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Corps Security achieves Corporate Ready Certification From Veteran Owned UK

Corps Security Achieves Corporate Ready Certification From Veteran Owned UK

Corps Security has been awarded Corporate Ready certification by Veteran Owned UK (VOUK), the UK’s leading directory of organisations owned by UK veterans. The certification recognises the security specialist as a verified veteran-owned business with the infrastructure and capacity to work with major corporate organisations.

As a business created to support injured servicemen returning from the Crimean War, receiving this status fully supports Corps’ social mission and its deep-rooted commitment to this community, which today makes up a significant portion of its UK-wide workforce.

The certification confirms that 100 per cent of Corps trustees are military veterans, exceeding the 51 per cent threshold required for the Veteran Owned Business designation. The Corporate Ready standard signifies that Corps meets VOUK’s procurement standards, qualifies to work with large corporate partners, provides confidence for supplier diversity spend, and is listed in a database used by corporate sourcing teams.

The accreditation builds on the organisation’s wider support for the military community. In 2021, Corps was awarded Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) gold status, and actively encourages its suppliers, partners and customers to demonstrate their own commitment to the armed forces community. Its Corps Veteran Association (CVA), established in 2022, is led by ex-services employees and provides camaraderie and a safe space for veterans to share experiences. The CVA ensures the company remains true to its military roots and leads on fundraising for a range of charity partners throughout the year.

Nigel Horne, Corps Divisional Director and Chairman & Co-Founder of the CVA, said: “Being recognised as a Corporate Ready veteran-owned business by VOUK is a powerful reaffirmation of who we are and what we stand for. Corps was founded in 1859 with a very special social mission – to provide meaningful employment for veterans returning from the Crimean War, and that commitment to the armed forces community continues to define us today. As a social enterprise, our profit is reinvested in our people and our purpose, with the veteran community remaining firmly at the heart of everything we do.”

Mike Bullock, Corps CEO adds: ‘’This formal, and very special certification confirms what Corps is all about and our unwavering dedication to veterans. Our Trustees have all served in the British armed forces and will continue to protect Corps’ social mission with true passion and the interests of our veterans at the forefront of everything we do. We are a diverse business and we hope our veterans, colleagues, partners and customers, both current and future, will value the significance of this milestone in Corps’ journey, as much as we do.’’

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Celebrating 167 years of Corps Security

Celebrating 167 years of Corps Security

Today is Corps Security’s 167th anniversary, marking another year of supporting customers with proactive security solutions and expertise. On this milestone, we reflect on our heritage and our founding mission to provide meaningful employment for veterans.

Since our foundation, our work has significantly expanded – we prioritise social value as a social enterprise, advocate for the Real Living Wage, engage in fundraising initiatives and have deepened our partnerships. We’ve also expanded our services by relaunching our intelligence and consultancy business, Corps Intel, in January.

But despite all these changes, we still stay true to that original mission, to support active and ex-service members both within and outside of our organisation. In our 167th year, our focus is on our Corps Veteran Association, as well as innovations that equip customers for the challenges of tomorrow. This, coupled with our ESG advancements and continued work with our charity partners, gives us reason for celebration.

Innovative offerings

This past year was a year for innovation at Corps. Relaunching Corps Intel advanced our services to help organisations navigate uncertainty and act with confidence in a complex and interconnected risk landscape. Intel’s intelligence, specialist risk management and tailored consultancy services now include a wider range of external experts and analytics offerings.

In 2026, Intel will continue its collaborative approach to provide actionable intelligence and information using verified data to identify threats, risks and vulnerabilities, all to aid clients’ decision making.

In 2025, we also launched our drone security service in partnership with Security Drone Group, which offers greater visibility and rapid response across complex sites. Our innovation steering group also developed a partnership with RISK Metal Detectors to improve lightweight transportable arches for educational institutions and sporting events, enhancing safety for students, visitors, staff and officers.

In November, we held the first of our Risk and Resilience event series in Glasgow. Neil Shanks, Director of Corps Intel, discussed the current threat landscape and overlooked threats facing and within organisations, like outdated equipment in the network and phishing attempts on employees.

Recently, we also hosted our 2026 Corps Security Innovation Conference at The National Archives. The day featured live demonstrations, supplier stands, and Q&A sessions on the most pressing issues facing the sector. It was a chance to connect with industry peers and offer a comprehensive overview of our services and expansion plans.

Sustainability highlights

In 2025, we were recognised for our commitment to exceeding sustainability goals. We earned Gold Certification from Neutral Carbon Zone, reducing total emissions by 7.15 per cent compared to our 2023 baseline. We also achieved a silver award from EcoVadis, an independent provider of sustainability ratings. We were judged under 21 subgroups and gained two points from our 2024 assessment.

Our 2025 ESG report highlights other achievements from throughout the year. Our Glasgow and Bristol offices now run on green energy tariffs, and we’ve installed EV charging points at our London and Glasgow locations. Additionally, 15 out of 42 company vehicles are electric or hybrid, compared to just four in 2023. Increasing awareness of our carbon footprint has allowed us to make meaningful changes across the business, and we are dedicated to exceeding targets to make Corps more responsible every day.

Supporting the veteran community

This past year, we’ve kept up our engagement in charity events, fundraisers and Corps Veteran Association (CVA) events for the Armed Forces community. We were honoured to host the Commissionaires Canada for Remembrance weekend. They joined us in parading past the Cenotaph, at our annual ceremonial luncheon, and we visited the Brookwood Cemetery to honour fellow commissionaires by laying wreaths at the UK and Canadian memorials.

We also remembered our colleague Darrell Jacques, who passed away earlier in the year after 25 years of service with Corps. We saved a place for him in the formation and at the luncheon table.

Remembrance is always a special time for Corps, and this past year it was especially poignant to remember those lost within our team and connect with our international colleagues. Corps Monitoring Managing Director Andrea Strong also shared her personal reflections on the importance of remembering those we have lost.

The CVA also marked the 81st anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, with members walking 27 kilometres and raising £1,360 for Rhondda Sea Cadets. The team also honoured the 80th anniversary of VE Day with charitable events, including a dinner supporting Blind Veterans UK.

Corps’ founder, Captain Sir Edward Walter’s mission to support soldiers returning from the Crimean War remains a core value of our organisation. We are proud of the CVA’s ongoing work, to provide specialised recruitment pathways, mentoring programmes, and professional development opportunities for those transitioning to civilian life.

Focuses for the next year

Today, the threat landscape has evolved beyond what could have been predicted by Captain Sir Edward Walter. But we will always be committed to equipping our officers and customers with the tools and knowledge to keep sites and visitors safe.

We would like to thank our colleagues for their dedication this year, as well as our partners and customers for their ongoing support.

If you would like to work with us and learn more about the security, monitoring, and intelligence services, contact our team of security experts. If you would like to learn more about the CVA, please visit our page.

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Celebrating Security Officer Appreciation Week

Celebrating Security Officer Appreciation Week

Pictured: Emma Collinson with the CVA, Rico Hyman, Grant Mitchell, and Dale Kirk.

Join us in celebrating the International Security Officer Appreciation Week.

Over the last few years, we have seen increasing demand for security officers to adapt within a hugely advancing industry, including vast technological advancements, increasing public-facing roles, and cyber threats.

The rising need for private security collaboration with public services has expanded the remit of our officers, whose 24/7 surveillance is no longer limited to physical sites. Collaboration with the police, ambulance and fire services has become one of the many daily contributions that security officers make to the smooth running of society.

Emma Collinson playing the Last Post to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day.

Key ingredients for success

The traits of a successful security officer are not easy to come by: calm but authoritative, vigilant and focused, dynamic to both mitigation and response.

Thank you to our 3,000 Corps security officers across the UK who proudly stand among 500,000 SIA licensed officers. Your daily efforts save lives, protect British infrastructure, and constantly adapt to unprecedented change.

Here are just a few stories that show our incredible officers in action.

Bill Boateng and Rico Hyman

Bill and Rico were awarded the ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Award. At the Royal Windsor Racecourse awards ceremony, the two officers were recognised for their extraordinary courage and professionalism while faced with challenging incidents.

Bill bravely disarmed a knife-wielding assailant during a violent incident in London, protecting bystanders and preserving vital forensic evidence.

Rico and a colleague were among the first responder to an incident near Somerset House, delivering CPR and managing the scene.

Their bravery and collaboration with public services earned them Colleague of the Month Awards.

Emma Collinson

Emma joined the Corps Veterans Association on a journey of remembrance through Normandy to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day. As well as being a security officer at one of our Centrica sites, Emma served as a member of the RAF from 1998 to 2011. The team walked 27 kilometres, raising £1,360 for Rhondda Sea Cadets.

With 19.4% of our workforce made up of veterans and former emergency service responders, veteran causes are very close to our hearts. We support thousands of veterans every year through our fundraising, and our Corps Veteran Association has become a community for veterans like Emma.

Emma’s commitment to commemorating D-Day and supporting the new generation of cadets makes her a credit to us.

Kevin Byrne

Ian Paton, from Unimetals, praised Kevin for his “invaluable” dedication and professionalism when helping with often short-notice and high importance requests. Ian said: “Despite my sometimes urgent and rushed requests Kevin has always come over as calm, competent and very professional and managed to find and obtain the evidence I have needed.”

He adds: “I wanted to make sure you know what a star you have there”.

“That is not to take anything away from others, just in this instance he was a godsend send to me and a fantastic ambassador for both Corps and the Unimetals desk, which did not go without notice by my line manager.”

Eric Lakidi

Eric Lakidi, Concierge Officer at Addleshaw Goddard (AG), has been awarded for his commitment, professionalism, and warmth that make a lasting impression every single day.

Last month, he was nominated for a Gold Coin Award, part of the AG recognition scheme, in recognition of the exceptional service he consistently delivers.

From the moment clients and colleagues walk through our doors, Eric ensures they feel truly welcomed and valued. His proactive approach set the tone for a positive experience that reflects the high standards  AG strives to uphold.

Eric seamlessly distinguishes between clients and colleagues as they arrive, quickly alerting reception so the client journey begins smoothly and without interruption. The wider team also uphold these high standards, delivering exceptional service whenever Eric is away from reception.

His dedication makes him an invaluable member of the team, embodying the spirit of excellence this week celebrates.

Grant Mitchell and Dale Kirk

Grant, a member of our Corps Monitoring Alarm Receiving Centre in Glasgow, walked 5 kilometres to support the National Autistic Society. He was joined by his five-year-old daughter, Amber, who is non-verbal autistic.

Dale walked 26.2 miles along the Rochdale Canal on 26th July, raising over £2,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. He walked in honour of Paul Minor, a former firefighter and veteran diagnosed with MND.

We are proud to have colleagues who mirror our social values and celebrate Grant and Dale this week.

Next steps in security

Ensuring other people’s safety is becoming more complex every year. Officers are more than the unmoving people guarding properties, they need to liaise with the general public, emergency services, mobile reporting, to understand complex threats.

From strengthened communications to continuing professional development, Corps remains committed to equipping our officers with the best training and support they need to keep British people and infrastructure safe.

Use this week to celebrate the unseen efforts of security officers throughout the UK. It is our responsibility to ensure that we support and champion those who dedicate their careers to keeping other people safe.

Stay up to date with our officers on our LinkedIn or our blogs page.

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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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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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How Corps Security Made A Difference In 2024

How Corps Security Made A Difference In 2024

At Corps Security, giving back is at the heart of who we are. This year, we’re thrilled to reflect on the incredible fundraising milestones achieved by our team and partners. From challenging physical feats to heartfelt moments of remembrance – our collective efforts have raised significant funds to support vital causes.

Supporting our Colleagues

It’s a priority for us at Corps to support our colleagues as part of our commitment of care. We’ve prioritised the well-being of our colleagues through the Welfare Fund, allocating an impressive £38,851 to support our team members in times of need.

To thank our hardworking team that make up our social enterprise, we gifted our colleagues a share of £18,000 as part of our Instant Recognition scheme. We strive to ensure that all our employees are paid the living wage or above.

Customer Rebate Programme

Our innovative customer rebate programme, which donates 1% of our customers’ security costs, contributed £28,714 this year. This initiative enables our partners to join us in supporting meaningful causes.

Charitable Donations Committee

Through our Charitable Donations Committee, we distributed £100,000 to charities that align with our mission. These contributions were made possible through the support of our trustees. This year, we were proud to share the donations with the following charities:

Charitable Events by Our Colleagues

Our colleagues held so many activities to help raise much-needed funds for charities, raising an impressive £50k in total. These activities included:

  • Coast-to-Coast Challenge: Our incredible team embarked on the Coast-to-Coast challenge to raise vital funds for Combat Stress, a charity supporting veterans’ mental health. They covered Bowness-on-Solway to Whitley Bay, covering 92.5 miles. That’s roughly the length of Hadrian’s Wall.
  • The Annual Charity Football Tournament: On 4th September, five Corps teams competed in a thrilling 7-a-side match. The North team triumphed once again, and the event raised £360 for Combat Stress, which we matched to double the total impact.
  • SSAFA 13 Bridges Challenge: On Armed Forces Day, our team crossed 13 of London’s iconic bridges, raising funds and awareness for SSAFA. Operations Director Ken Fissenden remarked, “It’s always an honour to take part in this challenge. I couldn’t be prouder of the team’s efforts.”
  • Eastbourne to Brighton Walk: Our National Accounts team walked 26 miles and raised an astounding £6,500 for Combat Stress. We walked alongside our clients from Centrica and CBRE.
  • London Landmarks Half Marathon: In April, our team raised over £4,000 for Combat Stress, showcasing the power of teamwork and determination. They ran past 17 iconic London landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge, all supported by a cheering crowd.
  • Pirates of the Corps-ibbean: Our team also got creative with events like the Dragon Boat Race to support WaterAid, dubbed ‘Pirates of the Corps-ibbean’. They made waves and raised vital funds for this global cause, demonstrating that fundraising can be both impactful and fun.
  • Combat Stress Remembrance Trip: In a heartfelt tribute, Corps Security team members travelled to D-Day landmarks, laying wreaths at the British Memorial and Pegasus Bridge. While honouring the memory of those who served, this initiative also raised funds for Combat Stress, helping to ensure veterans receive the support they deserve.

In past years, we’ve also raised funds with ultra marathons and our cycle race, Tour de Corps. There really is no stopping our team!

Looking Ahead

The total amount contributed to colleagues and charities this year is a testament to the generosity, hard work, and dedication of our Corps family. Thank you to all of our colleagues and customers who played a vital part in these successes, because your efforts are truly making a difference. Here’s to another year of giving back and creating positive change together.

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Remembering-Our-Heroes-Corps-Security-Marks-Remembrance-Day

Remembering Our Heroes – Corps Security Marks Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day will always be an integral part of Corps Security.

Yesterday, to mark Remembrance Sunday, a selection of our Commissionaires, guests and staff marched past the Cenotaph in Whitehall, led by former serviceman and divisional director Nigel Horne. They laid three wreaths at the obelisk, which represents the brave soldiers from the UK, Australia and Canada.

Nigel said, “Participating in the Remembrance March is incredibly meaningful not only to me, but to all our colleagues who are veterans. Having Corps Security take part in the march is testament to our commitment to honour the servicemen and servicewomen’s legacy.”

We were delighted to have been joined on the march by representatives from Combat Stress, The Chelsea Pensioners and Rhondda Sea Cadets. Sea Cadet Emma came with her Instructor P.O. Maguire for the day.

An additional group also visited the Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey to mark Armistice Day, Monday 11th November, where they placed wreaths on the graves of the Commissionaires. They’ll then attend the services at the military cemetery.

Our colleagues also joined us to sell poppies in several locations to raise much needed funds for the Royal British Legion, resulting in a contribution of more than £1000.

To us, Remembrance Day isn’t just one day of the year. It is honoured throughout the year with the Corps Veterans Association (CVA), which is chaired by Nigel Horne. Founded in 2022, the CVA provides support to veterans and their families. We are proud to be an Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold accredited business. On 6th June 2024, Nigel Horne, Scott Hudson (commercial manager) and Salman Shamim (solutions director), walked the journey of Remembrance, from the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer to Pegasus Bridge, to observe the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord.

As well as this year’s donation to the Royal British Legion, we also take part in many fundraisers throughout the year for other veteran charities. In the last year, our fundraising activities for Combat Stress, alongside the Army Benevolent Fund and SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association), raised over £26,000. We also provide customers with the option to donate 1% of the contract value to Combat Stress, which provides veteran support around the UK.

Yesterday, to mark Remembrance Sunday, a selection of our Commissionaires, guests and staff marched past the Cenotaph in Whitehall, led by former serviceman and divisional director Nigel Horne. They laid three wreaths at the obelisk, which represents the brave soldiers from the UK, Australia, and Canada. Nigel said, "Participating in the Remembrance March is incredibly meaningful not only to me, but to all our colleagues who are veterans. Having Corps Security take part in the march is testament to our commitment to honour the servicemen and servicewomen’s legacy.” We were delighted to have been joined on the march by representatives from Combat Stress, The Chelsea Pensioners and Rhondda Sea Cadets. Sea Cadet Emma came with her Instructor P.O. Maguire for the day. An additional group also visited the Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey to mark Armistice Day, Monday 11th November, where they placed wreaths on the graves of the Commissionaires. They’ll then attend the services at the military cemetery. Our colleagues also joined us to sell poppies in several locations to raise much needed funds for the Royal British Legion, resulting in a contribution of more than £1000. To us, Remembrance Day isn’t just one day of the year. It is honoured throughout the year with the Corps Veterans Association (CVA), which is chaired by Nigel Horne. Founded in 2022, the CVA provides support to veterans and their families. We are proud to be an Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold accredited business. On 6th June 2024, Nigel Horne, Scott Hudson (commercial manager) and Salman Shamim (solutions director), walked the journey of Remembrance, from the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer to Pegasus Bridge, to observe the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord. As well as this year’s donation to the Royal British Legion, we also take part in many fundraisers throughout the year for other veteran charities. In the last year, our fundraising activities for Combat Stress, alongside the Army Benevolent Fund and SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association), raised over £26,000. We also provide customers with the option to donate 1% of the contract value to Combat Stress, which provides veteran support around the UK. Yesterday, Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer, presented Corps CEO Mike Bullock with a special poem all about Corps Commissionaires which was a valued tribute to our Commissionaire family and one that we are truly honoured to have received. Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 to support those returning from the Crimean War, which we remember today with our well-maintained archive. The act of remembrance unites us across borders, cultures, and backgrounds, which has always been the heart of what we do. Corps pays tribute to the brave veterans who gave their lives, as well as the legacies they leave behind. Let us never forget those who give their life to service. We will remember them.

Yesterday, Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer, presented Corps CEO Mike Bullock with a special poem all about Corps Commissionaires which was a valued tribute to our Commissionaire family and one that we are truly honoured to have received.

Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 to support those returning from the Crimean War, which we remember today with our well-maintained archive. The act of remembrance unites us across borders, cultures, and backgrounds, which has always been the heart of what we do. Corps pays tribute to the brave veterans who gave their lives, as well as the legacies they leave behind.

Let us never forget those who give their life to service. We will remember them.

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Corps wins bronze at the English Veterans Awards

Corps Wins Bronze At The English Veterans Awards

Nigel Horne, Regional Operations Director (left) and Scott Hudson, Commercial Manager (right), who are both veterans themselves.

Corps Security has won the Bronze Award for Employer of the Year at the English Veterans Awards. The security specialist won for its commitment to veterans in need and its drive to recruit ex-services personnel.

The English Veterans Awards were established to celebrate veterans in business, fitness, sport and the wider community who have had great successes transitioning from military to civilian life.

They also reward reservists taking positive action and organisations offering support to the military community. Run in association with The Army Benevolent Fund and supporting the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the awards were held on Wednesday the 23rd of October at the De Vere Wokefield Estate in Berkshire.

Corps was commended for its focus on recruiting and retaining ex-services personnel, which is embedded into its history and social mission. Its board of trustees consists of high-ranking ex-services personnel that ensure that its military focus is prioritised, including President Lieutenant General Sir Robert Fulton, and its Chief Life Governor, HRH King Charles.

Corps was praised for its Corps Veterans Association, which creates a space for ex-forces men and women to come together, share their experiences, navigate life after service, and engage in fundraising opportunities. All of Corps Security’s profits are reinvested into the business or donated to a charity partner, which includes SSAFA and its major beneficiary, Combat Stress – the leading veterans mental health charity in the UK.

Additionally, its opportunities for reservist employees were highlighted, which include additional paid leave of two weeks per year to allow reservists to attend annual camp. Corps also offers face-to-face counselling sessions for any veterans who feel that they need it or have returned from deployment and may be suffering from trauma or PTSD.

Nigel Horne, Regional Operations Director at Corps Security, and a veteran himself, said: “It’s a huge honour to receive this award. Since our foundation in 1859, Corps has been committed to providing gainful employment to veterans. We offer a range of wellbeing initiatives and support internally and are especially attuned to the needs of ex-personnel. We are working hard to develop and grow the Corps Veterans Association to continuously improve our offering.”

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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

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>> Equal Employment Opportunities Policy

>> EDI Survey 24-25 Action Plan Report

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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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