Archive for category: Corps Security Press Releases

Fiona Strens Appointed Chair Of Corps Security Board

Fiona Strens Appointed Chair Of Corps Security Board

Specialist security provider and social enterprise Corps Security has appointed Fiona Strens as Chair of its Board. Fiona has served as Non-Executive Director at Corps Security since 2021. Her role will begin in April, where she will succeed Chris Nickols, who steps down after serving his full term. Chris will stay on as a Non-Executive Director over the coming months to support Fiona’s transition.

Fiona brings a 30-year career spanning defence, security, public safety and resilience, with senior strategy and leadership roles across both the public and private sectors. Her work has consistently focused on delivering impact through innovation, collaboration and data-driven decision-making, including the application of AI.

She is a Professor and Centre Director at the University of Lincoln, where she leads the Centre for Defence & Security Artificial Intelligence (CDSAI). The Centre works to deliver advantage and resilience for UK national security, drawing on the capability and ambition of the University and its partners. She was previously Professor of Practice in Security & Resilience at the University of Strathclyde.

Fiona co-founded the AI-enabled video analytics company CrowdVision and led the business for ten years. Her career has also included senior roles within the Government, including the UK Ministry of Defence.

Fiona will head up the Corps Board comprising: Mike Bullock, Chief Executive Officer; Kathryn Fleming, Non-Executive Director; Chris Nickols, Non-Executive Director; and Paul Craggs, Chief Financial Officer.

Fiona Strens, incoming Chair of Corps Security, said: “I am delighted to become Chair of Corps Security following my contribution as Non-Executive Director for the past four years. The company can be proud of what has been achieved recently – a combination of growth and modernisation, while preserving the sense of purpose and ethos that makes this company so special. I look forward to working with the Board, CEO and wider team to accelerate and consolidate this progress, developing forward-thinking strategies that enhance security, efficiency and innovation for all our customers and strengthen the performance and resilience of Corps.”

Mike Bullock, Chief Executive Officer of Corps Security, said: “Fiona has been an integral part of the Corps Board since 2021, and I am thrilled to see her become Chair. Her breadth of experience across defence, security and resilience is invaluable. I would also like to thank Chris Nickols for his dedication over the last six years. Corps extends its sincere thanks for his contribution and commitment to the organisation, and we wish him well for the future.”

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Corps Security Achieves Platinum Status From Neutral Carbon Zone

Corps Security Achieves Platinum Status From Neutral Carbon Zone

Corps Security has been awarded Platinum certification by Neutral Carbon Zone (NCZ), upgrading from Gold status in its third year of working with the independent carbon assessment body. The security services provider recorded a total carbon footprint of 6,184.85 tCO₂e for the 2025 calendar year, representing a 19% reduction from its 2024 figures and a significant step forward in its long-term sustainability journey.

Between 2024 and 2025, Corps’ Scope one direct emissions fell by 35%, driven by the ongoing transition of the company fleet to electric vehicles, which saw company car emissions drop by nearly 39%. Scope two emissions from electricity reduced by more than 94% following the incorporation of renewable energy sources. Scope three indirect emissions, which account for the vast majority of Corps Security’s total footprint, fell by 18%, reflecting reductions across employee commuting and homeworking, purchased goods and services, and well-to-tank emissions.

When measured against revenue, the total carbon footprint per £1 million of turnover fell by over 29% between 2024 and 2025, from 65,919 kgCO₂e to 46,678 kgCO₂e, even as the business grew its revenue by more than 14%.

Achieving Platinum status represents the highest tier of NCZ certification, reflecting Corps Security’s high-detail carbon measurement and continued progress in reducing emissions year-on-year.

NCZ’s carbon footprint reporting recognises organisations that measure their full organisational and operational footprint in line with internationally recognised standards, including the WRI/WBCSD Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard and ISO 14064-1:2018. The assessment covers Scope one, two and three emissions.

Sharon McLaren, Quality and Compliance Manager at Corps Security, said: “This Platinum certification from Neutral Carbon Zone reflects the sustained decarbonisation effort from people across our organisation. Progress like this shows that our colleagues are equally committed to our sustainability journey, and our efforts are translating into clear results. We will continue building our sustainable practices aligned with our People, Planet, Purpose philosophy.”

NCZ identified several priorities for the next reporting period. These included further developing staff participation in commuting surveys to strengthen data quality, conducting more in-depth supply chain analysis to identify further efficiencies, and standardising energy and fuel data collection processes across the organisation.

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Corps Security achieves Corporate Ready Certification From Veteran Owned UK

Corps Security Achieves Corporate Ready Certification From Veteran Owned UK

Corps Security has been awarded Corporate Ready certification by Veteran Owned UK (VOUK), the UK’s leading directory of organisations owned by UK veterans. The certification recognises the security specialist as a verified veteran-owned business with the infrastructure and capacity to work with major corporate organisations.

As a business created to support injured servicemen returning from the Crimean War, receiving this status fully supports Corps’ social mission and its deep-rooted commitment to this community, which today makes up a significant portion of its UK-wide workforce.

The certification confirms that 100 per cent of Corps trustees are military veterans, exceeding the 51 per cent threshold required for the Veteran Owned Business designation. The Corporate Ready standard signifies that Corps meets VOUK’s procurement standards, qualifies to work with large corporate partners, provides confidence for supplier diversity spend, and is listed in a database used by corporate sourcing teams.

The accreditation builds on the organisation’s wider support for the military community. In 2021, Corps was awarded Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) gold status, and actively encourages its suppliers, partners and customers to demonstrate their own commitment to the armed forces community. Its Corps Veteran Association (CVA), established in 2022, is led by ex-services employees and provides camaraderie and a safe space for veterans to share experiences. The CVA ensures the company remains true to its military roots and leads on fundraising for a range of charity partners throughout the year.

Nigel Horne, Corps Divisional Director and Chairman & Co-Founder of the CVA, said: “Being recognised as a Corporate Ready veteran-owned business by VOUK is a powerful reaffirmation of who we are and what we stand for. Corps was founded in 1859 with a very special social mission – to provide meaningful employment for veterans returning from the Crimean War, and that commitment to the armed forces community continues to define us today. As a social enterprise, our profit is reinvested in our people and our purpose, with the veteran community remaining firmly at the heart of everything we do.”

Mike Bullock, Corps CEO adds: ‘’This formal, and very special certification confirms what Corps is all about and our unwavering dedication to veterans. Our Trustees have all served in the British armed forces and will continue to protect Corps’ social mission with true passion and the interests of our veterans at the forefront of everything we do. We are a diverse business and we hope our veterans, colleagues, partners and customers, both current and future, will value the significance of this milestone in Corps’ journey, as much as we do.’’

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Corps Security Appoints Non-Executive Director Kathryn Fleming

Corps Security, the social enterprise security specialist, strengthens its board by appointing Kathryn Fleming as Non-Executive Director (NED).

As an experienced NED and Chief Financial Officer, Fleming brings over two decades of senior financial leadership experience from complex, multi-entity organisations. She is currently the CFO of the Devonshire Group and holds an NED role at FRP Advisory, alongside being a Trustee of Hampstead Theatre.

Fleming has a proven track record of leading intricate financial strategies, modernising reporting systems, managing risks, championing data-driven decisions, and ensuring long-term stewardship of assets. Fleming builds and continuously improves financially resilient, future-fit organisations, with a particular focus on commercial finance, operational optimisation, investment oversight, and multi-stakeholder reporting. Under Fleming’s leadership, she has developed sustainable growth strategies across the legal, technology, security, retail and charity sectors.

With senior finance roles in both the private sector and charitable organisations, Fleming has led large-scale transformation programmes, strengthening financial governance frameworks, and overseeing significant capital and development investments. Her portfolio includes positions at Control Risks, Eversheds Sutherland, Marks and Spencer, and British Telecom.

Fleming will sit alongside the Corps board comprising: Chris Nickols, Chairman; Mike Bullock, Chief Executive Officer; Fiona Strens, Non-Executive Director and Paul Craggs, Chief Financial Officer.

Kathryn Fleming, NED of Corps Security, said: “I am delighted to join Corps Security. I have a deep-rooted passion for working with purpose-driven organisations, and Corps’ ethos as a social enterprise aligns strongly with my values. I look forward to contributing my experience to support Corps’ strategic development and further its mission.”

Chris Nickols, Chairman of the Corps Security board, said: “Kathryn’s extensive and wide-reaching experience as both an NED and CFO will be invaluable to Corps. We are thrilled to welcome Kathryn to the team and look forward to the experienced insight she will bring.”

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Corps Security secures three-year contract with Neovia Logistics

Corps Security Secures Three-year Contract With Neovia Logistics

Specialist security service provider Corps Security has secured a three-year contract with contract logistics provider Neovia Logistics following a competitive tender process. Ten Corps officers will provide estate security, security guarding, site support and searching services at the company’s distribution centre near Milton Keynes.

Under the contract, Corps will provide comprehensive security services for Neovia Logistics, which operates in a highly regulated environment requiring stringent security protocols to meet accreditation requirements on behalf of its clients. The contract will expand the site’s security provision to cover multiple access points across the site with a dedicated site cover team.

Neovia Logistics selected Corps Security for its strong account management structure and rollout plan proposed at the tender stage, clear regional support strategy, and its strong accessibility compliance. Neovia Logistics was also impressed by Corps’ ESG and DEI commitments and comprehensive operational protocols that aligned with the site’s specific needs.

Mark Williams, Site Support Manager at Neovia Logistics, said: “Security is paramount in our highly regulated operations. We were impressed by Corps Security’s comprehensive understanding of our needs and cost-effective approach. We are confident that we have selected the right partner to deliver the services our site requires.”

Dale Johnson, Regional Manager at Corps Security, said: “We are delighted to partner with Neovia Logistics to enhance its site security. This contract demonstrates our ability to adapt and meet the complex needs of highly regulated logistics environments, and we look forward to supporting Neovia Logistics’ complex operations.”

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Corps Security Achieves Silver EcoVadis Award

Corps Security Achieves Silver EcoVadis Award

Corps Security has received a silver award from EcoVadis, the independent provider of business sustainability ratings for over 150,000 companies. The rating places it among the top 15% of companies assessed by the organisation in the past year.

EcoVadis provides dynamic scorecards for organisations so procurement teams can monitor the sustainability performance of their organisations and trading partners. It scores organisations against four themes: environment, labour and human rights, sustainable procurement, and ethics. These themes cover the whole life cycle of a business under 21 subgroups, from the impact of product use and end-of-life, employee health and safety, diversity and discrimination, to anti-corruption policies and supplier environmental practices.

Corps gained two points from the previous year’s assessment and scored highly across all areas, achieving advanced weightings in environment, labour, and ethics, and a good weighting for sustainable procurement. To celebrate the improvement, EcoVadis planted a tree on behalf of Corps, through its partner One Tree Planted.

Sharon McLaren, quality and compliance manager at Corps Security, said: “Our improved score is testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible business practice. As a social enterprise, our mission is to balance commercial success with positive social and environmental impact, and this recognition from EcoVadis demonstrates that we are on the right path.”

Corps recently demonstrated its wider sustainable impact in its 2025 Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) report. The report detailed its Gold certification from independent sustainability reporting accreditor Neutral Carbon Zone, how 99% of all colleagues earn at or above the Real Living Wage, its ESG Scrutiny Group’s work, and its growing spend with social enterprises. The full ESG report can be read here.

About Corps Security:

The Corps of Commissionaires Management Limited (Corps Security), is a certified social enterprise that was initially created to provide employment for ex-servicemen on return from the Crimean War. Corps Security is the only major social enterprise security provider in the UK and has been providing dedicated security services for over 160 years. Services include security guarding, state-of-the-art monitoring, electronic solutions and security risk management reviews incorporating specialised consultancy services to deliver effective asset protection to organisations.

Corps Security is a Living Wage Recognised Service Provider and Corps Security’s CEO Mike Bullock is a member of the Living Wage Foundation’s Recognised Service Provider Leadership Group.

Corps Security supports military charities in particular Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), the UK’s oldest national tri-service military charity and BLESSMA, the limbless veterans charity. In 2021, Corps was awarded Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.

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Corps Security Awarded Prestigious Contract At The National Archives

Corps Security Awarded Prestigious Contract At The National Archives

Corps Security has been appointed as the new security provider for The National Archives, the UK government’s official archive and publisher, which holds one of the largest and most significant collections in the world.

The new partnership sees 12 new colleagues joining Corps Security. These dedicated professionals will be responsible for all security services across The National Archives’ Kew site, a public-facing, high-profile environment that combines heritage, education, and operational excellence.

The National Archives is home to over 1,000 years of iconic records, ranging from the Domesday Book to modern government documents. The site is not only an archival facility but also a busy destination for researchers, students, and visitors from across the globe.

Corps will deliver a tailored solution that balances robust protection with a strong customer-service ethos, reflecting the diverse user base of the Kew site. The service delivery will be underpinned by Corps’ commitment to social value, staff wellbeing, and inclusive recruitment, while embracing innovation in security operations.

Andy Topp, sales & marketing director at Corps Security, said: “We are delighted to partner with The National Archives to help protect the nation’s historical memories. This contract reflects our deep experience in working within the government and heritage sectors, which comprises some of the UK’s most treasured institutions, and our commitment to delivering professional, welcoming, and vigilant security services in distinctive locations across the UK.”

Mark Newman, head of estates and facilities at The National Archives, said: “We are looking forward to working with Corps Security and to building on and developing further our already excellent security services.”

About Corps Security:

The Corps of Commissionaires Management Limited (Corps Security), is a certified social enterprise that was initially created to provide employment for ex-servicemen on return from the Crimean War. Corps Security is the only major social enterprise security provider in the UK and has been providing dedicated security services for over 160 years. Services include security guarding, state-of-the-art monitoring, electronic solutions and security risk management reviews incorporating specialised consultancy services to deliver effective asset protection to organisations.

Corps Security is a Living Wage Recognised Service Provider and Corps Security’s CEO Mike Bullock is a member of the Living Wage Foundation’s Recognised Service Provider Leadership Group.

Corps Security supports military charities in particular Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), the UK’s oldest national tri-service military charity and BLESSMA, the limbless veterans charity. In 2021, Corps was awarded Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.

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Chris Middleton Appointed Director At The Security Institute

Chris Middleton Appointed Director At The Security Institute

Chris Middleton, director of major accounts at Corps Security, has joined the board of directors at the Security Institute. Middleton was elected on 8th July at the Institute’s annual general meeting and will serve a three-year term.

Securing the position after an election, Middleton is one of four new directors on the board. He will be responsible for the management of the organisation, its operations, and upholding its standards of corporate governance with his primary role to lead on frontline services.

Middleton began his security career 22 years ago as a frontline officer. Since then, he developed his skills across several senior positions before joining Corps Security in 2022 as director of major accounts. In 2022, he also became a Chartered Security Professional, representing the highest standards and ongoing proficiency in the industry. Middleton has served on multiple advisory boards and committees, including the British Standard Codes of Practice GW/3, the Security Industry Authority’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, the City Security Council, Security Minds Matter, the International Foundation for Protection Officers, and in the Security Industry Authority Trailblazer Group.

Securing the nomination because of his extensive experience, Middleton has a passion for positive change, a deep understanding of best practices, and a relentless drive to elevate members and the industry, positioning him to deliver meaningful impact at the board level.

Middleton said: “I have always been an advocate for the Security Institute. As a director, I want to help grow the membership and achieve strategic goals. I would also give my sincere thanks and gratitude to all the people who have advised and counselled me over my career: Former advisors, current colleagues, and my wife and sons. I am proud to have worked up from a frontline officer to a boardroom position and cannot wait to drive change throughout the industry.”

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Corps Security Launches Drone Security Service In Partnership With Security Drone Group

Corps Security Launches Drone Security Service In Partnership With Security Drone Group

Corps Security, the social enterprise security specialist, has launched drone security in partnership with the Security Drone Group, experts in advanced aerial surveillance and AI-powered security solutions.

The collaboration between Corps Security and the Security Drone Group brings state-of-the-art drone technology to enhance security provision across expansive and complex sites. This offers facilities and estate managers improved visibility, robust perimeter protection, rapid response capabilities, and operational efficiencies, all integrating seamlessly with an existing monitoring infrastructure, either on or off site.

The new drone security service features 28x digital zoom cameras for detailed area coverage and thermal imaging technology that detects heat signatures, making it ideal for day and night-time operations. The drones offer a comprehensive suite of benefits tailored to the demands of modern site protection:

  • A visible deterrent: Aerial presence actively discourages unauthorised activity before it starts.
  • Wider coverage, fewer blind spots: Drones seamlessly monitor expansive areas with minimal infrastructure.
  • Automated patrols: Schedule routine, consistent perimeter checks without manual oversight.
  • Live monitoring: Real-time video feeds streamed directly to nominated monitoring centres for instant visibility.
  • Rapid incident response: Immediate aerial deployment to breaches and perimeter incursions.
  • AI analytics: Provides insights for informed decision-making.
  • Proven ROI: Low operational costs and improved incident prevention deliver measurable savings.
  • A scalable solution: A platform that evolves with its environment, ensuring future-ready security.
  • Cross functionality: Support for facilities management practices such as assisting with roof or gutter inspections.

The new service follows three successful pilot drone trials conducted at a pharmacy retailer, a global retail sports brand, and a multinational steel-making company. During the pilot trials, advanced drone capabilities significantly reduced alarm response times, enabled full perimeter checks to be completed in minutes, and thermal imagery revealed previously undetected blind spots during night operations.

Andrea Strong, innovation lead & managing director at Corps Monitoring, said: “Security is evolving and drones are leading the change. Our solution with Security Drone Group offers a smart and safe solution that increases operational efficiencies. These drones proved comprehensive at their trial stage, and their capabilities include lightweight construction and environmentally responsible features such as low-noise propellers for minimal disruption, wildlife protection protocols, and solar-powered charging for sustainable operations.”

Jordan Morris, managing director at Security Drone Group, said: “Drone technology is a game-changer for security operations. Deploying drones autonomously, around the clock, with minimal human intervention, offers an unprecedented layer of situational awareness and rapid response. In collaboration with certified Civil Aviation Authority partners, we’ve ensured that this system not only meets but exceeds the safety and compliance standards required for critical infrastructure protection and perimeter surveillance.”

Read the full drone security service overview

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Corps Security Wins SFE Security Team Of The Year

Corps Security Wins SFE Security Team Of The Year

Pictured from left to right: Adam Sharman, contract manager, Corps Security; Dale Johnson, regional account manager, Corps Security; Scott Gilman, security operations manager, JCB HQ.

Social enterprise security provider Corps Security has won Security Team of the Year at the Security & Fire Excellence (SFE) Awards. The organisation won for its robust collaboration with J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB), where it developed strong Standard Operating Procedures in response to increased protests.

Held at this year’s Anticipate, the annual FM, fire, health and safety and security expo event, the SFE Awards celebrates the best people, projects and processes in the security and fire sectors.

In the face of ongoing public hostility and increased organised protests, JCB was approached by organised groups, some operating via online platforms. Corps Security has previously worked with the JCB security department to intervene, but as these incidents increased, they developed a new, more robust strategy, including social media protest tracking.

Corps was recognised for delivering its Standard Operating Procedure which focused on the teams’ knowledge and understanding of response procedures, and its regular testing of officers. It also deployed vehicles for mobile patrols and body-worn cameras, visual deterrents that enhanced response time and recorded vital evidence.

Corps’ internal consultancy team, Corps Consult also helped understand, plan and prepare the security response at JCB locations, using its social listening tool to track how JCB is featured in global conversations, predict possible events and proactively respond. Corps Consult also analysed the impact local businesses may have on JCB sites depending on affiliation and proximity. This information is routinely disseminated to all relevant stakeholders, so Corps and JCB can work together to respond to any threats.

Corps Security was also awarded Silver for the Diversity and Inclusion Champion category, Bronze for Security Guarding Company of the Year (over £35m turnover), and 3rd for Industry Choice Security Guarding Company.

Paul Lotter, managing director at Corps Security, said: “We are honoured to win this award and work with JCB, an organisation we share many values with. We provide high-level security services and analytics on relevant threats, but it is especially meaningful to work with an organisation committed to the safety of its community. We look forward to growing our collaboration.”

Scott Gilman, security operations manager at JCB World HQ – UK, said: “Corps has embraced the challenges of this contract, working collaboratively with stakeholders across our estate and providing us with enormous reassurance in its delivery of critical services. Our values, behaviours and culture align, to regularly demonstrate how we prioritise the wellbeing of employees. I am delighted that Corps has won this award, and look forward to the partnership continuing to grow.”

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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 166 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

>> EDI Survey 24-25 Action Plan Report

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About Corps Security

Built on over 166 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

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