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.
