For the latest edition of our “5 Minutes with” series, we sat down with Amy Wilkinson, Content Manager. She spoke about her expertise, how that has shaped her role within Corps Security, and balancing a busy work life with parenthood.
What does your role entail?
As a Content Manager, I work with anything and everything involving writing. If it needs written words, I’m there, and I love it. I mostly work on major bids, which is really exciting, especially when we’re pitching for contracts with much-loved, iconic brands. I also write case studies, award nominations, web content, brochures, and internal-facing resources.
An especially important responsibility for me is showcasing the work of our frontline colleagues. In my eyes, security is another emergency service, and they deserve recognition for the incredible work they do. I spend a lot of time developing award nominations to further that visibility.
What roles have you worked in prior to joining Corps Security?
I started my career in sales and, in 2008, took the role of Sales & Marketing Coordinator for a major security and aviation services provider, which was my first step into the security industry. Here I was enabled and encouraged to work across both sales and marketing, and spent some time in client-facing roles, but always loved the writing element of my work and the buzz of a sales environment. I was based in a bustling central London office working across both operational teams and support departments, which kept me incredibly busy!
Tell us about your journey with Corps Security
After having my first child, I knew I needed a change, so I joined Corps in 2019 as Bid Manager. In 2021, it was decided that a reshuffle was on the cards to make the most of the incredible skills we had across the team. So I moved into the role of Content Manager, to focus all my energy on telling the Corps story. This transition has allowed me to get involved in all kinds of written content that brings value to our organisation and the communities we operate within.
What steps has your development taken and how has Corps supported you in this?
Corps is very focussed on developing colleagues, and I’ve been given full support in achieving my ambitions. I’ve taken part in loads of different courses, including creative writing, which was fun. In the not-too-distant future, I’ll be kicking off my Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) qualification, which will really elevate our bids and help me support the team with best practice processes.
What’s been your biggest highlight in your role?
Where do I start? The progress I’ve seen across the company in the last six years has been mind blowing!
During my time with the business, we’ve worked on some incredible opportunities and have secured some game-changing contracts. Seeing our team’s hard work pay off will be an ongoing highlight for me.
Back in 2021, I supported with the process of becoming a certified Social Enterprise, which was a huge moment for the business. I was also one of the initial Corps Together Guardians and worked with Seetan and the team to launch the initiative. This will always be a standout achievement for me, and I’m proud that I contributed to Corps winning the first EDI initiative award at the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs).
Awards in general are always a highlight. In 2021, I wrote our nomination for the Covid Lockdown Hero category at the 2021 Fire & Security Excellence Awards. When we won, we were all over the moon. It was a special moment to be recognised for protecting and supporting our brilliant colleagues.
What do you love most about working at Corps?
There really is no other organisation like Corps in our industry. I truly live and breathe our history, heritage and social enterprise status. These qualities make our work really matter, from our ongoing work with veterans to contributing to local initiatives and charities close to our social mission.
I also cannot let my team go without mention. We are like a family and genuinely love each other. You have to believe in the business you are working for and having a super strong team that works well together and advocates for one other is crucial.
What are the key ingredients to finding happiness at work?
Believing in your employer’s mission is key. My biggest dealbreaker is a company that doesn’t match my own values. There must be integrity and a commitment to doing the right thing. Corps certainly has both, but these qualities can be surprisingly hard to find.
What helps you create a good work/life balance?
Understanding the peaks and troughs and planning accordingly. Use downtime effectively to recalibrate and make sure you are ready to go again.
As a mum, coming to Corps was a breath of fresh air for me and has helped me achieve a better balance. I work from home which enables me to be there for my boys and arrange my time to both meet deadlines and support my family. I don’t think I could be the parent I am without Corps. Mike Bullock and the rest of our senior management team sets that tone of support right at the top. I know that Corps is dedicated to supporting my work, my team, my work-life balance, and my growth.
