Corps Security’s Regional Director John Ford has mobilised with the RAF Police for a six-month tour to support the organisation during the Covid-19 crisis.
Ford, who has been an RAF Reservist for the past five years, is stationed at RAF Honington with 3 (T)PS and is now mobilised with 7 Sqn at RAF Brize Norton. His role is with the Air Transport Flight (ATSy) at the main Brize Norton terminal to assist with the screening and security of the passengers as well as monitoring air cargo to ensure it’s safe to board the aircraft for onward transport.
“The RAF Police asked for volunteers to help with the UK Covid-19 mitigation effort and I volunteered so I could play my part, albeit a small part compared to the NHS workers,” Ford said. “The RAF Police reserve is deployed to support and work alongside the regular RAF Police force during these unprecedented and worrying times. For me it was a straightforward decision to volunteer, as well as my duty and it’s what I’ve been trained to do.”
John joined Corps Security in 2014, and was appointed to Regional Director in November 2017. In his role, he leads the operations teams in the south region. John has over 20 years’ experience in the security sector having previously held senior national account management positions in a number of leading security companies before joining Corps.
“As an organisation which was set up more than 160 years ago to provide employment for service men returning from the Crimean War, we are committed to always supporting our armed services,” said Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security. “Enabling one of our RAF reservists to be drafted into regular service is a key part of that.”
Corps Security’s CEO Mike Bullock has been appointed a member of the Living Wage Foundation’s Recognised Service Provider Leadership Group. The news follows Corps joining the Living Wage Foundation’s Service Provider Recognition Scheme earlier this year as part of its drive to improve the pay and living standards of its security officers.
The Leadership Group was set up to influence the FM marketplace around the Living Wage Recognition Programme for service providers, advise on overall strategy relating to the Living Wage and service provider recognition and its promotion in the facilities management and outsourcing sectors. In addition to Bullock, who represents the security sector, the leadership group includes representatives from the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) the Cleaning and Support Services Association (CSSA), Sodexo, ISS, Facilicom and Carlisle Support Services. Up to 20 people can be members of the group and they serve for a three-year term. The group meets quarterly.
The move is part of Corps commitment to raise the standard of pay within the security sector. The organisation has committed to pay all its own head office staff the Living Wage and to always offer a Living Wage bid alongside every market rate submitted to prospective and current clients. This means the client always has the choice to implement the Living Wage at the point of tender and there is a pathway towards the Living Wage for the provider in place. Corps joins more than 140 other organisations which have made the same commitment to champion the Living Wage.
“As an organisation which was set up more than 160 years ago to provide employment for service men returning from the Crimean War, we are committed to always providing the highest standard of pay and support to our people. Joining the Leadership Group and representing the security profession is a key part of that journey,” said Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security.
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Mike-Bullock-From-Corps-Joins-Living-Wage-Foundations-Leadership-Group.jpg410600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2020-06-17 09:50:142020-06-17 09:50:31Mike Bullock From Corps Joins Living Wage Foundation’s Leadership Group
Corps Security has hired an archivist through the London Metropolitan Archives (LMA) to examine and catalogue the records of its 161-year history.
Dorota Pomorska-Dawid, archivist at London Metropolitan Archives (pictured above left), is delving through more than 20 metres of records held in the London Metropolitan Archives which includes iconic pieces such as letters from Florence Nightingale, former Prime Minister William Gladstone and royalty. The archive also includes records of each former soldier who joined the Corps, including their personal family information, the regiment they served in and any medals they were awarded.
Pomorska-Dawid reports to Diz Sollesse at Corps (pictured above right) who acts as the archive custodian. The aim is for the artefacts to be digitised so that they can be viewed by historians and all those interested in Corps’ history. The work will be completed by the autumn. Pomorska-Dawid previously worked on a project with the Guildhall School of Music’s archives and has worked for the LMA for more than 18 years.
At the same time, the history of the Corps of Commissionaires – the organisation’s previous name – will form part of Dr David Churchill’s, Associate Professor in Criminal Justice, Leeds School of Law, personal history of security project. The project, which could see a co-authored booklet about the organisation’s history, is scheduled to begin in the autumn.
“We are immensely proud of our 161-year history and Dorota and David’s work will enable us to share artefacts with all those interested in military history and Corps’ own past,” said Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security.
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Corps-Security-Appoints-Archivist-To-Digitise-Its-History.jpg410600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2020-06-03 11:40:142020-06-03 11:47:29Corps Security Appoints Archivist To Digitise Its History
Going into the City of London on a weekend is like walking through a ghost town. Almost to the point you’d forget it is home to much of the London skyline. The weather is wet, windy and wild, the streets are empty, and most shops are closed. Members of Corps Security have congregated opposite the Gherkin to grab a cup of coffee before uniting with the emergency services to work on Operation Eastern Cluster for the first time.
Operation Eastern Cluster is a chemical attack drill which looks not only at the operations of the emergency services, but also the role of Corps Security as the appointed security provider for the Gherkin and how collectively they would deal with a potential attack from within the building. It’s a test of danger identification, a test of effective communication and a test of site knowledge to ensure all parties are prepared about how to act and react during an urgent incident.
Danger identification
As the appointed security provider for the Gherkin, Corps Security is always the first port of call in the event of any emergency. The drill began with calls to Corps’ security officers in the control room from building occupants complaining of trouble breathing and irritated eyes after a scheduled contractor accessed the 27th floor. Identifying the details of underlying issues requires knowledge and precision from Corps’ security officers to recognise any potentially troublesome signs, understand the possible implications and take appropriate action without jumping the gun and causing undue panic. The benefit of Corps staff practicing what to look for means they are better prepared to deal with a real issue in a high stress situation. In the drill, once Corps’ officers had identified the contractor as the attacker, Corps tracked the individual through the building and shared surveillance between the security teams on the ground and the facilities management team. Corps’ officers distributed information quickly, effectively and accurately to reduce the risk of danger to people within the building and determine whether the emergency services needed to be called.
Effective communication
As Corps is the primary communicator with the emergency services it’s our responsibility to include all the necessary details and ensure 100% accuracy. There could be significant consequences if the information conveyed is incorrect. Corps’ role here helps the emergency services assess the situation and decide how to address it. During the training exercise all emergency services including City of London Police, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service were at the Gherkin within minutes and were fully appraised about where to enter the building thanks to Corps detailed briefing. The City of London turned into an array of sounds and sirens. Emergency services were met at the appointed fire door by Corps’ security officers who further updated them on injuries, fatalities, complications and the whereabouts of the attacker before the fire brigade made its way to the control room. These moments of effective, clear and accurate information sharing between Corps Security and the emergency services are pivotal to the successful outcome of an event. Communication is so crucial in supporting the emergency services respond to an attack and assessing how best to approach the situation ensuring limited casualties.
Site knowledge
Once members of the fire brigade were in the control room, it was down to Corps to share updated knowledge of the situation and the building layout including the best routes to access the specific floor and the location of people still present inside the building. By this point in the exercise, the communication channels had multiplied – verbally between our security teams and fire fighters, via walkie-talkie between fire fighters and the command unit and then back out to other members of the emergency services. As the primary communicator for dealing with any incident within a building, the role of security is vital. Security officers must make a fast and detailed assessment and provide clear, accurate and direction to the emergency services and support teams. Comprehensive site knowledge is critical and could be the make or break of a real-life event.
Corps has been working with City Security Council and the emergency services since November 2019 to prepare for this exercise. The exercise lasted several hours in order to ensure the strategy between all parties is completely sound and response times are fast, should such an event occur. Corps Security looks after many high-profile buildings which could easily find themselves as targets to such attacks in today’s climate. It’s essential a good support network is cemented, and processes are fine-tuned.
Training exercises like these are vital practice for all teams involved. They could make the difference between success and failure in a real incident. We will continue to work with City of London Police, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and City Security Council to ensure the upmost safety of the people and premises Corps protects.
“Who dares, wins. Who sweats, wins. Who plans, wins.” – British Special Air Service (SAS)
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Mitigating-Risk.jpg11251500Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2020-03-02 16:02:382020-03-02 16:03:27Mitigating Risk – Corps Security And The Emergency Services
Specialist security services provider, Corps Security, has achieved ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22301 and OHSAS 18001 renewal accreditations, reaffirming its commitment to the highest standards of management, sustainability, business continuity and occupational health and safety.
ISO 9001, the internationally recognised Quality Management System (QMS) standard, demonstrates the continuous improvement and streamlining of operations within Corps to reduce costs whilst raising standards.
The international standard for environmental management systems, ISO 14001, facilitates management of business at the highest environmental standard, going beyond compliance obligations to enhance environmental performance.
ISO 22301 for Business Continuity Management offers tools for an organisation to best understand, prioritise, and manage any possible threats which may interrupt business continuity.
Corps’ existing BS OHSAS 18001 accreditation has also successfully been migrated over to the new ISO 45001 international standard for occupational health and safety. This accreditation ensures the security services provider’s increased organisational resilience through proactive risk prevention, innovation, and continual improvement of standards within the organisation.
To achieve recertification in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22301 and OHSAS 18001 (now ISO 45001) Corps Security underwent an extensive company-wide audit that included a series of systems developments, audits, assessments and reviews.
Mike Bullock, CEO at Corps Security said: “We are delighted to have these accreditations renewed once again. They highlight the fantastic work our staff carry out in the day-to-day management of the organisation, and the continual improvement and innovation we seek in our safety, sustainability and management standards at Corps Security.”
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Corps-stacked-accreditations.png1039835Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2020-01-16 13:16:152020-02-24 09:34:32Corps Security’s Commitment To Quality, Sustainable Management And Health & Safety Is Reconfirmed With ISO Accreditations
As 2019 comes to a close, we reflect on the recent breakfast event that Corps Security hosted with the IWFM at Goldsmiths’ Hall in St. Pauls, which was centred around future fit security. Corps Security alongside Eclipse, a provider of digital security and drone detections to businesses around the UK, and CombatStress, the UK’s leading charity for veteran’s mental health, discussed the latest threats in London, the impact of drones and the mental health of security officers. This was a ticket only event and all proceeds went to Combat Stress, in aid of supporting ex-veterans with mental health conditions. The event raised a total of £483.28 for Combat Stress. So, thank you to everyone that attended.
Mike Bluestone, Director of Corps Consult, Corps Security, kicked off the event by discussing organisational resilience, including the ability of an organisation to absorb and adapt to the multi-methodological tactics used by terrorists. As well as the increasing threat of terrorism, he also touched upon other mainstream threats we face today including organised crime, single-issue activism/political extremism and antisocial behaviours. A lot of people create a character stereotype for certain types of crime but it’s important to remember not everybody will meet this profile.
To remain vigilant to threats, it’s critical that businesses increase the number of tests and drills, such as penetration tests, to reduce tailgating into buildings and remain suitably prepared. Either the tests will successfully prove that individuals are unable to gain access to the premises or, it will highlight where an organisation needs to improve in order to avoid potential threats entering their buildings. Having a rigorous business continuity plan in place, regular audits, practice lockdowns and evacuations can help improve the safety of staff and prepare organisations for potential threats. Businesses can have a better chance of resolving issues if they remain aware of what’s going on around their premises by repeating these tests.
Mike’s presentation also covered opportunistic moped crime, which seems to be ever more prevalent in the UK. Looking at the types of moped attacks that have happened over recent years, Mike advised guests to urge their staff not to use phones while walking, where possible, to mitigate the risk of possessions being stolen by those on mopeds.
Neil Mochan, Independent Security Consultant for Eclipse, went on to ask the audience if drones were a friend or foe? With six million commercial drones in operation in the UK, there is a clear trend towards broad drone ownership, but blurred lines in how they are used. Many drones are used for commercial photography, filming and agriculture, as well as being used by online empires such as Amazon for deliveries. However, the growth in the use of drones is a real threat to public safety, as they are now also reportedly being used by terrorists in the battlefield or to smuggle goods into prisons. Teenagers have been able to turn drones into weapons and even children as young as eight have been able to engineer them to drop a six-inch bomb. Astonishingly, 1,000 drones can be operated from one controller, meaning multiple drones can be used for criminal activity, at exactly the same time, by a single individual, from anywhere.
So, what is the solution? How do we control the use of drones? Neil explained that some countries have looked at jamming the communication to drones, causing them to fall out the sky. Others have attempted training birds of prey to catch the drones. These methods have proved to be unsuccessful and are actually illegal in the UK. Drones are often safest when they are up in the air and could do more harm if they fall from the sky. In the UK, security companies have been looking at the progression of drone technology and advancing with it to understand how they work, and implement effective safety measures, such as embedding software which restricts them from flying into certain areas.
The last speaker of the morning was, community occupational therapist, Charlie Alkin, from Combat Stress, a charity that aids ex-veterans with mental health conditions. There are a large number of veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress and we sadly learnt that 71 veterans committed suicide in 2018.
With so many veterans in the security industry it is essential the right measures are in place to support mental health. Security officers work unsociable hours, often in isolation so they have even more limited opportunities to be able to talk about how they feel which could be a trigger for poor mental health. It’s important for organisations to create a culture where people can share how they’re feeling with their managers and ensure support is in place for staff to be able to talk openly. Charlie highlighted the most effective way of implementing this is mangers leading by example.
On average people say “I’m fine” 14 times a week, but only mean it just one fifth of the time. Actively giving employees “time to talk” can increase the chances of a more meaningful response to the question “how are you?”. This gives employers the opportunity to support improving and maintaining the positive mental health of their employees.
As only a quarter of men feel able to talk to friends and family if they feel stressed, Charlie reiterated how human-to-human support is vital and detailed how Combat Stress is constantly innovating to come up with new initiatives that organisations can take on. Mental health training for military champions across the UK is just one example.
One thing is for certain, the way security teams work to keep us safe will continue to innovate and evolve at pace to provide effective defence against the rise of new threats. It is absolutely fundamental that security companies ensure they look after the wellbeing of their staff in the process.
And there you have it. A complete round-up of a very informative and insightful event over bacon butties and coffee, wrapped up in one post!
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/breakfast-event.jpg396750Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2019-12-23 08:04:032020-02-24 09:50:21Breakfast Event Hosted By Corps Security – Is Your Security Fit For The Future?
Corps Security has been re-awarded its contract with Walsall College for a further five years following a competitive tender. The ongoing partnership involves static guarding, control room management, patrolling, front-of-house and student services assistance across all four campuses.
Walsall College, based in the Midlands, has been rated outstanding by Ofsted and is the largest provider of courses in the borough. The college’s main campus is in Wisemore, with other sites in Green Lane, Whitehall, Cannock and Leamore.
A team of 16 officers, as well as a dedicated security manager, will continue to work across the sites.
Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security, said: ‘I am delighted to be delivering security services to Walsall College for a further five years. We have built strong working relationships with the organisation and look forward to continue to work with them.’
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Walsallcollege-logo.png4001100Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2019-11-20 11:37:492020-02-24 09:55:32Walsall College Renews Security Partnership With Corps Security
Following a competitive tender process Corps Security has been awarded a three-year contract to provide security services to Registers of Scotland at Meadowbank House, in Edinburgh.
A team of 10 officers will provide guarding services with a focus on front-of-house, customer service, CCTV monitoring and patrols.
Registers of Scotland is the public body responsible for compiling and maintaining registers relating to property and other legal documents in Scotland.
Mike Bullock, Chief Executive of Corps Security, said: “We are delighted to be working with such a like-minded organisation. Corps Security is a trust which was set up to provide employment for ex-servicemen returning from the Crimea. We share values with Registers of Scotland and look forward to working closely together.”
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Registers-of-Scotland.jpg7501000Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2019-09-30 15:24:382019-09-30 15:24:38Corps Security to deliver security services to Registers of Scotland
The role of the security officer has evolved dramatically as a result of cultural shifts and the global impact of terrorism. Traumas of 7/7 and the devastating attacks on London Bridge and Borough Market have changed the way security is implemented across the world, especially within high risk capital cities. It’s now more critical than ever that security services are agile and remain ahead of the curve.
The pace of technological advancement has also had a considerable impact on enhancing security solutions for the varying requirements of today’s organisations. Electronic security and monitoring solutions monitored by centres like Corps Monitoring safely deliver 24/7 security surveillance, removing the risks for manned guards.
Electronic smart task devices elevate accountability as they log and guide patrols in real time, prompting officers to make important security checks. Officers book in and out at each location and must follow the safety checks before they can move on to the next area. This ensures all points are vigilantly monitored which reduces the risk of error.
Officers now also have access to real time workforce apps that provide a platform to raise concerns, communicate with management, and access HR information at the click of a button. This facilitates knowledge sharing, connects the workforce and streamlines processes.
Gone are the days when a security officer was a silent figure that watched from the doors of a building. The role of the security officer is much broader than a decade ago and is now a unique blend of security and front of house services. As well as a need for optimum vigilance and awareness due to the hostile threats the world faces today, tech, language and interpersonal skills are in demand.
Not only does Corps offer comprehensive security and premises training, each officer also completes client induction training so they can successfully present themselves as brand ambassadors by embodying client values. The presence of social media delivers a wealth of management information that clients can use to measure their facilities management services. One bad Google review from a disgruntled visitor can damage a client’s reputation and raise concerns about the service provider in question, so this heightens the demand for a high standard of customer service from security personnel.
Corps Security operates in a large portfolio of London’s flagship tourist destinations, so staff are also briefed on all the local attractions. Corps also goes one step further to up the ante on customer service and includes multi-lingual tourist information and maps in security officers’ pocket site guides.
The evolution of the role of the security officer has been significant in recent years and this will continue. Technology will continue to influence the role and the industry will undoubtedly move into more of a technical solutions environment supported by manpower. As clients become more pressured with budgets and demands to operate at more efficient levels, collaboration with monitoring centres will be key.
Whatever the future holds, security personnel must be agile with a hunger to learn and develop as the industry evolves.
https://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Sub-advert-Environment.jpg412600Corps Consulthttps://www.corpssecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/05/Corps-Security-Logo-Est-1859.svgCorps Consult2019-08-23 13:30:472019-08-23 13:31:40The Role Of A Security Officer: A Constant Evolution
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