Corps Security Press Releases Archives - Page 4 of 7

Corps Security Wins Security And Fire Excellence Award For Diversity And Inclusion

Corps Security has been named the Diversity and Inclusion Champion at the Security and Fire Excellence Awards. The business was recognised for its strategy that extends the reach of Corps Together, its Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) taskforce which unites Corps ‘Guardians’ who oversee the company’s EDI vision.

As a service provider, Corps Security faces the difficult challenge of uniting a workforce made up of more than 3,500 colleagues who are spread throughout the country, operating on a variety of customer sites. Its EDI strategy is centred on two key actions set out by the taskforce:

To develop an inclusive company-wide culture, improving staff engagement whether on our sites or customer locations
To become a disability inclusive employer, which fosters a disability aware culture, supporting all staff with disabilities, mental health, wellbeing and access needs

The business was recognised for taking real action including the launch of seven Colleague Networks including Age, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, (Dis)ability, Faith, LGBTQIA+, Parent’s & Carer’s and The Women’s Network. Through these networks, Corps has created a platform to reach its diverse workforce and unite colleagues, while providing a space to raise awareness and take up key advocacy work in these areas.

It has also signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme and are one of the only major security providers in the UK to gain this accreditation. More than just a signatory, Corps is working to raise awareness through education, specifically for its leadership teams but also throughout client sites, enabling them to support colleagues and an inclusive environment.

Corps CEO, Mike Bullock, said: “At Corps Security, we are investing significant time and resources into promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Since its launch in 2020, the Corps Together campaign which coordinates much of our activity in this area has made huge strides and we are incredibly proud of the work we’ve done which is leading the sector in the right direction.

“We purposefully and intentionally practice inclusive excellence, creating safe spaces where colleagues, no matter how they identify, or celebrate their uniqueness, will always have an opportunity to be heard, supported, and valued as a member of our family.

“The Corps Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) value diversity and we are resolute in our ambition to create the very best place to work – for everyone. Our message remains the same – as a social enterprise, people are at our very heart.”

As well as being recognised with the Diversity and Inclusion Champion award, Corps Security also achieved the silver award in Outsourced or Contract Security Team of the year category, and two bronze awards in the Security Guarding Company of the Year and Best Company to work for categories.

The Security and Fire Excellence Awards recognise the very best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer. Its judging process is independently verified and endorsed by The Independent Awards Standards Council.

December 12, 2023/by Corps Security

Corps Security Press Releases

Corps Security Wins Two Year Contract With Centrepoint

Image Credit: Centrepoint

Corps Security has secured a two-year contract with Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity.

The contract, which commences on 30 November 2023, will see the security expert provide night concierge security and security guarding services to seven locations in London. While there is a strong emphasis on front of house security and safeguarding, the Corps Security team will do more than keep people and properties safe and secure – the 14 officers that are due to TUPE over from the incumbent will be the friendly face of the charity, offering a warm welcome to those who arrive at the supported accommodation. Following enhanced DBS checks, each officer will receive the latest safeguarding training to comply with updated regulations.

Centrepoint’s mission is to help the young people through support with mental and physical health, life skills and accessing education and employment, Centrepoint’s work is about empowering vulnerable young people. The charity’s ethos feeds into the security guard provider’s mission to protect the communities it serves.

Both parties are passionate advocates for the Living Wage Foundation, and the London Living Wage will be implemented into the contract at the new rate announced in October 2023.

These shared values underpinned Centrepoint’s decision to award the security contract to the social enterprise with a 160-year history of delivering social value. Another reason is Corps’ commitment to driving stigma change when it comes to mental health in security.

“We feel privileged to be working with Centrepoint,” said Mike Bullock, CEO at Corps Security. “This is an exciting win for us because we love working with charities, and this particular contract covers a large area of the city and will allow us to demonstrate our resilience. As a security partner that is focussed on delivering not just expertise but social value, we will do whatever we can to give back to this vulnerable community. We are already discussing ways we can collaborate outside of the contract, such as supporting the charity with job fairs and mentoring. For us, it goes beyond safeguarding and security excellence. It’s about protecting and improving lives.”

Ed Tytherleigh, Centrepoint’s Director of Services, added: “We awarded the contract to Corps Security because they share our values and want to improve the lives of vulnerable people. Corps’ personal touch during the tender process was fantastic – they were responsive, attentive, and proactive throughout. We’re looking forward to this next chapter and to working with a ‘people first’ security expert.”

To find out about the history of the UK longest service private security company, please browse our website.

November 21, 2023/by Corps Security

Corps Wins At OSPA’s – But It Isn’t All About The Winning

Corps Security is once again celebrating an award win, this time at the leading security industry awards, the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) 2023.

Corps – alongside our partners Moonhub – were delighted to win the Outstanding Security Training Initiative Award which was sponsored by the BSIA. Training is vital in the security industry, with officers required to upskill regularly to maintain their knowledge of the threats that face businesses and individuals throughout the UK. Our partnership with Moonhub brings the training alive by integrating essential training with world-leading virtual reality solutions. Alongside initial training, Moonhub is also able to create site-specific programmes that allow new and existing colleagues to train a virtual world that exactly replicates the conditions of our customer’s sites.

We are delighted to win this award, especially at such a crucial juncture for our industry as we prepare new learning and development to comply with the upcoming counter-terrorism legislation, Martyn’s Law / Protect Duty which is due later this year. Real-life scenarios will play a vital role in ensuring our teams lead the industry in counter-terrorism training, and we lead the way in ensuring the public, our colleagues and customers are offered the highest level of protection.

Well done to the whole team involved in this project – from both Corps and Moonhub.

It’s not all about the winning!

Corps Security was shortlisted for six OSPAs, but you can’t win them all and we commend the winners for the fantastic work they are doing to deliver security excellence and protect our society.

I want to take the time to celebrate our colleagues. Whilst the company was shortlisted, so were our colleagues individually. Whilst they didn’t win in their categories, they were up against the best in the industry and should feel proud to have been shortlisted for the work that do for our customers.

Daniel Baquero – CBRE / Channel 4: Shortlisted for Outstanding Young Security Professional

We were delighted to see Daniel Baquero – who works at the CBRE managed, Channel 4 site – shortlisted for Young Security Professional. Daniel is responsible for the security of all Channel 4’s sites, nationally. Channel 4 is a 24 hour operation, including live broadcast locations. Daniel has a background in intelligence, which made him perfect for this role.

Daniel is incredible organised and runs a tight ship. His management style, training skills and understanding of the complex threats associated with the client are second to none.

Daniel is a credit to Corps Security, CBRE and Channel 4 and in our eyes is already a winner – he doesn’t need a trophy to prove it. Well done, Daniel.

Lifetime Achievement

One final person I would like to take the time to champion and celebrate is Mike Bluestone CSyP FSyl – Executive Director of Corps Consult.

Our team secretly nominated Mike for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the OSPAs – he attended the award ceremony without any idea that he was on the shortlist. It was a highly contested award, and with great humility, Mike said that he was delighted for the winner who he had known for some time.

I want to take this opportunity to share some information about Mike.

Mike joined the professional security sector in 2007, becoming Director of Security Consulting at Independent Consulting Group until 2010. April 2010 saw Mike’s first role within Corps Security, where he joined the company as Director of Security Consulting. Mike has since held the title of Executive Director of Security Consulting in a newly formed area of the business, Corps Consult. Mike remains the cornerstone of the Corps Consult team, using his military and defence experience, alongside his professional and academic qualifications, to enhance the security review and consultation process for the UK’s longest-running private security company.

Throughout his career, Mike has spent many years contributing to raising standards and professionalism in the private security industry. An early Member and Fellow of the Security Institute, Mike spent four years on the Institute’s Validation Board and a further eight years on the Main Board, of which four years were served as Institute Chairman. He is now Chair Emeritus.

During his tenure as Chairman of the Security Institute, Mike led the team which developed and implemented the ground-breaking Register of Chartered Security Professionals in 2011. Mike has since spent over ten years as the CSyP Ambassador.

Mike has subsequently been involved as the Panel Leader for BS16000:2015 ‘Security Management and Operational Guidelines’, a role which later saw him appointed as the Chair of the Technical Committee under BSI SSM1/2. Additionally, Mike is a member of the BSI Security Strategy Group.

Mike has also been an active member of the ‘Skills for Security’ Working Group, which in 2012 updated the National Occupational Standards for Security Search Operations.

In 2013, in his capacity as a member of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Police and Public Services Section, Mike was invited to lead the development of the new BSIA Code of Practice for security Searches.

Mike’s community engagement goes beyond security into his other life passions, not least giving back to the Jewish Community.

I think it is safe to say that is a lifetime of massive achievement. Mike may not be holding a trophy, but he holds the respect of 3,500+ colleagues and Corps Security is all the better thanks to him. From all of us, thank you Mike!

Andy Topp

Sales and Marketing Director

March 8, 2023/by Corps Security

Corps Security Press Releases

Corps Strengthen Relationship With Capital City College Group

Corps Security and Capital City College Group (CCCG) are delighted to announce the extension of the partnership providing security to its colleges across the capital.

CCCG operates 11 colleges, and trains over 25,000 students every year. Corps has been the security provider to two of the key colleges and have just been granted a 3 year extension which will also see the security provision grow.

Beginning on 1st February 2023, the new extended contract with see Corps Security providing services for City and Islington College, The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London, and Westminster Kingsway College.

The contract secures the employment of the existing 30 strong team, with additional roles at CorpsSecurity for an additional 11 people who will transfer to the company as part of the deal.

It was the synergy with the vision and values of both businesses which CCCG cited as the reason for the strong partnership that has grown between the organisations. Corps’ Social Enterprise status and focus on people resonated with the team. As such, as part of the deal, all officers will be paid the minimum of the real Living Wage, and all current and new officers will have access to the high level of training and personal development that Corps provides colleagues as standard.

Chris Edwards MSyl, Regional Manager at Corps for CCCG commented on the extension: “I am delighted that the relationship with CCCG will continue for a minimum of another 3 years. Our team have worked closely with the CCCG team to ensure the security provisions are adapted and adjusted as the requirements of the sites changed. Our commitment to people was a really important element of this contract renewal. Additionally, our local community initiatives which we have launched in collaboration with the customer have been an ongoing success for both CCCG, its students and the people of London.”

To find out more about Capital City College Group, you can visit their website here.

To find out about the services provided by Corps Security, to learn about our Social Enterprise Status, ESG strategies and more, click here.

January 26, 2023/by Corps Security

Corps Security Blog, Corps Security Press Releases

Corps Stands By The U.N. 17 Sustainable Development Goals – Will You?

All United Nations Members adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. It provides an agenda to ensure peace and prosperity for people and the planet – today and in the future.

All United Nations Members adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. It provides an agenda to ensure peace and prosperity for people and the planet – today and in the future. The Agenda contains 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that recognise that ending poverty and deprivation needs to work alongside strategies to improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth whilst tackling the changing climate around the world.

The 17 goals are:

1. NO POVERTY

2. ZERO HUNGER

3. GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

4. QUALITY EDUCATION

5. GENDER EQUALITY

6. CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

7. AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY

8. DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

9. INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

10. REDUCED INEQUALITIES

11. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

12. RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION

13. CLIMATE ACTION

14. LIFE BELOW WATER

15. LIFE ON LAND

16. PEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

17. PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

How Corps Security is supporting the UN Goals:

Corps Security has been quite vocal about our strategies and goals around ESG. The past couple of years have seen us take significant strides to commit to ESG and report on our efforts. We have created a culture of continuous improvement by introducing an ESG steering group, engaging with customers on sustainable procurement in the supply chain, and engaging further with our mission to retain our carbon-neutral status.

Environmental:

Corps Security’s business model does not create an ideal environment to be carbon neutral, so we have engaged in carbon offsetting through a third party, Carbon Footprint Ltd to achieve Net Zero status by 2050. As our ESG Report details, we have made significant strides in improving our carbon footprint by streamlining our operations, switching to electric or hybrid vehicles, and continuing our hybrid working policy to prevent all colleagues from travelling to the office daily.

Social:

Corps’ social mission, the backbone of our business for over 160 years, has seen our company elevated thanks to our commitment to supporting UK veterans and reinvesting our profits to invest in our people. Coupled with that, Corps also fully endorses the real Living Wage, and our engagement with the Living Wage Foundation remains engrained at the board level of the organisation. Our most considerable success has been achievingSocial Enterprise status on the back of our work. We have also tackled diversity, inclusion and equity in our recruitment process and supported our diverse workforce with the continued growth of Corps Together.

Governance:

As our Social Enterprise status demonstrates, Corps Security’s business model is ethical and supports social change. Corps have no shareholders, pay no dividends, and all profits are reinvested to help our people or donated to our charity partner, Combat Stress. More importantly, Corps Security is engaging within our industry, with our customers, supply chain and external partners, to ensure we have robust practices that eliminate modern slavery, poor pay and working conditions and support ethical, economic growth.

What difference can you make?

As we evolve our ESG strategies, we will continue to align with the 17 SDGs to ensure our commitment to the Agenda of Sustainable Development remains a primary focus. As a Corps customer, you can be assured that your supplier has the required strategies and implemented procedures to support your own goals. If you are a supplier to Corps, you can also use our commitments and Social Enterprise status to improve your ESG results.

But the UN needs more businesses to understand and engage with the Agenda. You can see all 17 goals, and learn more about how you can get involved, here.

October 28, 2022/by Corps Security

Corps Security Press Releases

Corps To Work With Canary Wharf Security

Canary Wharf Group has appointed Corps Security to deliver security services across its retail portfolio. Under the three-plus-two-year contract, more than 80 officers will deliver corporate and retail security services.

Canary Wharf takes its name from the quay where fruit and veg from the Mediterranean and Canary islands was once unloaded. The disused Docklands site, formed by a loop in the Thames, was turned into a second financial district to rival the City of London in the late 1980s and 1990s. Today around 120,000 people work on the Canary Wharf Estate across 18 million sq ft of office, retail and leisure space, including more than 300 shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, fitness facilities and other amenities. There are 20 acres of outdoor space and over 70 pieces of public art.

The contract, which starts on 1 March, was won following a competitive tender, with Corps’ social enterprise status being seen as critical to its success.

Paul Lotter, managing director at Corps Security, commented: “We are thrilled to be working at such a prestigious site as Canary Wharf and look forward to creating a long-term and successful partnership.”

March 1, 2022/by Corps Security

Corps Security Press Releases

Social Enterprise Corps Security Wins Zurich Contract

Zurich, one of the world’s leading insurers, has appointed Corps Security to deliver guarding services across its UK portfolio which includes premises in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Swindon, Whiteley and Farnborough.

The three-year deal was secured in collaboration with Corps long standing partner leading global commercial real estate services provider CBRE and will see 27 security operatives deliver customer focussed security duties, all underpinned by an ethical, people first approach. Together Corps and CBRE will work to support Zurichs vision of delivering outstanding workplace facilities services, blended with expertional customer experience.

Established in 1872, Zurich is listed on Interbrand’s top 100 brands and employs over 4,500 people across a number of UK locations, delivering insurance products and services in more than 210 countries.

The company is one of Social Enterprise UK’s Buy Social Corporate Partners, with targets in place to embrace and actively work with social enterprises. The contract, which starts in February, was awarded to the Corps and CBRE partnership because of Corps Social Enterprise status and ethos which is aligned with Zurich’s commitment to environmental, social and ethical practices. In addition, Corps Security demonstrated an impressive track record in delivering innovation and technology that improves the customer experience, which is a key requirement for the insurance group.

Louise Sheppard Zurich’s UK Head of Workplace Services & Premises Sustainability comments:

‘‘At Zurich, we strive to drive positive social, environmental and ethical outcomes. As a Social Enterprise, Corps supports Zurich’s ambitions and understands the importance of putting people and communities at the heart of the business. The organisation’s values and sustainable practices mean they are our partner of choice for security services, and we are looking forward to seeing where our joint social value journey will take us.’’

Paul Lotter, managing director at Corps Security, commented: “We are thrilled to begin this contract with Zurich, and we look forward to creating a successful working partnership underpinned by sustainability and strong social value objectives.”

February 7, 2022/by Corps Security

Corps Security Press Releases

How To Manage Rising Costs In Your Security Function

Pay increases. National Insurance hikes. Record inflation. Labour shortages.

Businesses requiring security services are facing a perfect storm of challenges this year. How can organisations keep their buildings, people and assets safe without breaking budgets already under pressure?

April will see a 2.5% increase in National Insurance contributions, just as the minimum wage goes up by 6.6% to £9.50 while the Real Living Wage rises to £9.90 and £11.05 in London. All that at a time of record inflation which is seeing cost increases across the board.

All this is being compounded by a lack of available security officers to fill vacancies thanks to a widespread labour shortage which is pushing up wages even more. There are currently 1.1m vacancies in the UK and many security officer roles are not receiving any applicants.

Why has this happened?
A combination of factors has caused the current challenges.

Higher commodity prices and shipping costs are pushing up inflation which is resulting in upward wage pressure according to the OECD
National Insurance increases are to pay for health and social care
A third of the labour shortages is due to lower migration according to data from The Institute for Employment Studies
The Great Resignation: many older people are retiring earlier and younger people are choosing to travel, stay in education or start up their own businesses rather than enter the employment market
Up to 10,000 experienced officers are currently being used in quarantine hotels and Covid test and vaccination centres
Security is not seen as a first-choice career

How can businesses weather the storm?

We see two key solutions:

Blending people and technology – Security officers will always play an essential role in the security mix. But by using the latest security monitoring technology together with manned guarding, organisations can help to alleviate the cost pressure of wage increases and the current labour shortage while enhancing the resilience of their security function. To find out how much you could save by blending people and technology, use the Manned Guarding Savings Calculator on our website or speak to us today.

Decent pay – Paying the minimum wage is no longer enough. Experienced security officers can earn more working in less risky retail roles. Instead organisations should be paying the Real Living Wage to attract, retain and reward skilled people. Organisations need to be an employer of choice – somewhere people want to work and stay working for the long-term. We need to provide not simply a good wage but also incentives such as bonuses, enhanced training, flexibility and a great culture.

As the only major social enterprise in the security sector and a Living Wage Recognised Service Provider, we take pride in looking after our people. By working with us, you will benefit from some of the most highly-trained, experienced and loyal security officers, supported by the latest monitoring technology from our state-of-the-art alarm receiving centre in Glasgow. And our social enterprise status means that working with us contributes to your Buy Social targets as part of the Social Value Act 2012 ensuring your supply chain is diverse, ethical and sustainable. Talk to us today – reach out to our Solutions Support Manager Hayley Page on 020 7566 0541 or email hpage@corpssecurity.co.uk.

>> Download A Copy Of The Perfect Storm Leaflet PDF

January 20, 2022/by Corps Security

Corps Security Press Releases

Andy Topp Joins Corps Security

Corps Security has appointed Andy Topp as its new sales director. Topp will work with executive director Mark Rogers and the rest of the senior leadership team to broaden the company’s approach and develop new market sectors – particularly those interested in a more ethical approach to procurement now that Corps is a social enterprise.

Topp has more than 20 years’ experience in the security and facilities management industry, having held senior roles with Reliance Security Services, Securitas Security Services and ISS Facility Services where he was most recently national sales director – single service for 10 years.

Andy Topp said: “I am thrilled to be joining Corps Security. As the only major social enterprise in the security sector, it is completely unique, and I look forward to helping to grow the organisation and thereby increase its positive impact on the local communities in which it works.”

Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security commented: “I’m delighted that Andy is joining us and bringing with him a wealth of senior experience in our sector. His ability to work at both a strategic and tactical level to deliver results will be a significant boost to the team.”

January 10, 2022/by Corps Security

Corps Security Press Releases

Corps’ five predictions for the security sector in 2022

New years are always a time for reflection – a look back at the year past and considering what the year ahead will bring. While the Omicron variant is making for an uncertain start to 2022, we believe that five key trends will shape the security industry in the coming 12 months.

1. Decent pay: with the UK experiencing a serious labour shortage, we believe that there will be enormous pressure on organisations to pay at least the Real Living Wage (£9.90 and £11.05 in London) to attract people. Many businesses which want to attract high quality people are already paying significantly over that amount.

2. Strengthened focus on ethical procurement: following the Social Value Act 2012, more businesses are following the public sector’s lead and buying social – from organisations which have a social or environmental mission. Social enterprises – like Corps Security – and community interest companies will become an important part of the supply chain.

3. Increased integration of manned guarding and security technology: because of the labour shortage, the upward pressure on wages and advances in technology, many organisations will consider paying security officers more but reducing the number required. We’ll see security monitoring playing a greater role with advanced CCTV complementing officers on the ground. At the same time new technology, such as Corps’ VR security training through our partner MoonHub, will become more widespread.

4. More flexibility to react to Covid: Omicron proves that the pandemic hasn’t gone away. Over the past two years, security officers have had to continually adapt and that’s going to continue. Whether it’s keeping empty buildings safe, supporting a skeleton staff or becoming more mobile, the security sector will be kept on its toes to support our clients as they continue to adapt their businesses.

5. More focus on equality, diversity and inclusion: security is a diverse sector with people from many different backgrounds but to date there has been little in the way of focus on equality and inclusion. The labour shortage, and the associated need to engage talented employees, will see an increase in inclusion strategies, such as our Corps Together campaign to improve a sense of belonging.

January 4, 2022/by Corps Security

Corps Security Wins Security And Fire Excellence Award For Diversity And Inclusion

Corps Wins At OSPA’s – But It Isn’t All About The Winning

Corps Strengthen Relationship With Capital City College Group

Corps Stands By The U.N. 17 Sustainable Development Goals – Will You?

All United Nations Members adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. It provides an agenda to ensure peace and prosperity for people and the planet – today and in the future.

Corps To Work With Canary Wharf Security

How To Manage Rising Costs In Your Security Function

Pay increases. National Insurance hikes. Record inflation. Labour shortages.

Andy Topp Joins Corps Security

Corps’ five predictions for the security sector in 2022

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