A Message From Mike Bullock, CEO March 2023
Dear Colleague,
Well, March has arrived, the evenings are lighter a little later, and it feels like we are on the edge of some nicer, sunnier weather once this cold snap disappears. For some of you, I can imagine warmer weather would be welcomed as the impact of rising bills became a reality this winter. We know it is challenging, and we are all feeling it. Still, this newsletter offers an announcement of some additional support from Corps and some help and guidance around saving money if you feel you need it.
An improved Corps Connect is coming…
Corps Connect has always been an essential resource, no matter your role in the company. When you check your payslips, you will log in to Corps Connect. None of that changes however your new Corps Connect offers much more.
Following last year’s Your View Matters survey, we knew we needed to improve some things within the business that matters to you, such as communication from the company to you, recognition for your work, and more visibility of your company policies and the benefits of your employment.
I am delighted to say that a trial of a brand-new Corps Connect is underway now with a number of colleagues, with everyone else receiving their invitation to sign up in April. What should you expect?
In addition to your current access to payslips, holidays, and work schedule, you will now also have access to:
I want to thank the team behind the project under the joint leadership of Tony Frost (IT) and Magda Jablonska El-Aasar (HR). It is modern, fresh, easy to access – including on your mobile phone – and captures everything in one place. I look forward to your feedback and suggestions when it is launched in April.
The REAL Living Wage…
I mention this often, but it is of vital importance to many. Our mission to become a Living Wage Employer this year is well underway. We need to make some challenging moves to bring our vision to reality.
Our teams are working with our customers, who ultimately decide how much we get paid, to drive the importance of paying everyone the minimum of the Real Living Wage. The rising costs are hurting business as it is each of us, so these discussions are tricky and require some detailed negotiations, which will take time….but excellent progress is being made.
Any contracts negotiated with new customers requires all colleagues be paid at least the Real Living Wage. We are taking a strong position with customers if they cannot commit to fair pay for all. We will keep you updated up to and after the official increase date, which this year is in May
Giving Back – Fundraising, Volunteering and Community
Corps Security is one of the most giving businesses in our sector, and long may that continue. Outside of our charitable donations as a business, there are individuals across our company who are going above and beyond to support our chosen charity, Combat Stress, and other good causes that are important to them too.
March in March
Many colleagues are completing March in March for Combat Stress and walking 10 miles either in one go or during the month to to raise vital funds for life-changing mental health treatment for veterans with Combat Stress.
Our National Accounts team are literally going further…..in the most tremendous respect of her late majesty, it seemed a fitting tribute to honour her memory and raise awareness whilst raising well-needed funds for her veterans across the country. The group will walk the route of her final journey, starting from Westminster Abbey and finishing at her last resting place, Windsor Castle, passing several iconic landmarks along the way. The walk is approximately 23 miles long and is expected to take around 8 hours to complete.
Please show your support and donate or share the link below. Thank you!
https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/NationalAccounts
Tour de Corps
On the 10-year anniversary of the original Tour de Corps, in April 2023 a team are doing it all again – albeit starting at ‘the other end’!. This year’s cyclists are Rob Hill, Andy Topp, Scott Hudson, Dale Johnson, Carly Bedford, and Combat Stress’ Maggie Mills. The team will cover 1200 km (750 miles), beginning in Glasgow and visiting all mainland offices en route to our HQ in London. The course will involve nearly 10,000m of climbing as it winds through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Brecon Beacons over 7 arduous days.
If you can afford to donate, we know the team and the veterans supported by Combat Stress will be very grateful. If not, please share the link on your social media to encourage others to support this incredible fundraiser. Good luck, team!
https://events.combatstress.org.uk/fundraisers/tourdecorps2023
We want to hear from you…
The new Corps Connect will celebrate all the work you do in the community – whether a fundraiser or volunteering. The Corps Connect team would like your stories, and pictures, to feature in the new Giving Back area. Send your details to coommunications@corpssecurity.co.uk.
Finally, thank you for everything you do for us, your colleagues and our customers and wishing you a healthy and happy Spring.
Kind regards,
Mike
Mike Bullock
CEO, Corps Security