writing, which was fun. In the not-too-distant future, I’ll be kicking off my Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) qualification, which will really elevate our bids and help me support the team with best practice processes.

What’s been your biggest highlight in your role?

Where do I start? The progress I’ve seen across the company in the last six years has been mind blowing!

During my time with the business, we’ve worked on some incredible opportunities and have secured some game-changing contracts. Seeing our team’s hard work pay off will be an ongoing highlight for me.

Back in 2021, I supported with the process of becoming a certified Social Enterprise, which was a huge moment for the business. I was also one of the initial Corps Together Guardians and worked with Seetan and the team to launch the initiative. This will always be a standout achievement for me, and I’m proud that I contributed to Corps winning the first EDI initiative award at the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs).

Awards in general are always a highlight. In 2021, I wrote our nomination for the Covid Lockdown Hero category at the 2021 Fire & Security Excellence Awards. When we won, we were all over the moon. It was a special moment to be recognised for protecting and supporting our brilliant colleagues.

What do you love most about working at Corps?

There really is no other organisation like Corps in our industry. I truly live and breathe our history, heritage and social enterprise status. These qualities make our work really matter, from our ongoing work with veterans to contributing to local initiatives and charities close to our social mission.

I also cannot let my team go without mention. We are like a family and genuinely love each other. You have to believe in the business you are working for and having a super strong team that works well together and advocates for one other is crucial.

What are the key ingredients to finding happiness at work?

Believing in your employer’s mission is key. My biggest dealbreaker is a company that doesn’t match my own values. There must be integrity and a commitment to doing the right thing. Corps certainly has both, but these qualities can be surprisingly hard to find.

What helps you create a good work/life balance?

Understanding the peaks and troughs and planning accordingly. Use downtime effectively to recalibrate and make sure you are ready to go again.

As a mum, coming to Corps was a breath of fresh air for me and has helped me achieve a better balance. I work from home which enables me to be there for my boys and arrange my time to both meet deadlines and support my family. I don’t think I could be the parent I am without Corps. Mike Bullock and the rest of our senior management team sets that tone of support right at the top. I know that Corps is dedicated to supporting my work, my team, my work-life balance, and my growth.

December 5, 2025/by Corps Security

Corps Security Blog

Corps Security Wins Double At 2025 Security And Fire Excellence Awards

Corps Security celebrated a double win at the 2025 Security and Fire Excellence Awards, held on Monday, 1 December at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London. The social enterprise was recognised in two categories: Inspiration in HR, and Security or Fire ESG Initiative of the Year. In both categories, Corps was praised for its people-focused strategy that directly supports business success and profitability.

The Inspiration in HR award praised key initiatives, including the management development programme, the £45,000 investment in its internal colleague portal, along with a further £20,000 in colleague reward and recognition, and the online Talos 360 recruitment platform. The organisation’s 5.11% attrition rate was praised for being well below the industry average, along with 59% of colleagues having over five years’ service. The judges noted how the team’s use of technology and data-driven approach has a measurable impact, with 70% of colleagues strongly agreeing that HR keeps them informed and involved.

The ESG Initiative of the Year award recognised Corps Security’s comprehensive approach to environmental, social and governance priorities, underpinned by its people, planet and purpose values. Judges commended the organisation’s ambitious net zero targets and meaningful social impact. Achievements celebrated include a 7.15% reduction in carbon emissions, with 36% of its vehicle fleet now electric or hybrid, Neutral Carbon Zone gold certification and EcoVadis silver accreditation. The judges also recognised Corps’ commitment to the Real Living Wage, with 98.8% of colleagues now paid at or above this level, and its partnerships with veteran charities, including a £100,000 donation to Combat Stress in the last financial year.

Paul Lotter, Managing Director of Corps Security, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive these two awards, which recognise the hard work and dedication of our teams across the business. Our HR colleagues, led by HR Director Magda Jablonska El-Aasar, work tirelessly to create an environment where people feel valued and supported. Our commitment to ESG, led by Quality and Compliance Manager Sharon McLaren, also reflects our purpose as a social enterprise: to support the communities and environment we operate within. These awards demonstrate that we’re doing right by our people and our planet.”

December 4, 2025/by Corps Security

Corps Security Blog

Risk and resilience: The importance of proactive preparedness

We recently held the first of our risk and resilience Scottish event series at the Scottish Engineering headquarters in Glasgow. It created a space for attendees to discuss their major pain points, strengths and understanding of the current security threat landscape facing their organisations.

Neil Shanks, Director of Corps Consult, outlined the practical steps businesses can take now to enhance their resilience against attack. He framed his speech around two major elements: spotting a threat before it arrives at your door, and having the correct procedures in place to deal with it effectively.

Setting the scene

Installers, Corps’ customers, and organisations curious about enhancing their security measures gathered at our event space, Scottish Engineering’s Glasgow HQ.

Mind Management Coach Cuddy Cudworth hosted the session and the closing Q&A, providing a unique insight into mental and physical employee health, an often overlooked factor that can have a detrimental effect on organisational security.

Armed with breakfast rolls, teacakes, tea, and coffee, attendees heard from Neil Millar, Security Solutions Manager, about Corps’ history and expertise, and from our partner, Scottish Engineering, on its membership organisation work.

Neil Shanks then took centre stage and started with a sobering statistic: 40 to 60 per cent of businesses never reopen after a natural or man-made disaster. That statistic might seem startling, but as Neil noted:

“A business is only as strong as its weakest point. 99% of a business continuity plan can be great, but if 1% isn’t, that’s where you will fail.”

The fourth industrial revolution

Today, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly accessible, providing instant access to knowledge and skills that previously took years to acquire. When this technological power is combined with misinformation and disinformation, it spreads rapidly through social media. In this era, threat actors are empowered to create confusion that can disrupt operations and damage reputations.

As systems become more technologically advanced, their complexity also introduces new points of failure. A single outdated or poorly secured device on your network can pose a significant vulnerability, potentially giving threat actors access to your wider systems. With an estimated 18 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide, the scale of this challenge is unprecedented.

Even your seemingly innocent smart devices, such as printers or vending machines that automatically reorder stock, may sit on your IT infrastructure alongside critical systems like access control and CCTV. Their interconnectivity means one weak point has the potential to compromise everything.

Your people, intellectual property, and physical security systems all form part of this interconnected landscape. From exposed CCTV cables that can be cut to staff members targeted by phishing attempts, every element requires attention.

Protecting your intellectual property must be your top priority: your inventions, designs, processes, and ideas are the lifeblood of your business. If any of these elements are compromised, they can undermine your entire operation.

Steps your organisation needs to take next

Building resilience is not a one-off task: it’s an ongoing process that strengthens your organisation over time. Start by identifying your crown jewels, such as intellectual property and IT systems. Keep a hard copy of your continuity strategy. If your systems go down, your plan must still be accessible. Diversify your operations by creating backups, alternative supply routes, and cross-training teams to break down silos.

Apply the Preparedness Cycle to embed resilience into your organisation:

Develop your plan
Train your people
Evaluate what works and what doesn’t
Revise and repeat

Remember, risks are interconnected and rarely exist in isolation, so you must adopt a unified approach across people, departments, processes, and technology.

Roadmap for the future

An ever-evolving threat landscape requires an ever-evolving preparedness plan. The question is not whether your organisation will face a threat, but when, and whether you’ll be ready to respond effectively.

Don’t know where to start? Contact Neil Millar, Security Solutions Manager, to find out more about how your organisation can prepare against these risks, and our upcoming risk and resilience event.

The next of which will be held in Edinburgh, in early 2026.

Email: nmillar@corpssecurity.co.uk
Mobile: 07980 769180

November 28, 2025/by Corps Security

Corps Security Blog

2025 Corps Remembrance Weekend: Commemorating Those We Lost

November is a time of remembrance throughout the UK. Many of us come together, wear a poppy to support the Royal British Legion, engage in fundraisers, and honour those who bravely fought and died for our country.

It also serves as a poignant reminder not only of sacrifice but of our responsibility to support the approximately two million veterans across the UK.

Between Friday 7^th and Tuesday 11^th November, we welcomed colleagues, the Corps Veterans Association (CVA), and the Corps Security Commissionaires for Remembrance weekend. We were especially proud to host our friends from our Canadian contingent, Commissionaires Canada, which was founded in 1925 and modelled after the British Corps of Commissionaires.

On Remembrance Sunday, our colleagues and guests gathered in Whitehall to parade past the Cenotaph, attend a ceremonial luncheon, and raise toasts to honour those we have lost, which you can read about in our previous blog.

Armistice Day

Armistice Day has been held since 1919 to commemorate the end of the First World War, at eleven in the morning, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. It is marked by a two-minute silence that allows us to pause, reflect on the catastrophic loss and lasting impact of the war, and the brave men and women who gave their lives for our safety.

On that day, Corps representatives gathered at the burial ground in Brookwood Cemetery to lay wreaths at the graves of our Commissionaires. Our Commissionaires gathered in their ‘Full Shout’ military style uniform, which originates from that worn by the early operational staff of the Corps of Commissionaires.

The ground has been home to Corps since our foundation in 1859, when Captain Sir Edward Walter established our organisation to provide employment opportunities for veterans returning from the Crimean War.

It includes the resting place of over 580 original Commissionaires, their spouses and children, as well as two holders of the Victoria Cross, Sergeant William Kenny and Lance-Corporal James Hollowell.

Though not buried there, Captain Sir Edward Walter is also commemorated with a prominent granite obelisk.

Supporting our veterans

For many veterans, the security profession offers a natural career path. The discipline, composure under pressure, teamwork, and leadership skills developed through military service translate well into security roles. That is why approximately 10 per cent of our current workforce are ex-military personnel.

The journey from military to civilian life can, however, be complicated by many factors, including the conflicts they have experienced and their impact on physical and mental health, family responsibilities, and the translation of military qualifications into civilian credentials.

No one deserves to face that transition alone. The CVA was designed to provide a space for veterans and their families to connect, share experiences, and honour their service together. They are deeply involved in all our remembrance events and veteran fundraising events throughout the year.

Our ongoing work

Today, we collaborate with ex-military recruitment organisations and partner with charities such as Combat Stress, which provides clinical treatment and assistance for veterans with mental health issues. We also work closely with SSAFA, which offers welfare advice and practical help for serving personnel, veterans and their families. During our March in March 2025 challenge, our National Accounts team raised over £10,000 for Combat Stress.

In May, the CVA also presented a donation to the Lancashire Army Cadet Force at its Fulwood HQ in Preston, to support the Friends of Lancashire Army Cadet Force charity.

The CVA has received wider recognition for its work, including the Bronze Award for Employer of the Year at the English Veterans Awards in 2024. It was most recently a finalist for the Most Impactful Community Programme at our service provider Reward Gateway’s Appreciation Awards.

Honouring those who served

Remembrance is not just for a single weekend in November; it is a reflection that should guide us throughout the year. The courage, sacrifice and service of those who came before us should continue to drive our support of veterans, their families and the communities around them.

As we continue to work closely with veterans, expand the reach of our Corps Veterans Association and our charitable partnerships, we must never forget and always remember those who gave their lives in service.

Find out more about our veteran support on our Corps Veterans Association page, its LinkedIn page, and our Remembrance Sunday blog.

November 17, 2025/by Corps Security

Corps Security Blog

Living Wage Week 2025: The Difference It Makes

From the 10^th – 16^th November, Living Wage Week is the annual celebration of the Living Wage movement, run by the Living Wage Foundation. First launched in 2001, the Living Wage campaign advocates for everyone to earn in accordance with increasing living costs.

Corps Security is proud to be one of the 16,000 employers committed to providing the Real Living Wage (RLW). As a Living Wage Recognised Service Provider, we are committed to paying all directly employed members of staff the RLW or above, and advocate for it in every client bid. As of today, 97 per cent of our colleagues earn at or above the RLW. This year, the Living Wage Week theme “The difference it makes” highlights how the day-to-day impact the wage has on people’s lives.

What the difference means

Earlier this month, the Living Wage Foundation announced that the RLW will increase to £14.90 (a 6.9 per cent increase) in London and £13.45 (a 6.7 per cent increase) across the rest of the UK. Every year, the independent body of the Living Wage Commission calculates the wage, based on a public consultation method called the ‘Minimum Income Standard.’

The increase has a significant impact on every worker as we tackle the ongoing high costs of living. For security officers, our CEO, Mike Bullock, who previously co-chaired the Recognised Service Provider steering group, reflected on the impact it has:

“We proudly continue to champion fair pay across our industry and urge all employers to join us in ensuring colleagues are paid a wage they can truly live on.

“Security officers working on the front line face a unique set of challenges. They are often the first responders in emergencies, managing everything from public safety incidents to medical situations. Their roles demand vigilance, resilience, and the ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.

“Ensuring that security officers receive fair pay through the Real Living Wage recognises the critical role they play and provides the financial stability and respect they so rightly deserve.”

Advocating for change

As the Living Wage Foundation’s toolkit outlines, competitive tenders often involve a race to the bottom, with providers trying to offer lower rates than competitors. Acknowledging that our officers provide an essential service to businesses should also mean acknowledging that they deserve fair wages, especially during competitive tenders.

Advocating for the RLW at each client site also improves our business: those who earn it are more likely to stay, and it improves productivity, meaning that we provide better services to our customers.

Find out more

Paying the Real Living Wage clearly makes a difference to the everyday lives of service workers, including cleaners, caterers, hospitality workers, and, of course, security officers.

Living Wage Week runs from the 10^th to the 16^th of November, with events happening up and down the country for people to gather, raise awareness and discuss the changes their organisations are making.

Find out more about our work as a, or read our latest news and stories

November 10, 2025/by Corps Security

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