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How Corps Security Makes A Difference

How Corps Security Makes A Difference

As we continue our work in 2025, we reflect on our previous initiatives, achievements, and our commitment to social value. Last year was a year where teamwork, a drive for excellence, and dedication to our members and the local community continued to be a pivotal part of our journey. A huge thank you to all our staff whose hard work made this happen.

Momentous occasions

Last year, the security industry widely recognised Corps Security’s efforts. Two of our colleagues were honoured by the Security Industry Authority. Our dedication to inclusion and equity also led to us becoming finalists for the Security Institute’s EDI Initiative of the Year.

Other significant accolades included Mike Bluestone’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fire and Security Matters Awards and Andrea Strong’s win in the Women in Security Technical Awards category. It’s a delight to work with colleagues at the forefront of the security industry.

We were thrilled to win the Bronze Employer of the Year Award at the English Veteran Awards.

We also proudly sponsored the 2024 Services Awards in Sunderland, celebrating the best in service personnel in armed and emergency services. Hosting the “Most Outstanding Royal Air Force Award” was an honour.

His Majesty King Charles III was confirmed as Corps Security’s Royal Patron in May, continuing a prestigious tradition dating back to 1901. Announced on the first anniversary of his coronation, the Monarch’s patronage was confirmed following a comprehensive review of all Royal Patronages. This appointment honours the treasured connection between the Royal Family and Corps Security.

Keeping our finger on the pulse

We’ve recently launched Corps Protect, our personalised protection services. While the 2018 British Crime Survey states 150 UK lone workers face physical or verbal attacks every day, we’re there to ensure that lone workers are safe and can work effectively.

Corps Protect offers several devices to ensure personal safety, including smart watches and body-worn videos. These are underpinned by a dedicated technical support, comprehensive reporting, and a rapid 24/7 response.

Fundraising milestones and community engagement

At Corps Security, supporting veterans is not just a part of our legacy—it’s our mission. We’ve demonstrated our commitment through fundraising, events, and strategic partnerships. In September, Corps employees embarked on the Coast-to-Coast Challenge, raising crucial funds for Combat Stress, a charity supporting veterans’ mental health. Together, they walked from Bowness-on-Solway to Whitley Bay, covering a staggering 92.5 miles.

Our national accounts team also walked from Eastbourne to Brighton as part of March to March, while others competed in the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April.

Our team raised over £1,500 for the Royal British Legion through poppy sales and hosted events like the Corps Security Charity Football Tournament, which raised funds for Combat Stress. Every donation counts, and Corps doubled the tournament’s total, underscoring our commitment to veterans’ causes.

Further afield, Corps took part in the SSAFA 13 Bridges Challenge and laid wreaths at Juno Beach in honour of D-Day veterans. These initiatives resonate deeply with our mission to honour and support those who served.

Financial contributions are not the only way that we show our commitment to making the security industry, and our community, a better place. We’re proud to continually show support to Figen Murray’s mission to instate Martyn’s Law, as we have done since 2018. Working together to make the security industry a better place and delivering greater safety to the people and assets that we look after.

How does Corps Security advance social value and sustainability?

We partnered with Treekly to support reforestation efforts and maintained our EcoVadis silver sustainability score. These actions show our commitment to a greener and more inclusive future.

In October, Managing Director Paul Lotter participated in the NFU Mutual Suppliers Summit, discussing how Corps integrates social impact and sustainability into its operations. This conversation was led with our forward-thinking approach to delivering security value.

How will Corps Security shape the future in 2025 and beyond?


As we move forwards into 2025, Corps Security remains committed to setting new benchmarks in innovation. The security industry continues to move and shift, with technology being a large part of the future. Whilst businesses have access to technology in all shapes and sizes, they shouldn’t be fooled with shiny gadgets. They need to be vigilant about what products they select ensuring they are fit for purpose and offer the right benefits.

As we look to 2025, Corps Security remains committed to setting new benchmarks in innovation in security, while continuing our legacy to look after our colleagues and community.

Here’s to another year of making a difference together!

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Navigating An Uncertain World

Navigating An Uncertain World

In a world where the only certainty is uncertainty, security professionals face unprecedented challenges. The recent Global Risks Report 2025 paints a stark picture of our increasingly fractured society.

In partnership with Toro Solutions, The Institute of Strategic Risk Management and MX4 Foundation, Corps were proud to take part in this expert panel discussion hosted in January.

With representatives from the security industry, including our Executive Director Mike Bluestone and Director of Corps Consult Neil Shanks, we were delighted to take part in an extremely thought-provoking panel discussion. It which was moderated by Corps’ Sales and Marketing Director Andy Topp.

Together, the panel reflected on the crucial insights about the future of security and risk management from the Global Risks Report 2025 and debated the current challenges and solutions.

How has the security industry changed in 2025?

It’s clear that the world is changing at a rapid rate. Exacerbated weather events, increasing conflicts and the polarisation of society make vigilance a constant requirement. Risks are becoming more interconnected, unprecedented, and difficult to navigate. With heightened tensions and new methods of offence, there’s a multitude of factors the security industry needs to adapt to. The traditional frameworks and tools the industry has used in the past to understand and manage risks were designed for a different era. They are no longer fit for purpose in the modern day.

Treating physical and cyber security as separate fields is no longer appropriate. Attackers are now blending their tactics, using both physical and digital methods of offense. This new method requires a fundamental shift in how the security industry approaches all facets of security.

How are standards changing the security industry?

Martyn’s Law has the potential to mark a watershed moment for UK security, introducing mandatory requirements for physical security measures in events spaces to enhance public safety. The panel highlighted the need for clear, actionable standards for resilience. These standards must bridge the gap between cyber and physical domains, creating a unified framework that organisations can adopt.

Building resilience in security

The panel agreed that resilience is critical in an increasingly volatile world and businesses must consider three key factors:

  • What risks will most hurt?
  • What policies, processes, and training will prepare us?
  • How can we move from a reactive to a proactive approach to security?

The key to building resilience in security, is to undertake scenario planning. This helps colleagues pre-prepare their responses and build the required muscle memory. This testing should also be part of ongoing training.

How do we cultivate the next generation of security officers?

It’s important that the security field comprises more young people, women and diverse voices from a multitude of backgrounds to better represent the communities we protect. The panel talked about the fact that security is often seen as a second-choice career, rather than a first choice calling and this must change. The consensus was that the industry must unite and speak with one voice if it is to evolve.

Security providers need to create initiatives to attract diverse talent, invest in training and modernise perceptions of the industry to make security a career of choice. The next generation of security professionals must be agile and equipped to thrive in a converged, fast-changing world.

Ready to build a secure future for your organisation?

As one of our panel experts noted, “We’re in a Darwinian stage of evolution” in security. Companies that adapt will thrive; those that don’t, face heightened risks. It’s no longer enough to operate alone. Our industry must work as one to develop the right strategies, and work from an integrated mindset. This moves us from survival to adaptation.

Are you looking to enhance your security operations? We have the expertise, resources, and vision to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn how we can help protect your future.

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Armed Forces Day 2024

Armed Forces Day 2024

29th June 2024 marks Armed Forces Day, recognising the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community – including those currently serving, the families of those in service, cadets and veterans. The Armed Forces continue to be at the heart of Corps Security as inspired by Captain Sir Edward Walter, who founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 with the mission to provide employment to veterans of the Crimean War.

We continue that legacy today with the Corps Veterans Association (CVA). This is a group only open to members who served in the United Kingdom or Commonwealth Armed Forces. Some paid memberships are open to those who have a close connection with the Armed Forces, or who wish to stand in solidarity. Five principles lead the CVA:

  • 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.

Mike Bluestone, Executive Director at Corps Consult, serves as honorary president of the association, while Nigel Horne, Corps’ Divisional director, chairs the committee. Other committee members include Scott Hudson, Sharon Smith, Darrell Jacques and Tom Scott as the standard bearer.

We are proud to fundraise for veteran charities Combat Stress, The Army Benevolent Fund (formerly ABF The Soldiers’ Charity) and Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA). Last year, we raised almost £24,000 through multiple initiatives lead by members across Corps Security.

While not every veteran has PTSD after leaving the forces, a study from the University of Portsmouth (2020) sadly found that almost 40% of UK security officers surveyed had PTSD symptoms. While we continue to fundraise for the UK’s leading veterans’ mental health charity, Combat Stress, we ensure that veteran physical and mental health remain a priority in how we raise funds.

Our March in March event this year saw our national accounts team embark on a 26-mile walk from Eastbourne to Brighton. They spent the day traversing the coastline and hills, ranging from 7 feet to 500 feet, and successfully raised an incredible £7,400.

 Members also took part in a London Landmarks Half Marathon in April 2024, which raised over £5,000. The team was comprised of ex-veterans, mental health champions, and security officers. They ran by 17 iconic London landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge.

Other fundraising activities last year included an ultra-marathon, a medicine ball challenge, and a Corps football match. We also have donated uniforms to Suited and Booted, a charity helping vulnerable men get into employment. In June of last year, Corps took part in the SSAFA’s annual 13 Bridges Challenge, where over 680 walkers from multiple organisations walked 10 miles, across 13 of London’s Bridges where the overall effort raised £83,000 for the charity. We will take part in the 13 Bridges Challenge again this year on 29th June.

It’s hard to forget our Tour de Corps fundraiser in April 2023. Through snow and rain, cyclists from all our mainland offices took part in a 7-day 750-mile cycle across the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Brecon Beacons, reaching nearly 10,000m above sea level. The group raised an incredible £11,000 for Combat Stress. Our event was so successful it won the Challenge Event of the Year Award at Third Sector’s Business Charity Awards.

We’d like to thank everyone who took part in our events to raise such a staggering amount. Our veterans not only served the country but continue to serve their community every day. We thank you for your service.

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Mike Bluestone, Executive Director, Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Mike Bluestone, Executive Director, Honoured With Lifetime Achievement Award

On Wednesday 12th June 2024, Mike Bluestone, Executive Director for Corps Consult, received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Fire and Security Matters Awards.

Mike, who attended the ceremony at the Coventry Building Society Arena, where over 700 professionals had gathered to celebrate innovation and excellence in the fire and security industry, was presented with the award for his invaluable contributions to the security industry

Having previously served in the military, Mike has since enjoyed an illustrious career spanning across three decades, achieving an MA in Security Management from Loughborough University along the way. In 2005, he founded the Central Academy of Security Excellence (CASE), where he developed pioneering security training courses. Mike’s expertise were further recognised in 2011, when he became one of the UK’s first Chartered Security Professionals to be added to the register.

Motivated by ensuring professionalism within the security industry, Mike’s work today involves advising public and private sectors on security risk and resilience, drafting security policies, and providing government security training. In addition to this, he also has served on boards and committees, contributing to the development of security standards and practices.

Acknowledging this remarkable achievement, Paul Lotter, Managing Director said; ‘Michael’s dedication to the field is exceptional. This accolade reflects his consistent commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership. It is very much deserved, and we couldn’t be prouder’

The award came as a complete surprise to Mike, who was unaware he had been nominated, he shared; “I am deeply honoured to have received this award. I have had so many amazing opportunities and experiences that have led to this moment, and I am grateful for the support and collaboration of my colleagues along the way.”

Mike was selected as the recipient of this award by a panel of industry experts, who recognised that he is at the heart of elevating standards and making a long-term impact across the security industry.

 

 

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The Eight Layers Of Security Preparedness

The Eight Layers Of Security Preparedness

In our last blog, we looked at how businesses can measure a return on security investment (ROSI). In this blog, the team at Corps Consult, led by Mike Bluestone CSyP, turn their attention to the foundations of an internal security infrastructure, which can be driven by applying the eight principles of security. These principles will enable firms to develop an overarching defence mechanism to prevent, or at the very least, delay and deter cyber and physical attacks.

Internal and external measures

An organisations’ measurement of their own security preparedness can be taken once a comprehensive security system is in place. In addition to conducting internal tests, external specialists should also be used to further understand the effectiveness of physical and cyber-security measures.

For example, the cyber-security of zero trust security initiatives requires each step of internal IT platforms and systems to have verified defence mechanisms. This should be tested by using professional external security auditors, who can provide appropriate recommendations upon completion of a system audit.

External specialists can also develop measurable targets for security guarding services, and the security management of any organisation. This is important no matter your organisation’s size and is especially relevant to smaller teams who may lack the resources to conduct effective internal audits.

The eight principles of security programmes

To set the tone for any organisational security programme, apply the eight principles of security. Together, they provide a well-managed defence system that deters attackers, and slows down any progress they could make:

1 – make sure there is a strategy and security policy already in place. This gives a baseline for an effective security programme and set of measures, as well as allocation of a security budget.

2 – ensure that the organisation concerned is in possession of correct intelligence on their threat landscape.

3 – allocate the right people to the right roles. For example, in terms of management and guarding.

4 – install appropriate technical means, including, access control, CCTV, and intruder alarms.

5 – focus on correct and easy to follow security procedures.

6 – Assign control and supervision to the best qualified staff.

7 – Regularly test and perform system drills.

8 – conduct regular internal and external audits and employ experts if the organisation cannot conduct audits internally.

Once these eight steps are in place, your organisation will develop a strong security and corporate culture. Input staff feedback loops like questionnaires on the knowledge of these layers and how each interacts with each other – like the strategy and whether it relates correctly to the current threat landscape. For example, businesses and corporations should be aware of the current threat landscape with increased protests and political unrest and have a strategy in place to protect staff and other assets.

The importance of security principles

By adopting and applying the eight principles in your organisation, a safe and secure business environment can be established. Going forward, regular security audits can detect and assess the level of security measures in place as well as the resilience of the staff security culture. If staff are unaware of the security procedures, the business can become more vulnerable, and at risk from attack from criminals, protestors, or in certain circumstances even terrorists.

Businesses and organisations that implement appropriate electronic and physical security measures, such as fencing, lighting, hostile vehicle mitigation, CCTV monitoring, robust access control and well-trained security officers will deter attackers. Equally, the installation of monitored intruder alarms and panic alarms can trigger fast responses by police and/or other security personnel.

These steps can help secure your business against attackers, but never forget the importance of your people and their contribution to the overall security culture. A layered security approach can help prevent and deter threats, but they’re only as effective as the team that follow your procedures. By making the security of your people a top priority you will in turn ensure the resilience of your entire business.

If you’d like to know more about Mike’s work and the advice Corps Consult can offer, read more about the service and make an enquiry.

Read the previous blog on ROSI to learn more on the metrics for success, and where to invest resources.

 

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Understanding your return on security investment (ROSI)

Understanding Your Return On Security Investment (ROSI)

Measuring a return on security investment (ROSI) can be a complex task for businesses, especially where small teams of employees are in place. ROSI allows businesses to identify gains, enhance user experience for clients and consumers, and ensure that their security model is improved on a regular basis. Mike Bluestone CSyP, executive director of Corps Consult, who heads up our department that provides expert advisory services on security risk management and resilience, offers the following advice when it comes to understanding your return on security investment.

The metrics for success

To understand ROSI measurement, the first step is to identify metrics for your organisation’s gains. These measurements need to be conducted regularly, but also require quantifiable means to understand the confidence of an organisation’s personnel. Essentially, firms need to monitor whether their staff are too relaxed on security procedures, and how confident they are regarding incidents and breaches. When you can measure these, you can gage the culture of your organisation, and future-proof it against hostile reconnaissance and attacks.

As well as monitoring incident detection to see what types of breaches are identified and how they are dealt with, the key to measuring effective ROSI is by also monitoring whether there are increases or reductions in incident reporting. Verified reductions will indicate an improvement in incident detection and confirm that effective, and proactive, procedures are in place.

Examine the strength of multiple security measures with routine checks on physical security measures. For example, physical penetration tests should be a top priority, as they identify how individuals may breach the premises and what layers of security need to be improved. Mystery shoppers are another example for retail areas; using covert customers to ask staff questions can indicate whether they are well-versed on taught procedures and know how to identify and report any suspicious behaviour.

These measures are effective because their outcome, whether positive or negative, ensures staff are well-practiced on necessary procedures. This makes their worktime and response awareness more streamlined and effective.

Invest in the right people and procedures

Enhancing user, customer, and staff experience also relies on outreach. Routinely interview your staff and provide questionnaires for team members working in the business.

To develop your own security model, you will need to apply proactive planning, and an outlined programme for your security measures. Regular drills, tests, audits, and feedback will ensure procedures are effective.

Your staff should be encouraged to stay up to date with current legislation and new technologies available. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your business requires a dedicated security manager, as a well-qualified facilities premises manager can also have oversight on security. For example, a member of the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) who possesses the right level of security experience and qualifications can also provide the expertise required.

If your services are spread thinly, develop strong relationships with professional security advisors, who can advise on your contingency plans which are necessary to mitigate the impact of serious security breaches and emergencies.

It’s having the right people and procedures in place that will ensure ROSI. It can be too easy to think that investing in the latest security technology and systems will be enough. However, if your staff, security team, and management are unclear on your business operation and procedures, even the most advanced security system can be compromised. Remember, be proactive, strategic, and routinely test your plans, procedures, and planning.

If you’d like to know more about Mike’s work and the advice Corps Consult can offer, read more about the service and make an enquiry. The next blog on ROSI will explore the eight principles of security programmes.

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A Year In Review: Corps Security’s Growth

A Year In Review: Corps Security’s Growth

In 2023, our business has grown. We’ve celebrated our successes with award wins, worked to change the sector’s approach towards mental health, raised money for multiple initiatives, and continued to champion our promise to deliver security excellence with a social mission. As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to thank our colleagues and to reflect on our achievements, not just in terms of our business, but as a social enterprise that values the incredible work of our colleagues.

Our big wins

All our colleagues deserve praise for their work, and award wins this year paid many their dues. At the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) in March, we won the Outstanding Security Training Initiative Award alongside our partners MoonHub, for our virtual reality technology that replicates site-specific programmes for trainees.

In April, our executive director Mike Bluestone was the first ever recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from The Security Institute. Mike received the award for his long-standing commitment to the industry, his in-depth knowledge of security, along with the qualities of positivity, calmness, and integrity that he exudes. Our ED&I initiative, Corps Together, was also crowned winner at the ceremony that night for the support network and the safe space it has created for colleagues.

Our colleague Danny Varao, who manages security for our law firm customer Bird & Bird, won the regional award for Security Manager of the Year at the 2023 British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Awards. His foresight and ambition at the role made him a worthy winner.

We were also winners at the BSIA’s flagship awards, the British Security Awards, in June. We won the Business of the Year Award – the judging panel was impressed with our multi-faceted in-person and technological service solutions.

Last but not least, this month Corps Together took home the Inclusion and Diversity Champion Award at the Security & Fire Excellence Awards. The win was for Corps’ celebration of our many different voices, who all deserve to be heard.

With more award nominations than ever in 2023, seeing these successes celebrated by such highly regarded institutions is an honour and we can’t wait to see what industry nominations and wins come next year.

Supporting veterans and security professionals’ mental health

In May this year, we launched our mental health mission, to battle the mental stigma surrounding those in the security industry, many of whom are veterans.

At our first event, key speaker Professor Mark Button discussed how 40% of officers show signs of PTSD. We pledged four key commitments on that day, which other firms can commit themselves to, and you can watch the full event here. Since then, we’ve accelerated this mission with our second event on mental health day, October 10th ­– which involved more industry mental health experts, and can be read about here.

Our Corps Veterans Association, launched last year, had an official Standard Dedication Ceremony in May. Its presence helps maintain our organisation’s strong ties with veterans.

We’ve also helped raise funds for the cause. Our April fundraiser Tour De Corps saw team members battle the weather by cycling 750 miles from Glasgow, across all mainland Corps Security offices, finishing at the London HQ. Together, the they raised an £11,000 donation to charity Combat Stress.

In June, contract manager Shane Morton helped raise money for Combat Stress and the Army Benevolent Fund, where he cuffed a 3kg Medicine Ball to his wrist for 7 days. It paralleled the physical, visual and tangible burden of mental health many experience.

In September, director of Corps Security Solutions Salman Shamim battled 35-degree weather on the UNESCO Saharan Ultra Challenge and covered the stretch of two marathons. In total, he raised £2,604 for Combat Stress.

We’ve also been involved in wider armed forces support initiatives. On the 24th of June, Corps took part in the SSAFA’s annual 13 Bridges Challenge, where over 680 walkers from multiple organisations walked 10 miles, across 13 of London’s Bridges where the overall effort raised £83,000 for the charity.

Our commitment to breaking the mental health stigma within our organisation and throughout the security sector are central parts of our mission as a social enterprise; to provide security with social value. We look forward to expanding this mission in 2024.

Our ESG developments

Our dedication to becoming a net zero organisation by 2050 grew to new heights this year, with our initiatives detailed here. Our 2023 ESG report was also released in July, and further detailing the work we do.

One major environmental win was our EcoVadis silver sustainability rating. The organisation provides holistic sustainability rating services for companies. The achievement highlights our work with our suppliers and customers in evolving our reporting and process statuses.

Another huge win for our organisation this year is that 98.7% of our colleagues now receive the Real Living Wage. We hope that by the end of this financial year, that figure can be at 100%.

Support for our staff to earn what they deserve is central to our organisational ethos. Our work fighting for the Real Living Wage across the FM sector is detailed here.

Our expertise and experience

This year, our business grew in both new and familiar sectors, expanding the ground and technical work we conduct.

In March, our division Corps Monitoring partnered with Texecom Monitor, which provides signaling to Alarm Receiving Centres. The partnership streamlines the process for installers, ensuring the best services are available ahead of the 2025 switch-off of the UK public switched telephone network.

We have also secured a contract for another data centre client, which includes Corps security members joining their in-house 24/7 security team. We’re expanding our footprint with the tech sector, too: we’ve been awarded a contract providing guarding and specialist services to a major global cyber security specialist organisation.

In May, we won a five-year contract with ExxonMobil’s Fawley Refinery and Chemical Plant against eight other security firms invited to tender. The plant is a part of the UK’s critical infrastructure and supplies 20% of the countries’ fuel requirements. We are delighted to work with an organisation with complex and specific needs.

We were appointed by Harland & Wolff to deliver services at its historic shipyard location in Belfast. The twelve-officer team was deployed in a 24/7 role and involved new and motivated colleagues learning with more experienced colleagues transferred to us.

In September, our expertise in legal firm security secured us a three-year contract with Pinsent Masons at two key sites in London and Leeds, exemplifying our expertise in providing professional services for the legal sector.

The following month, we provided security and Corps Commissionaires at the Security Institute’s annual conference in October. Anne, Princess Royal, greeted the Commissionaires, including Tom Scott, as pictured above.

In November, we secured a three-year contract with Centrepoint, the leading youth homeless charity in the UK. We currently provide night concierge security and guarding services to seven locations. This includes friendly faces for the charity, who will provide a welcoming environment for those seeking help at the shelters.

Towards 2024

Corps Security is immensely proud of the excellent work of our colleagues this year. Our dedicated, specialist and hard-working team have kept our existing and new customers happy, supported veterans and the mental health of those in our sector, and won us prestigious awards.

Everything we do is to support our ethos, to work for the “People, Planet, Purpose.”

We welcome 2024 and hope to develop the work we do to reach to even greater heights.

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Corps Wins At OSPAs , But It Isn’t All About The Winning
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Corps Wins At OSPA’s – But It Isn’t All About The Winning

Corps Security is once again celebrating an award win, this time at the leading security industry awards, the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) 2023.

Corps – alongside our partners Moonhub – were delighted to win the Outstanding Security Training Initiative Award which was sponsored by the BSIA. Training is vital in the security industry, with officers required to upskill regularly to maintain their knowledge of the threats that face businesses and individuals throughout the UK. Our partnership with Moonhub brings the training alive by integrating essential training with world-leading virtual reality solutions. Alongside initial training, Moonhub is also able to create site-specific programmes that allow new and existing colleagues to train a virtual world that exactly replicates the conditions of our customer’s sites.

We are delighted to win this award, especially at such a crucial juncture for our industry as we prepare new learning and development to comply with the upcoming counter-terrorism legislation, Martyn’s Law / Protect Duty which is due later this year. Real-life scenarios will play a vital role in ensuring our teams lead the industry in counter-terrorism training, and we lead the way in ensuring the public, our colleagues and customers are offered the highest level of protection.

Well done to the whole team involved in this project – from both Corps and Moonhub.

It’s not all about the winning!

Corps Security was shortlisted for six OSPAs, but you can’t win them all and we commend the winners for the fantastic work they are doing to deliver security excellence and protect our society.

I want to take the time to celebrate our colleagues. Whilst the company was shortlisted, so were our colleagues individually. Whilst they didn’t win in their categories, they were up against the best in the industry and should feel proud to have been shortlisted for the work that do for our customers.

Daniel Baquero – CBRE / Channel 4: Shortlisted for Outstanding Young Security Professional

We were delighted to see Daniel Baquero – who works at the CBRE managed, Channel 4 site – shortlisted for Young Security Professional. Daniel is responsible for the security of all Channel 4’s sites, nationally. Channel 4 is a 24 hour operation, including live broadcast locations. Daniel has a background in intelligence, which made him perfect for this role.

Daniel is incredible organised and runs a tight ship. His management style, training skills and understanding of the complex threats associated with the client are second to none.

Daniel is a credit to Corps Security, CBRE and Channel 4 and in our eyes is already a winner – he doesn’t need a trophy to prove it. Well done, Daniel.

Lifetime Achievement

One final person I would like to take the time to champion and celebrate is Mike Bluestone CSyP FSyl – Executive Director of Corps Consult.

Our team secretly nominated Mike for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the OSPAs – he attended the award ceremony without any idea that he was on the shortlist. It was a highly contested award, and with great humility, Mike said that he was delighted for the winner who he had known for some time.

I want to take this opportunity to share some information about Mike.

Mike joined the professional security sector in 2007, becoming Director of Security Consulting at Independent Consulting Group until 2010. April 2010 saw Mike’s first role within Corps Security, where he joined the company as Director of Security Consulting. Mike has since held the title of Executive Director of Security Consulting in a newly formed area of the business, Corps Consult.  Mike remains the cornerstone of the Corps Consult team, using his military and defence experience, alongside his professional and academic qualifications, to enhance the security review and consultation process for the UK’s longest-running private security company.

Throughout his career, Mike has spent many years contributing to raising standards and professionalism in the private security industry. An early Member and Fellow of the Security Institute, Mike spent four years on the Institute’s Validation Board and a further eight years on the Main Board, of which four years were served as Institute Chairman. He is now Chair Emeritus.

During his tenure as Chairman of the Security Institute, Mike led the team which developed and implemented the ground-breaking Register of Chartered Security Professionals in 2011. Mike has since spent over ten years as the CSyP Ambassador.

Mike has subsequently been involved as the Panel Leader for BS16000:2015 ‘Security Management and Operational Guidelines’, a role which later saw him appointed as the Chair of the Technical Committee under BSI SSM1/2. Additionally, Mike is a member of the BSI Security Strategy Group.

Mike has also been an active member of the ‘Skills for Security’ Working Group, which in 2012 updated the National Occupational Standards for Security Search Operations.

In 2013, in his capacity as a member of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Police and Public Services Section, Mike was invited to lead the development of the new BSIA Code of Practice for security Searches.

Mike’s community engagement goes beyond security into his other life passions, not least giving back to the Jewish Community.

I think it is safe to say that is a lifetime of massive achievement. Mike may not be holding a trophy, but he holds the respect of 3,500+ colleagues and Corps Security is all the better thanks to him. From all of us, thank you Mike!

Andy Topp

Sales and Marketing Director

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Achieving Efficiencies In Security And Resilience During Tough Economic Times

Achieving Efficiencies In Security And Resilience During Tough Economic Times

Mike Bluestone MA CSyP FSyI, Chartered Security Professional, and Executive Director of Corps Consult

Against a backdrop of rising inflation, manifesting itself with increasing energy and employment costs, the challenges presented to businesses and organisations, whether in the public or private sectors, to maintain the edge in security and resilience is taking on a new and pressing meaning. Now is the time to review security measures by conducting Efficiencies and Resilience reviews. Doing nothing at this time is simply not an option. Indeed, it is not just economic issues that are prompting reviews, but time is short before the introduction of the long awaited ‘Protect Duty’ legislation, now anticipated in early to mid-2023.

The new legislation is expected to impose ground-breaking rules and requirements for securing publicly accessible locations and events. Whilst the exact details remain unknown, the indications are that businesses and organisations will be required by law to plan and prepare security measures which must be proportionate to the risks and threats and engage in thorough risk and vulnerability assessments. In short, security measures will need to be tight and fit for purpose, and the advice and planning for security measures will need to be conducted by suitably qualified professional persons.

One important expected outcome of the legislation will be to impose strict accountability for those with the responsibility for implementing security measures, and readers should bear in mind that these will be embedded in law, and thereby accompanied by penalties for any breaches of the new legislation.

As in the case of most challenges, the current set highlighted above, present an opportunity for reflection, change, and enhancement. Now is the time to pause, take a step back, and review existing security measures and pose the question: What can be done differently to deliver more resilient and effective security solutions?  There is room for optimism, since new security technology can offer different ways to deliver security solutions, which can often result in cost savings and efficiencies by complementing and sometimes replacing traditional guarding measures by for example, re-examining the posts deployment and shift patterns of security personnel. The outcome of a professional Security Resilience and Efficiencies review can also highlight relevant cost savings.

Navigating through this turbulent storm of change, namely inflation, increased energy and employment costs, and the impending new legislation, can all be eased by retaining qualified security professionals to conduct the reviews and submit detailed reports which will set out the necessary efficiencies and changes. We here at Corps Consult are Chartered Security Professionals with recognised qualifications and certification, coupled with extensive experience in delivering such reviews. It is important to start the process sooner rather than later. Global events will continue to be major influencers in the current economic climate so early action is advisable.

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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.

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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.

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