In our ongoing “5 Minutes with” series, we’re delighted to speak to Seetan Varsani, Divisional Director for London, about his journey with Corps and his work as the founder and leader of Corps Together, our award-winning ED&I programme.
What does your role entail?
As Divisional Director of the London Division, I oversee a third of our business, focusing on service levels, client engagement and colleague engagement. I also look at the commercial and financial performances of our division, as well as growth and new opportunities.
In my leadership role for Corps Together, I work with a wider team to advance targeted recruitment initiatives, training programmes, and employee network groups. I constantly strive to advance our network, so that every employee, from our senior executives to our frontline operatives, engages with empathy and understanding in dialogue.
Two days are never the same. One day you could be neck deep in focusing on numbers and financial performance of the division, and the following day you could be speaking to a group of school leavers about career pathways in the industry.
What roles have you worked in prior to joining Corps Security?
I didn’t start out in security – my career began when I looked at graduate training schemes after my studies. I joined Rentokil Initial on its fast-track programme, overseeing different functions of the business and eventually working for them after 14 months of the programme.
My final placement on the course was in security, and once I saw how officers interact with you and interact with each other, I knew it was the industry I wanted to work in. Since then, I’ve worked in different management and director positions before joining Corps in 2016.
Long before my current role, I wanted to go into the hotel industry, and I studied hospitality and licensed retail management at university. Between 14 and 18, I also developed a passion for aviation and was accepted on a RAF programme to become a pilot. However, when I achieved a 2:1 grade at university, I made a deal with myself to pursue a master’s degree in business studies, which eventually opened up many opportunities and led me to where I am now.
In the gap between courses, I also DJed in Tenerife for four months, so I have quite a diverse background!
Tell us about your journey within the company
When I joined Corps as Regional Operations Manager, I focused on the London and South region, overseeing our teams and making sure to fix any operational issues.
In the last ten years, Corps has transformed dramatically. As our people-focus has grown and we’ve become a Social Enterprise, it’s part of my job to think about who we are, our purpose, who our competitors are, and coach my teams to think about the right course of action, even if it can be the trickier one.
There have been a lot of leaders who have guided us through the transition to make Corps better for our people. And I’d like to count myself as one of them.
What steps has your development taken and how has Corps supported you in this?
If you want to develop here, you certainly can. When the opportunity to develop Corps Together came up, I was able to take that on and create the framework for it. Corps recognises people who put their head above the parapet, show drive and enthusiasm.
I’ve always been supported but, equally, I have pushed myself to progress. I’m a big believer in some of your progression coming from your ability to put yourself out there.
What’s been your biggest highlight in your role?
Being the first ever ED&I category winner at the Outstanding Security Performance Awards was a standout. Being at the helm of this development has been an exceptional highlight of my career. We learn a lot from diverse groups of individuals, and we can progress so much further and quicker as a result.
Whether in my role or in Corps Together, I am always striving for more. I am proud of pushing myself within the senior management team to be trusted as an integral part of the business.
What do you love most about working at Corps?
Our people. They are what make me want to get up and come to work.
I’ll always say I wouldn’t be in the position I am today if it weren’t for my team. I am exceptionally proud of them. They have propelled our aspirations and have worked hard to create success.
What are the key ingredients to finding happiness at work?
Honestly? Someone to moan to, someone to natter with, and someone to have banter with. I think we laugh about it, but it exists in every workplace. You’ve always got to have somebody who’s willing to listen to the things that you have to say.
The reason I fell in love with security is genuinely coming to work and making people feel empowered, supported, and special. That’s what makes people thrive.
What helps you create a good work/life balance?
Having two teenagers now, I have to find a different balance. And my balance might be different to somebody else’s. For me, I might dedicate a couple of hours to sorting out emails so I can prepare best for a balanced week.
DJing has also been a big part of my life for around 25 years. I have a weekly radio show on Friday nights and every year I run a 24-hour charity stream on LinkedIn to fundraise money for Children with Cancer UK. In September, we raised a brilliant £3,267 for the charity.
Corps Security is always interested in taking on new talent. If you are interested in working for us, please get in touch.
