Tag Archive for: Armed Forces

Posts

Corps Security secures contract with Salvation Army Homes

Corps Security secures contract with Salvation Army Homes

Social enterprise security specialist Corps Security has been appointed to deliver guarding services for Salvation Army Homes’ supported housing project, Bruce House, in Westminster. Two dedicated security officers will be based on site, supported by a wider relief and cover team. Corps Intel will also provide consultancy and intelligence services.

The contract builds on Corps’ previous work at Bruce House, coupled with its strong track record of working with supported accommodation providers. This sector experience allows the team to deliver a consistent, capable service that understands the specific environment and needs of the people within it.

Bruce House accommodates vulnerable residents in a supported housing setting, making responsible and community-focused security delivery a central requirement of the appointment. Corps’ officers are trained to approach their work with empathy and an understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring a security provision that supports the welfare of those living and working at the property.

Both Corps and Salvation Army Homes have longstanding commitments to supporting communities, vulnerable people and the Armed Forces. Salvation Army Homes selected Corps due to its social enterprise status, Veteran Owned Business accreditation, and experience in supporting vulnerable communities.

Philip Smith, Regional Manager, London and South East for Salvation Army Homes, said: “Security at a supported housing site requires more than physical presence. Corps’ community-focused approach reflects our values and high level of care. Their experience at Bruce House and commitment to the people they serve made them the right choice going forward.”

Chester Barnes, Security Solutions Manager at Corps Security, said: “As a social enterprise, we share a philosophy with Salvation Army Homes to support and reinvest in the communities we serve. Together, we will run Bruce House with empathy and understanding at the forefront. We are excited to explore what this partnership can grow into.”

Founded in 1959, Salvation Army Homes is a specialist housing services provider owning over 4,100 homes across England. The organisation provides supported accommodation, general needs homes and older person homes, helping individuals and communities access safe and stable housing.

/by
ARMED FORCES DAY 2022: Celebrating our ex-military colleagues

ARMED FORCES DAY 2022: Celebrating our ex-military colleagues

Armed Forces Day is significant in the Corps Security calendar. It underpins the very reason we exist as the oldest security company in the world and as a social enterprise. When Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 with the social mission to provide gainful employment to servicemen returning home after the Crimean War, it was the beginning of a lasting commitment to the Armed Forces.

While the world around us has changed in many ways, the need for dedicated servicepeople who sacrifice so much of themselves to protect our country remains. Equally, the physical and psychological effects that Service can have on Forces personnel are still ever-present. So, it is vital that we continue with our social mission to support our Armed Forces.

Returning to civvy street

With approximately 3% of the UK workforce currently made up of veterans, we are proud to have a significant number of our own Corps colleagues as ex-service people. We maintain close partnerships with Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, and SSAFA, the armed Forces charity, to offer tailored support for the ex-military community as they reintegrate to civvy street.

Today in particular, we celebrate our own ex-service colleagues and the wider Armed Forces community for their bravery and dedication to keeping our country safe with a roll call of some of our Corps veteran colleagues.

Roll call

Terrance Moore served in the Royal Irish Regiment from 1985 to 1997 before leaving service and beginning a career in security. Now a security relief officer at Corps, Terrance believes its Corps’ unique military feel and understanding of the challenge of returning to civvy street that make it an ideal company for ex-military personnel.

Martin Weller joined the First Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers in 1979. Stationed for training in Brecon, Wales, Martin’s service took him to Germany, Northern Ireland, and Port Stanley in the Falklands. After leaving in 1989 in search of new challenges, security was a natural fit. Today, as a security officer at the Office for National Statistics, Martin emphasises the importance of support for the Armed Forces in respect for what they sacrifice to protect our freedoms, particularly following the difficult times we’ve faced globally.

James Henderson started in the Parachute Regiment before joining Royal Military Police. After his service that took him to Norway, Germany, Northern Ireland and Bosnia, James transferred his military training to a career in close protection security and is now a national security consultant at Corps Consult.

Darrell Jacques entered service in 1979, joining the Royal Artillery stationed in Germany with tours in Northern Ireland and Canada. After leaving service in 1994 following phase one redundancy, Darrell turned to security which has led him to become regional director, northern region, at Corps Security today.

Gail Houston first worked in the Royal Naval Reserve during the early 80s. Stationed at Gosport with the Submarine Service, Gail served four tours in Gibraltar, two tours in the Falklands, and on to Northern Ireland. By the mid 90s, dissatisfied with progression opportunities within the Women’s Royal Naval Service, Gail joined Corps Security. 26 years later, Gail is an administrator at Corps Security based in Belfast.

John Ford’s career in security began in 1998. By 2014, John had joined Corps Security and a year later joined the Royal Air Force and is still a serving Reservist today. John is a regional director for London and the South East.

Support our Armed Forces

In support of Armed Forces Day, Corps Security is taking part in the SSAFA 13 Bridges Walk, raising money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, with many of our team wearing their military uniforms during the charitable activity.

Visit our social media platforms for updates and please support the SSAFA 13 Bridges Walk by donating here.

/by
Corps Security awarded Gold status in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Corps Security Awarded Gold Status in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Security solutions specialist, Corps Security, was awarded Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, run by the Ministry of Defence, on Friday 16th July.

Corps Security was among 139 other companies to be awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community, as announced by Defence Minister Leo Docherty on Friday.

Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to companies that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families. To win an award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces. Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

This Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community comes at a time when Corps is elevating its focus on employee wellbeing and working towards becoming a social enterprise. This year’s awardees bring the total number of Gold holders to 493, which also includes CBRE, global commercial real estate and investment services company.

The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched in 2014 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron, to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel. This includes the Reserves, service leavers, cadets, spouses and wounded, injured and sick. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards.

Mike Bullock, CEO, Corps Security said: “Corps was founded to provide employment for ex-servicemen returning from the Crimean War so the roots of our company are firmly ingrained in the military sector. We value every single member of the Armed Forces community employed at Corps. They bring a fantastic skill set and their contribution to Corps is invaluable. We are so proud to receive this very prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Scheme award. It doesn’t end there though. The military sector is so important to us and we’ll work harder to recruit and support those that have served our country as well as developing our client base in the military sector.”

/by
Armed Forces Day 13 Bridges Walk

Armed Forces Day – 13 Bridges Walk

Armed Forces Day - 13 Bridges WalkCorps Security is taking part in the SSAFA 13 Bridges Walk today, Saturday 26th June,  in support of Armed Forces Day.

Participants will be raising money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, with many of our team wearing their military uniforms during the charitable activity. Armed Forces Day is a chance for the nation to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, many of whom are members of our team at Corps Security.

Corps’ relationship and support of the Armed Forces is unwavering, showing pride in our nation’s military since our inception in 1859. Since the beginning, Corps provided employment for service men returning from the Crimean War, and to this day ex-military personnel still make up a large percentage of the Corps Security team. We admire our Armed Forces and Armed Forces Day is an excellent way to show our support, recognise their bravery, and do our part to give back.

The 13 Bridges Walk is one of SSAFA’s major Armed Forces Day activities. Last year, the event was virtual due to Covid restrictions, but now supports a hybrid model. Participants can take part physically in London crossing 13 bridges, or virtually, depending on their choosing and circumstance. For those heading to London, the 13 Bridges Walk is a 10 mile walk that is suitable for all fitness levels and ages. Starting at Tower Bridge and finishing at Eel Brook Common after the last bridge, Battersea Bridge, is crossed. Reservist units will be manning each bridge, distributing water, and telling participants their units history.

SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Walk is a day for charity, entertainment, and recognition for our Armed Forces. The event is a chance to tour London, in support of and surrounded by the people who dedicate their lives to keep our country safe. Through out the walk, our team at Corps will be taking photos and sharing memorable moments. Visit our social media platforms for updates and please support SSAFA by donating here.

/by
Recognising Our Reserves

Recognising Our Reserves

Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and as such are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas.

Here at Corps Security, our team consists of many Reservists. This includes our very own regional director, John Ford, who was recently mobilised into regular service for 10 months with the RAF Police at Brize Norton. In support of Reserves Day on Wednesday 23rd June, our Reservists will wear their uniforms in civilian life, showing their pride and dedication to our military.

Reservists are everywhere, but you might not know it. Composed of citizen-soldiers who combine their military role with a civilian career, the existence of Reserve Forces allows a nation to reduce its peacetime military expenditures while maintaining a force ready to be called upon when needed.

On Reserves Day, during this years’ Armed Forces week, some of our mysterious Reservists will stop blending into society and show their colours for all to see. With so many of these brave men and women in our team, check out our social media platforms to see some of them in all their glory. There may be a couple of names or faces that surprise you.

Follow Corps’ social channels for updates and images of these and other activities. Please support SSAFA by donating here.

/by
Corps Security Celebrates 162 Years

Corps Security Celebrates 162 Years

Corps Security reached a significant milestone this weekend and marked its 162nd birthday on Saturday, 13th February.

The Corps of Commissionaires (now Corps Security) was founded in 1859 by Captain Sir Edward Walter. Thirteenth February is the official date that we celebrate the company’s humble beginning. On that day, 162 years ago Sir Walter made the below note in his notebook and we recognise the company’s inception from that very day:

“The Commissionaires will parade at 10am tomorrow morning and attend Divine Service at Westminster Abbey, after which they will dine together.  The undermentioned men have been appointed to the Corps.”

Captain Sir Walter was the first to find an effective remedy to provide jobs for returning servicemen who were willing and able to work after the Crimean War. The company started with seven officers, and the ‘Original Eight’ etching was completed after Thomas Hancock VC joined in March 1859. Corps Security is the oldest security company in the world and our chief life Governor is the Queen.

Corps has a strong relationship with the Armed Forces and many of our colleagues have served in the military and emergency services. We also actively support the work of SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, providing lifelong support and advice to servicemen, veterans and their families, and Combat Stress, a charity organisation which provides specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues.

We are proud of our rich heritage and our ability to combine the experience of the past with the needs of the present to give our customers an unrivalled level of service that always delivers first-class quality. Our founding values were ‘loyalty, integrity and service‘ and these still underpin everything we do today. These values have guided us in becoming the UK’s most established and respected specialist security services provider.

/by
Corps Security raises more than £2,000 for Armed Forces charity

Corps Security Raises More Than £2,000 For Armed Forces Charity

Last week Corps Security celebrated its link to the Armed Services by raising just over £2,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity as part of the annual Armed Services Week.

The Corps Security team took part in several different fundraising activities, from the Big Brew Up and virtual 13 Bridges Walk, to baking cakes. In addition more than 30 security professionals working across the country, many with their own distinguished military service records, performed  the SSAFA Salute to our Armed Forces. The photos were shared across Corps’ social media channels and website.

“It was an inspirational week and highlighted just how close so many of our colleagues are to the armed forces,” said Paul Lotter, MD of Corps Security.

Corps has a strong relationship with the Armed Forces as the organisation was set up in 1859 to provide employment for service men returning from the Crimean War; former servicemen still make up a large percentage of the organisation’s employees.

Follow Corps’ social channels for updates and images of these and other activities. And please do support this worthy cause by donating here.

>> Dontate Here

/by

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

More Information

Accreditations

Corps Security Accreditations

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

Latest News