Now in its third year, Thank Your Security Officer Day is Corps Security’s annual celebration of front-line security professionals.
As part of a day of celebration, we spent five minutes talking to William Robb, security supervisor at Resideo – formerly Honeywell – in Motherwell about what being a security professional means for him.
When did you join Corps and what does your current role involve? I joined Corps in November 2016 as a security officer and was promoted to supervisor in August 2018. I’m responsible for the day-to-day running of a busy security gatehouse and involved in processing visitors and contractors through Covid and trade compliance checks, managing deliveries and routine security checks.
Can you tell us a little about your career background / what was your first job? I moved to London aged 17 and worked labouring on building sites before joining the Royal Signals. I then worked as a senior security supervisor at the LIFFE Trading Floor where I was in charge of a team of 74 security officers. I then spent ten years as a supervisor with WM Morrisons before my current role.
What’s been your most memorable moment in security? When I worked at the LIFFE Trading Floor, I helped to defend the building against around 400 violent demonstrators who were trying to get into the building to attack the trading floor. I worked alongside 15 other security officers, including former SAS soldiers, to defend the building during a sustained 45-minute attack before the riot police arrived. We were given a bravery award for our efforts which I received at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall.
If you weren’t in security, what would you be doing as a career? Working in IT. I completed an MOD computer course as part of my resettlement and find it fascinating.
What’s your favourite thing about your job? No two days are the same, the role constantly challenges me.
What are the main challenges you face in your daily role? Sometimes there’s a lack of information about who is expected on site which can be a challenge.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Germany. I’ve been before and love the country for its excellent quality of life.
