Tag Archive for: Corps Of Commissionaires

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Armed Forces Day 2025

Armed Forces Day 2025

28th June 2025 marks Armed Forces Day, which recognises the men and women making up the Armed Forces community. This includes those currently serving, cadets, veterans, and their families.

The Armed Forces have always been at the heart of Corps Security – and always will be. When Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859, his mission was to provide meaningful employment in physical security services to veterans returning from the Crimean War.

Today, almost 11 percent of our workforce is ex-military personnel. We honour our legacy through our commitment to supporting former service members across all levels of our organisation, from frontline security officers to senior management positions, with many colleagues progressing through internal promotion and succession planning.

The Corps Veteran Association

The Corps Veteran Association (CVA) is our group that is open to members who served in the United Kingdom or Commonwealth Armed Forces. Launched in 2022, the group is led by five main principles, which our community upholds every day:

  • To foster and support esprit de corps and comradeship for serving and retired members of The Corps of Commissionaires/Corps Security who have served in the UK or Commonwealth armed forces.
  • To actively promote and support veterans of UK & Commonwealth armed forces.
  • To organise and assist with charitable fundraising for military & civilian charities.
  • To support Corps Security in acts of remembrance.
  • To support the Corps Security veteran community facing financial or personal hardship.

Scott Hudson, veteran, Treasurer of the CVA, and Commercial Manager at Corps Security, said: “It’s invaluable to work for an organisation with such an affinity to the forces.”

The CVA takes part in fundraisers and memorial events throughout the year. In May, the CVA proudly presented a donation to the Lancashire Army Cadet Force at its Fulwood HQ in Preston, to support the Friends of Lancashire Army Cadet Force charity. The donation will help ensure all cadets, regardless of background, can participate in life-changing activities, including the Annual Camp and national expeditions.

To honour Armed Forces Day itself, a team of colleagues led by Operations Director Ken Fissenden will take part in the 13 Bridges Challenge to raise money for SSAFA (the Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association). The team are still fundraising, and donations can be made here.

Providing opportunities

Ex-military personnel bring exceptional discipline, leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to perform under pressure. The security sector greatly benefits from this strong work ethic and commitment, and whether in a site-based physical security role or management, military personnel’s experiences are invaluable.

As an equal opportunities employer, our roles are open to everyone, and we support veterans through our Reservists Policy, which ensures that those who have served in the armed forces are guaranteed an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the position.

We also collaborate with ex-military recruitment organisations, including First Military Recruitment, Hirecracker, Dynamic Reactions, and Walking with the Wounded. These schemes allow us to connect to a pool of highly skilled individuals.

As a Gold Award holder and member of the Defence Employer Recognition scheme (ERS), we proactively show our commitment to the armed forces community by looking to our suppliers, partners, and customers to demonstrate their support by committing to the ERS.

Supporting the wider community

We are proud to fundraise for multiple military charities, including the Army Benevolent Fund and SSAFA, and our charity partner Combat Stress, the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity. Combat Stress helps veterans get their lives back on track after their service, and cope with the severe impact of PTSD.

We have embedded our partnership into our supply chain by inviting customers to allocate 1 percent of revenue from new contracts to Combat Stress, which amounts to more than £30,000 per year. We also fundraise through various initiatives throughout the year, so those who served can receive our full support.

For example, our 2025 March in March challenge had our National Accounts team set off on a 24 mile walk from Henley Bridge, Windsor, raising over £10,000 for Combat Stress. In 2024, our team also partook in a Coast-to-Coast challenge to fundraise for Combat Stress, covering Bowness-on-Solway to Whitley Bay, covering 92.5 miles. That’s roughly the length of Hadrian’s Wall.

Upcoming fundraising events also include our Solutions Director Salman Shamim’s Wing Warrior challenge for Combat Stress, where he will be walking on a Boeing Stearman as it flies over 100mph. If you would like to support him, please consider donating to his fundraiser.

We have a holistic approach towards supporting ex-military personnel because, whether currently serving, on leave, or a veteran, they deserve our support. We thank every armed forces community member who currently serves or has served our country and our local communities throughout the UK.

Find out more about our veteran support on our Corps Veterans Association page and its LinkedIn page.

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Corps Security Honours The 80th Anniversary Of VE Day

Corps Security Honours The 80th Anniversary Of VE Day

On the 80th anniversary of VE Day, today 8th May 2025, Corps Security reflects on eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe, which changed the course of history. This milestone anniversary carries a profound significance for our organisation, whose identity has been linked with military service since our founding in 1859.

A heritage of service

Corps Security was established by Captain Sir Edward Walter as the Corps of Commissionaires, providing gainful employment to ex-servicemen returning from the Crimean War. By 1880, our organisation had grown to over 1,000 members with operations in London, Belfast, and Liverpool. Their founding mission, of supporting those who served their country, remains our priority today under our new name, Corps Security.

When WW2 broke out in 1939, Corps Security had 5,186 colleagues of whom 1,355 joined up to serve for our country (the remainder being over the age limit). The contribution of these individuals exemplifies the unwavering commitment to duty that continues to define Corps Security’s ethos.

Commemorating the 80th VE Day anniversary

This year, Corps Security will mark this significant anniversary through several meaningful initiatives that honour both our historical connections and our ongoing commitment to the veteran community.

We are proud to announce our participation in three significant charitable events coinciding with VE Day 2025. Senior leadership representatives including Scott Hudson and Salman Shamim, will attend a special dinner supporting Blind Veterans UK. Simultaneously, Corps Security will be part sponsors at the Annual Charity Dinner for Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health support, to be held at the historic Old War Office. Lastly, Nigel Horne and Mark Taylor are attending the Celebration to Remember concert at Horseguards Parade hosted by the Government.

These events reflect our enduring commitment to organisations that provide crucial support to veterans facing physical and psychological challenges resulting from their service.

Veterans in security

For 80 years since VE Day in 1945, and formerly since our inception in 1859, Corps Security has recognised that veterans bring many skills gained during military service, including discipline, vigilance, strategic thinking, and adaptability. These skills translate exceptionally well to security, which is why Corps Security is the professional home of choice for many leaving the Armed Forces.

The Corps Veterans Association (CVA) provides specialist employment initiatives including specialised recruitment pathways, mentoring programmes, and professional development opportunities. These initiatives not only honour our heritage but also ensure that veterans’ valuable skills contribute to civilian society.

A holistic approach to veterans’ wellbeing

The CVA’s commitment extends beyond employment opportunities. We understand that transition from military to civilian life encompasses mental wellbeing, community integration, and building a new professional identity.

We have an ongoing partnership with Combat Stress because we recognise the importance of mental health support for veterans. Through fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns, and direct support, we strive to ensure that those who have served their country receive the comprehensive support they deserve.

Looking forward while honouring the past

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we invite our clients, colleagues, and communities to join us in reflection.

Together, we can ensure that the spirit of VE Day continues to inspire future generations with hope and peace.

Thank you to those who gave so much.

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Remembering The Crimean War 169 Years On

Remembering The Crimean War 169 Years On

Fought between the Russian Empire and allied forces of the British Empire, Ottoman Empire, France and the Kingdom of Sardinia, the alliance claimed victory on 30th March 1856 after a two-and-a-half-year conflict.

When hostilities began, few could have predicted the outcome of the war. Initially, historical records depicted the Russian army as an unbeatable force. However, low troop morale and insufficient supplies hampered efforts, which ultimately failed against determined allied resistance.

The conflict took a devastating toll on all sides – with the allies and Russia losing over 250,000 soldiers each. The former British Empire alone suffered more than 22,000 casualties. Perhaps most tragically, many perished not from combat wounds, but from inadequate medical care in field hospitals. This crisis gave rise to pioneering figures in medical history. This includes British nurse Florence Nightingale, whose introduction of sanitary practices reduced healthcare-related mortality rates, and Mary Seacole, whose British Hotel became a sanctuary for sick and injured soldiers.

The Veteran Experience After The Crimean War

For many returning veterans, the war’s aftermath presented significant challenges. Soldiers who had endured the harsh conditions found themselves facing limited employment prospects upon their return home. Sir Edward Walter, a retired officer of the 8th Hussars, recognised this injustice and was determined to create meaningful change.

Having retired from active service in 1853, Sir Walter established the Corps of Commissionaires and became the organisation’s first commanding officer. The official inception of Corps is recorded on 13th February 1859, as Sir Walter noted in his diary:

“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.”

Sir Walter championed the capabilities of ex-service people, advocating for their transition into crucial security roles to protect London’s financial institutions, then the world’s commercial hub. This pioneering resettlement initiative provided employment to the ‘Original Eight’ – one sailor and seven soldiers who became the foundation of our organisation.

The Corps of Commissionaires quickly established a reputation for exceptional service standards, attracting requests from an expanding client base. Within its first year, the Commissionaires secured rented accommodation at Exchange Court in The Barracks, which became the official headquarters for permanent staff.

Under Sir Walter’s leadership, the organisation expanded to include reservists alongside ex-service people. By 1880, the Corps of Commissionaires had established operations in London, Belfast, and Liverpool, with a membership exceeding 1,000.

The company’s growth continued globally, with Corps of Commissionaires establishing offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I

In 1915, HRH the Duke of Connaught, the Governor General of Canada, approached Sir Walter to help Canadian veterans of the First World War. The Canadian Commissionaires was initially established in Montreal, before expanding to Toronto and Vancouver. Now, the Canadian Commissionaires celebrates 100 years of supporting Canadian veterans.

In 1901, His Majesty King Edward VII consented to chair the Corps of Commissionaires’ board of governors. More than a century later in 2008, the company evolved into Corps Security as we know it today, with King Charles III as our Royal Patron.

Supporting Ex-military Personnel in 2025

The Crimean War represented a challenging chapter in British history, leaving many veterans with insufficient support upon their return. Sir Edward Walter’s vision, and the mission of the Corps of Commissionaires, helped countless former service members to apply their military expertise in civilian roles.

In 2025, Corps’ founding principles continue to resonate throughout our organisation. We maintain our commitment to supporting ex-military personnel in their transition to security careers, and actively fundraise for veteran charities including the SSAFA (the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association), Blind Veterans, BLESMA (formally known as The Limbless Veterans) and Combat Stress.

We’re proud to highlight the work of our Corps Veterans Association, which provides additional mentoring, and camaraderie for those who have served their country. The Association’s regular events and outreach programmes help strengthen the bonds between generations of veterans and ensure that the unique experiences of military service are understood and valued within our organisation.

Providing support and opportunities for veterans remain at the heart of Corps Security’s ethos: delivering specialist security services that ensure the safety of both property and people while remembering those who have served.

Read more about Sir Edward Walter and our history here.

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Your View Matters: Corps Security's 2024 Employee Survey Results

Your View Matters: Corps Security’s 2024 Employee Survey Results

Corps Security’s commitment to our colleagues’ wellbeing and satisfaction remains at the heart of everything we do. To make sure we understand what is most important for our colleagues, we hold an annual Your View Matters survey. This provides valuable insights into how we’re performing as an employer, and where we can make meaningful improvements for the benefit of our colleagues and the company. Let’s dive into the key findings from our 2024 survey.

What’s in the Your View Matters survey?

Our survey asks questions about overall satisfaction at Corps Security, and the elements that create that. We also review our colleague-client relationships and the values within the organisation. Following our colleagues’ feedback, we have reduced the number of questions by half.

To help us understand the make-up of our business, we also ask questions about who completed the survey. This is general information only, like role and length of service, so that colleagues can answer anonymously. For the first time, we have removed questions about age and gender of those completing the survey to keep in line with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policies.

Who participated in the Your View Matters survey?

This year’s survey gathered 1,055 responses from across our organisation, with the majority (82%) coming from our front-line colleagues. This gives us a comprehensive view of life at Corps Security from those delivering our services day-to-day, and who have the most interaction with our customers. 37% of the respondents had less than two years of service, which provides valuable insight into the initial impression we give.

Do colleagues at Corps Security plan on staying with us for the long term?

We’re proud that 71% of our colleagues’ plan to stay with Corps Security for the long term, reflecting our commitment to creating fulfilling career opportunities. Of the respondents who had less than two years of service, 87% believe we deliver good service to our customers.

How do colleagues feel about their compensation at Corps Security?

As part of our dedication to fair compensation, we’re pleased to report that 91% of our colleagues are now being paid the Living Wage or above. We’re actively working to ensure the remaining positions reach this standard, as we are committed to a fair reward for our workforce.

More than half of our colleagues have said that they received a fair reward for the efforts. This shows our compensation has a positive momentum in our journey to build an even more equitable workplace.

What is the history of Corps Security, and do our colleagues still value this?

Our military heritage continues to be a cornerstone of our identity. When Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859, he had the vision to provide employment opportunities to veterans returning from the Crimean War. Today, we continue with our ongoing commitment to supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life. 7 out of 10 colleagues believing our veteran support and heritage are important to the company’s future. This aligns with our founding principles.

How do colleagues Corps Security feel about the service they provide?

73% of our employees feel proud to work for Corps Security and would recommend it as a good place to work. This reflects our hard-working team’s dedication to maintaining high standards and their satisfaction within their roles.

How does Corps Security promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion?

We’re pleased to see that 73% of colleagues feel Corps Security proactively promotes EDI, showing that we create an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Our award-winning EDI body Corps Together supports colleagues provides support and advocacy for everyone, regardless of their role.

What more can Corps Security do to support their staff?

The survey highlighted some areas where we can do better. Only 63% of colleagues were satisfied with the provision of uniforms and equipment. We’ve taken this feedback seriously and are implementing a new supply, quality, and ordering process in early 2025.

What does the future look like for colleagues at Corps Security?

Our colleague’s feedback helps us create a better workplace for everyone. Following the survey analysis, we’ve established action plans with each region, and our HR department will ensure these improvements are implemented effectively.

Join our team

If you’re looking for a career with a purpose-driven security company that values its people, provides dedicates services to its clients, and continuously strives for improvement, we’d love to hear from you. Visit our careers page to explore current opportunities and become part of our professional team.

As one colleague noted in the survey: “Corps Security provides the ideal place to work. I am proud to be part of Corps Security.”

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Corps Security: Celebrating 166 Years

Corps Security: Celebrating 166 Years

Today, Corps Security is thrilled to be celebrating 166 years of service in providing meaningful employment to its colleagues by securing customers’ assets throughout the UK. Our rich heritage continues to guide our values today, while embracing a pioneering spirit, new ways of working and advanced technologies to spearhead the modern-day security threat landscape.

How we respond to threats may have changed over the years, but there’s one thing that hasn’t. Our social mission to be an ethical business that prioritises care for its people and the wider world. Our history keeps us anchored to the trusted values that our customers all know and love.

How it all began

In 1859, Captain Sir Edward Walter, had a mission to provide employment opportunities to brave veterans returning from the Crimean War. On the 13th February 1859, he officially founded the Corps of Commissionaires, marking the beginning of a long-standing commitment to supporting those who had served their country.

Putting people and planet first

In 2021 we officially became the first national security guarding company in the UK to be awarded social enterprise status. It is important to us that this status is celebrated among our workforce, and with our customers. We encourage all colleagues to learn more about what being a social enterprise really means and why it is so important to us, and to society at large. We’ve even created a Social Enterprise Module on Securing Excellence as part of our training programme.

And for our customers, we can now better support them in reaching their ESG targets. Every £1 spent with us counts as diverse supplier spend.

Continuing our legacy

In 2022, we formed the Corps Veterans Association (CVA), staying true to the founding value that Corps Security was built on to support veterans in finding meaningful employment and creating a support network and a platform where they can have their voices heard.

We support a number of veterans charities. Through our Charitable Donations Committee, last year we distributed £100,000 to charities that align with our mission. These contributions were made possible through the support of our trustees. Our colleagues also held many activities to help raise much-needed funds for charities, raising an astonishing £265,164.

Last year, His Majesty King Charles III was appointed the Chief Life Governor and Royal Patron of Corps Security. This follows a long-standing tradition dating back to 1901, when King Edward VII first took on the role. It was then carried forward by King George V, King Edward VIII, King George VI, and, from 1952, by Queen Elizabeth II.

A special thank you as we celebrate the past and look to the future

As the oldest security company in the world, we couldn’t maintain the incredible work we do without the dedication and professionalism shown by all of our colleagues, and the support from our loyal customers.

Thank you to each and every person that has contributed to continuing the Corps Security success. Here’s to another 166 years of providing exemplary security services with a social mission.

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Corps Security wins The Langham Estate Security Contract

Corps Security Wins The Langham Estate Security Contract

Social enterprise security provider Corps Security has won a contract with The Langham Estate, a multi-site residential and commercial property management company in Fitzrovia, London. The contract began on the 1st of November 2024 and will bring together the two organisations that share community-based values and a focus on people.

The contract brings together Corps Security and its remote services division Corps Monitoring to deliver a truly integrated solution, combining physical security guarding with remote monitoring and response. This will be supported throughout the contract by Corps specialist consultancy team, Corps Consult.

Corps Security will provide services for 56 sites across the estate, with 18 new colleagues transferring to the company. Corps Monitoring will provide technologically advanced security systems and remote services. Corps Consult will also provide ongoing consultancy and routine security reviews, surveys and audits depending on the estates’ requirements.

The Langham Estate appointed Corps Security following a competitive tender process, where the security specialist demonstrated both its security expertise and extensive capabilities as well as social value credentials. The Estates’ own commitment to paying a living wage and advocacy for officer wellbeing and work-life balance is shared by Corps, creating the basis for a successful partnership.

Like Corps, The Langham Estate is steeped in a rich history, which began back in 1925. Over the years the estate has evolved, creating a vibrant and exciting neighbourhood in the heart of central London, that offers a diverse range of residences, commercial office space and leisure and retail offerings.

Andrew Topp, sales and marketing director at Corps Security, said: “We are delighted for our new relationship with The Langham Estate, exploring the best-in-class integrated security solutions to keep people and assets safe and secure. Our company values align and we are looking forward to forging a strong relationship grounded in trust, collaboration and innovation – the best recipe to drive success and create a lasting impact.”

Graeme Noot, head of FM at The Langham Estate, said: “From early in the tender process, Corps stood out as the leading candidate. They align closely with our people values, commitment to service excellence as well as shared our commitment to sustainability. Their ability to support us through our drive to a more innovative security solution across the estate which we believe will further enhance our customer experience. We are looking forward to working closely with Corps to further develop our security services and grow our partnership”.

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King Charles III Becomes Royal Patron Of Corps Security

King Charles III Becomes Royal Patron Of Corps Security

His Majesty the King has been appointed Corps Security’s Royal Patron. His Majesty’s appointment began in May 2024, following a review of more than 1,000 Royal Patronages by the Royal Household following The King’s Accession in September 2022.

King Charles’ patronage continues a long line of tradition that started in 1901, when King Edward VII consented to head Corps’ list of governors followed by George V, Edward VIII, George VI and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest serving patron from 1952 until 2022.

His Majesty has chosen to become the Royal Patron of The Corps of Commissionaires as the Chief Life Governor. His selection of Corps exemplifies the enduring relationship between the Royal Family and the dedicated security services offered by Corps Security for over 165 years. The news was received by the organisation on the first anniversary of His Majesty’s coronation.

Corps Security President Lieutenant General Sir Robert Fulton KBE, KStJ and the Chair of the Board of Directors, Air Marshal Christopher Nickols, CB CBE DL, said in a joint statement: “We are delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles III has accepted the Patronage of The Corps of Commissionaires, as our Chief Life Governor.”

Mike Bullock, CEO at Corps Security, said: “The Corps of Commissionaires has been helping veterans in need since 1859 and this still holds true to this day. We are honoured that the Monarch has chosen to continue to support our organisation, first established with His Majesty King Edward VII in 1901.”

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King Charles III Becomes Royal Patron Of Corps Security

The King’s Birthday: Corps’ History With The Royal Family

Today, on Saturday 15th of June, King Charles III celebrates his second official birthday, marked with a ceremony of Trooping the Colour and the King’s birthday parade. Today allows the whole country to gather to celebrate the birthday of our monarch.

Recently, we were able to share the incredibly exciting news that His Majesty King Charles III has agreed to become the Royal Patron of The Corps of Commissionaires, as our Chief Life Governor. We are honoured that His Majesty has chosen to continue a long line of Patronage with our organisation.

The royal patronage exemplifies the incredible bond between us and the Royal Family that spans over a century. In 1901, His Majesty King Edward VII consented to head our list of Governors. He was followed by George V, Edward VII, George VI and her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our longest serving patron from 1952 until 2022.

Her Majesty celebrated our Corps of Commissionaires’ 150th birthday with us in 2009, along with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. However, the Royal Family have supported Corps in other ways too – becoming part of our fabric over the last two centuries.

Here’s an overview of our history, including our first work with the Royal Family, up until the work we do today.

Our beginnings

  • 1859: The Corps of Commissionaires is established by Captain Sir Edward Walter.

After the poor conditions experienced by soldiers during the Crimean War (1853-1856), Sir Edward Walter, a retired officer of the 8th Hussars, was determined to change the lives of veterans. Sir Walter became the founder and commanding officer of the Corps of Commissionaires.

He advocated for the abilities of ex-servicemen to transition into the vital role of protecting the financial houses of the City of London, once the world’s commercial capital. The Corps of Commissionaires was officially born, comprised of eight officers – one sailor and seven soldiers.

  • 1865: With the support of HRH Duke of Cambridge, Captain Edward Walter secures the services of distinguished officers to become the managers, known as the Governors.

In 1865, the HRH Duke of Cambridge, Prince George was able to better our standing. He helped secure the service of distinguished officers to become managers. This helped our organisation expand rapidly in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

By 1880, Corps of Commissionaires was operating in London, Belfast and Liverpool, with over 1,000 members. In 1884, the Australian division was also founded.

  • 1885: Captain Edward Walter is knighted.

Our founder Sir Edward Walter was awarded for his public service, receiving one of the highest honours for a British citizen. He was knighted under the sovereign Queen Victoria for his work.

  • 1901: His Majesty King Edward VII consents to head the list of Governors. 

When HRH Queen Victoria passed in 1901, His Majesty King Edward VII ascended the throne. He consented to head the list of Governors and became the first reigning sovereign to hold the office of Chief of Life Governors, a tradition continued by succeeding monarchs.

The End Of The Crimean War 168 Years On

The original eight

Our more recent work

  • 2009: The Corps of Commissionaires’ 150th birthday is hosted in the presence of the Chief Life Governor, Her Majesty The Queen, and The Duke of Edinburgh.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh joined our staff and customers from the Corps of Commissionaires’ offices all over the world. Together, we celebrated the Commissionaires – the members of Corps Security in traditional military style uniform first worn by operational staff at the organisation.

The Corps of Commissionaires remains a distinctive service employed at high-profile occasions, including Royal attendances. The military ‘Full Shout’ uniform demonstrates our origins and signifies our high quality, and readily identifiable, security services.

Her Majesty The Queen, and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Our rich heritage leads us to today. Under CEO Mike Bullock, Corps Security continues our social mission, to provide a positive impact on society. We support and advocate for fair working practices and support veteran services.

  • 2024: His Majesty King Charles III becomes the Royal Patron of The Corps of Commissionaires as the Chief Life Governor.

Our latest major update as a business – His Majesty King Charles III has agreed to keep tradition alive by becoming our Chief Life Governor. His Majesty’s Patronage was received after a thorough analysis of over 1000 organisations. We are honoured that His Majesty has chosen to uphold this centuries-long tradition, and warmly welcome his support and association with our organisation.

Read more about the Corps of Commissionaires and our Corps Monitoring services.

 

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Remembrance Sunday Honouring Sacrifice and Service

Remembrance Sunday: Honouring Sacrifice and Service

On Sunday, November 12th 2023, Corps Security will participate in the National Service of Remembrance March Past at the Cenotaph, to pay tribute to those who have bravely fought for our country.

A group of eight officers from Corps Security, led by former serviceman and divisional director Nigel Horne, will march past the Cenotaph and lay three wreaths on behalf of the Corps associations to honour the fallen.

Corps Security was established in 1859 with the mission of providing employment for former servicemen returning from the Crimean War. The company continues to uphold the military values of loyalty, integrity, and service. It remains proud of its 164-year-heritage in the armed forces and continues to employ many ex-military personnel.

In observance of Remembrance Day this year, a team from Corps Security visited Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey on Saturday 11th November, to lay wreaths at the graves of Commissionaires. Led by honorary Australian Commissionaire Diz Sollesse, the group included Nigel Horne.

To pay respects to the courageous sacrifice of soldiers from the UK, Canada, and Australia, the group placed three wreaths at the obelisk. The monument commemorates the Corps of Commissionaires’ founder, Captain Sir Edward Walter. He began the 1859 campaign to employ Crimean War veterans.

Since its founding, the Corps of Commissionaires has maintained an area of the cemetery as a burial ground for its members and their families. Today, the Corps Heritage Project oversees the active restoration of the grounds, with teams clearing and restoring graves and trimming back the undergrowth.

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Armed Forces Day 2023

Armed Forces Day 2023

Armed Forces Day underpins the ethos in which Corps Security, as it is today, was created. Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 with the specific social mission to provide gainful employment to servicemen after serving in the Crimean War. Today, as the oldest security company in the world, that mission still drives our enduring commitment to the Armed Forces.

Our world continues to change yet the need for dedicated servicepeople who sacrifice so much of themselves to protect our country remains. The contributions of these individuals and the value they bring to the security industry cannot be overstated.

With approximately 1.85million veterans living in England and Wales, 3% of the UK workforce is comprised of veterans. Proudly, a significant number of our own Corps colleagues are ex-service people and with this front of mind, we continue our ongoing partnerships with Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, and SSAFA, the armed Forces charity, to aid the vital support they provide to veterans.

In April this year, Corps Security raised over £11,000 for Combat Stress by cycling from Glasgow to London during a seven-day challenge the length of the country, beginning at the Corps Monitoring Alarm Receiving Centre in Glasgow, and visiting all local branch offices of Corps Security on the way.

Looking ahead, we are proudly extending our scope of activities and support for individuals in the armed forces through the Corps Veterans Association providing a supportive community for our veteran workforce as they reintegrate to civvy street.

The Corps Veterans Association is a membership only group, open to serving and retired members of Corps Security/CCML who have served in United Kingdom or Commonwealth Armed Forces, as well as other members of Corps Security who may join as associate members of the CVA. The CVA also offers limited membership for individuals with a close connection or affinity with the Corps of Commissionaires founding aims and values.

Five principal aims comprise the CVA mission statement:

  • To foster and support esprit de corps and comradeship for serving and retired members of The Corps of Commissionaires/Corps Security who have served in UK or Commonwealth armed forces.
  • To actively promote and support veterans of UK & Commonwealth armed forces.
  • To organise and assist with charitable fundraising for military & civilian charities.
  • To support Corps Security in acts of remembrance
  • To support the Corps Security veteran community facing financial or personal hardship.

In recent months the establishment of the CVA has been solidified by the sending of letters of invitation to join the CVA with priority given to veterans offering them a free full membership. Associate members, who may not have served but are part of the Corps community will also be able to join the CVA.

Mike Bluestone, executive director at Corps Consult, is honorary president of the association with Corps’ divisional director Nigel Horne as chair of the committee. Also on the committee are John Ford, Corps Security’s regional director – South, Scott Hudson, Diz Sollesse as committee secretary, James Henderson, and Tom Scott in the role of standard bearer.

To fly alongside the original Corps of Commissionaires standard created in 1859, Mike Bluestone has sponsored and commissioned a Corps Veterans Association standard which was dedicated earlier this year. The dedication ceremony, held at Corps Security headquarters in Cowcross Street, London was attended by members of the CVA Committee, Mike Bullock Corps Security’s CEO, Air Marshal Chris Nickols, Chairman of Corps Security, President of Trustees, Gen. Sir Robert Fulton, and officiated by former military padre, Reverend Nicholas Pnematicatos.

With the standard and official dedication ceremony completed, and with membership growing, the association is now able to direct efforts to becoming involved with local communities country-wide, including the Royal British Legion, to attend remembrance services at a local level, representing the CVA. This, in turn, will hopefully lead to the introduction of CVA branches across the country.

On Armed Forces Day in particular, we celebrate our own serving reservists, ex-service colleagues, and the wider Armed Forces community for their bravery and dedication to keeping our country safe. We salute you.

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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

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

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