Amy Wilkinson appointed social value lead at Corps Security

Amy Wilkinson is the new social value lead at security solutions provider Corps Security. Passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility, Wilkinson played a lead role in Corps Security obtaining Social Enterprise status, from investigating how to apply, what credentials needed to be met and then working closely with the senior management team to achieve that status.

Mark Rogers, executive director at Corps Security, explained: “Social Enterprise status brings many benefits. For our business, it guarantees that our social mission remains at the very heart of all that we do and serves to ensure we continue to operate in an ethical, transparent and accountable way. I’m excited to have Amy lead on this. It’s my hope that, working together, we can achieve great things for our people and our planet, while supporting our core purpose. Amy will make sure that, as a business, we do exactly that.”

Wilkinson began her career in the security industry in 2008. Over the intervening 13-year period, she has held various roles across both sales and marketing functions. In this time, Wilkinson has also helped to support sales strategy as a bid manager, working with colleagues to secure a number of large contracts with blue chip customers.

Amy Wilkinson

In particular, Wilkinson is passionate about partnerships and working collaboratively with client organisations who share the same values and ingrained sense of social responsibility as the team members at Corps Security.

Social value

Through time, Wilkinson developed an interest in corporate responsibility and social value, having observed the genuine and positive impact security colleagues can exert both on client organisations and, indeed, the wider communities.

Joining Corps Security in 2019, Wilkinson was excited to be working for an employer whose very purpose has its foundations in social value and community support. Corps Security was created back in 1859 with a very specific and special social mission – to provide gainful employment to ex-service personnel returning from the Crimean War.

Moving forward, Wilkinson will work in collaboration with Corps Security’s charity partner Combat Stress, as well as other much deserving causes, in order to define how the business can improve social impact.

All about the people 

Commenting on the news of her appointment as social value lead, Wilkinson stated: “One of the things I found when I joined Corps Security was that it’s not all about the bottom line. While making a profit is, of course, important for Corps Security as a business, it’s all about the people. I couldn’t be happier to take the lead on Social Enterprise. It’s important for me that Corps Security receives the recognition it deserves for the work it does with ex-military personnel. Corps Security was founded on a social mission and still lives by that social mission today. It’s now my duty to make sure we keep that mission alive, alongside achieving our environmental and governance goals.”

As social value lead, Wilkinson is working with the senior leadership team to ensure the company’s future activities continue to support its initial social mission, staying true to the organisation’s unique roots and working closely within the military communities.

Thanks to Corps Security’s clients, Combat Stress has funded 109 days for the Helpline. That equates to 4,500 calls of which 2,070 were new callers seeking help for the first time. They have given 131 veterans individual sessions with a psychiatrist, funded 575 one-to-one, trauma-focused sessions and 862 video therapy sessions. In addition, 2,632 participants can attend one-to-one peer support group meetings across the UK.

As well as meeting Social Enterprise criteria earlier this year and joining the growing number of companies able to offer a ‘diverse spend ’option, Corps Security has also been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award by the Ministry of Defence. This is in recognition of outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.

Further, Corps Security has been a Living Wage Foundation Recognised Service Provider since 2020 and is also a carbon neutral company, funding projects across the world and offsetting 477 tons of carbon each year.

*Further information is available online at www.corpssecurity.co.uk

SSGC CEO David Stubbs wins British Ex-Forces in Business Award

The CEO of an award-winning specialist security company has received national recognition for his ever-growing commitment towards supporting members of the ex-Armed Forces community. SSGC CEO David Stubbs picked up the Business Leader of the Year accolade at the glittering Ex-Forces in Business Awards, with the ceremony held in central London on Thursday 2 December.

The Ex-Forces in Business Awards are a celebration of ex-military personnel in second careers and recognise the business achievements of ex-military members. They also celebrate employers who support current and former members of the British Armed Forces.

A former military policeman, Stubbs was recognised for his outstanding leadership and management which have been instrumental in Swindon-based SSGC’s considerable growth over the last seven years.

When he took over management of the business back in 2014, Stubbs set out with a distinct vision which has resulted in the company since achieving a remarkable 1,500% revenue growth year-on-year.

David Stubbs (centre) receives his Business Leader of the Year Award

As a proud signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, SSGC goes above and beyond the Call of Duty and has been a driving force in helping the veteran community right across the country.

Under Stubbs’ leadership, the business supports the military community through several remobilisation projects including deploying veterans to man COVID-19 Testing Centres across the UK in partnership with the Yorkshire Regiment.

At present, SSGC employs more than 500 veterans as part of its highly-skilled team and helps several of them to combat physical and mental difficulties as they settle back into life after their military service.

Going the extra mile

Commenting on the award win, Stubbs explained: “It’s truly a very humbling experience to be recognised on such a prestigious platform like this and I’m very grateful for the award. Although this is an individual award, a leader is no use without his or her team and the SSGC team is simply amazing. The military community is close to many of our hearts and we always go that extra mile to ensure that its constituents are looked after.”

Stubbs added: “There are thousands of servicemen and women who leave the Armed Forces each year and this creates a rich pool of talent for us as employers. Those individuals are underpinned by skills and values that easily transfer into a wide spectrum of roles. I believe that it’s our duty to look after these individuals who have given so much to our country and I’m grateful to have a platform to be able to do so.”

Stubbs also actively works with Mission Motorsport as SSGC’s charity partner, so far donating more than £50,000 to the organisation, which itself engages with veterans through motorsport. Stubbs regularly drives at Mission Motorsport events, offering beneficiaries high-speed passenger laps around several of the celebrated British racing circuits.

*For more information about SSGC visit www.ssgc-net.com

Corps Security awarded Gold status in Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Security solutions specialist Corps Security has been awarded Gold status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is run by the Ministry of Defence. The business is among 139 other companies to be awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community.

Representing the highest badge of honour, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards are awarded to companies that employ and support those who serve, veterans and their families. To win the award, organisations must provide ten extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive Human Resources policies in place for veterans, reserves and Cadet Force adult volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

This Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community comes at a time when Corps Security is elevating its focus on employee well-being and working towards becoming a social enterprise. This year’s awardees bring the total number of Gold holders to 493, which also includes CBRE, global commercial real estate and investment services-centric businesses.

Recognising employer support

The Employer Recognition Scheme was launched back in 2014 by (then) Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of defence sector personnel. This includes the reserves, service leavers, cadets, spouses and the wounded, injured and sick.

Mike Bullock, CEO at Corps Security, noted: “Corps Security was founded to provide employment for ex-servicemen returning from the Crimean War so the roots of our company are firmly ingrained in the military sector. We value every single member of the Armed Forces community employed by the business. They bring a fantastic skill set and their contribution is invaluable.”

Bullock continued: “We are so proud to receive this very prestigious Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. It doesn’t end there, though. The military sector is so important to us and we’ll work even harder to recruit and support those that have served our country as well as developing our client base in the military sector.”

*Further information is available online at www.corpssecurity.co.uk

Mitie research finds FM to be “natural career match” for ex-military personnel

According to research conducted by Mitie, over two-thirds (70%) of individuals who have served in the military and moved into facilities management (FM) report that FM roles are a good match for the skills they developed in the Armed Forces, while more than three-quarters (77%, in fact) of respondents said that they would recommend the sector to other Armed Forces leavers.

Mitie conducted anonymous surveys involving 191 former servicemen and women currently working in the FM space and 122 managers of Armed Forces veterans in the sector. The subsequent report, entitled ‘Mobilising Veterans in the Facilities Management Industry’, shows that both veterans and managers in the FM world agree the sector is something of a natural match for former servicemen and women.

With over 20,000 veterans leaving the Armed Forces every year to join the civilian workplace, in fact, the detailed 14-page report looks at how the FM industry can better support those Armed Forces leavers.

The research found that many of the key skills developed in the military (among them reliability, the ability to perform under pressure and professionalism) are a strong match for those most needed in the FM sector. This is also the view of most managers surveyed, with four-in-five (84%) stating that veterans are likely to have the skills most urgently needed in the FM industry.

Despite having the key skills needed to help them succeed in their FM careers, many ex-servicemen and women are concerned that their lack of technical FM knowledge may limit their career opportunities. However, while managers noted the importance of these skills, they should not be seen as a barrier, with over half (53%) of all respondents suggesting that they would like to see employers offering more role-specific training to support ex-Armed Forces employees.

Need for guidance

Although the report finds that a career in FM is a good fit for veterans, more than a quarter (27%) of those former servicemen and women surveyed felt unprepared and in need of guidance when looking to join the civilian workplace. 50% of them said that it was a challenge to find work after leaving the military, with a lack of job-seeking skills, such as CV writing, and not understanding which jobs would best suit their military experience being highlighted as key barriers.

The report also pinpoints how important the Armed Forces community is in providing support to men and women recently leaving their military service. A third (29%) of veterans found their FM roles via a recommendation from someone they knew in the sector. Meanwhile, around one fifth of veterans said that creating employee networks (21%) and providing mentors (18%) are crucial ways in which employers can help smooth the transition to civilian life.

Mitie is using the findings of this report to guide its own initiatives designed to help ex-servicemen and women transition to civilian life and build their career in FM. This will support the organisation’s commitment that at least 2.3% of its employees will have a military background by 2025. That’s 0.5% above the average for the UK population.

Long-term career opportunities

Charles Antelme DSO, managing director for the commercial and Government sectors at Mitie, explained: “We’re delighted to see this report confirm that the FM sector is a natural choice for many Armed Forces leavers, offering ex-servicemen and women the chance to use the skills they’ve developed throughout their military career, as well as providing them with long-term career opportunities. With their professionalism, reliability and ability to perform under pressure, colleagues with a military background are a great fit for the FM sector.”

Antelme went on to state: “However, with many veterans leaving the Armed Forces unsure as to which roles best match their skills, there’s a huge opportunity here for our industry. By offering the right support and guidance, we can help more former servicemen and women kick-start their careers in the FM sector.”

The report builds on Mitie’s commitment to support the Armed Forces and to encourage more former military personnel to join the FM industry. Mitie has already launched a number of initiatives to help ex-military personnel find work in the FM industry. These include a dedicated Armed Forces Career Portal and its specialist Ready2Work ‘Military’ programme, giving veterans a chance to experience a placement in the FM sector.

Through its employee network, the Mitie Military, the company is also supporting its large community for veterans and reservists by offering a forum in which individuals can share experiences with their colleagues.

Trauma awareness training to be highlighted on Armed Forces Day 2020

On Armed Forces Day 2020, which takes place on Saturday 27 June, the mental health charity PTSD Resolution is going to be highlighting the plight of Armed Forces’ veterans who find themselves in the criminal justice system. Many are suffering from military trauma and are not receiving the therapeutic support that they need to become well again and rehabilitated.
 
The specialist charity works with security companies and myriad organisations, among them ASIS UK, in order to provide therapy for staff who have been traumatised, as well as training for line managers.

On Friday 26 June at 1.30 pm, PTSD Resolution is holding a free webinar entitled ‘Trauma Awareness Training for Everyone’. The TATE Programme helps people to recognise the symptoms of trauma in themselves, their colleagues or members of staff whom they manage. It provides valuable information on appropriate support and routes for both referral and treatment.

The charity has also launched a special film that tells the story of a former HMPS prisoner and veteran of the First Gulf War. Entitled ‘The Silent Years’, the film was produced and donated by students of the Ravensbourne University, namely Shakeel Hussain (editor), Louise Corleys (editor and sound), Poppy Louise Carter (director) and Diana Alexandru (producer).

Addiction and breakdown

Government statistics estimate that approximately 4% of those in custody and on community orders are ex-Armed Forces personnel, but external estimates claim that the proportion in the prison population may be as high as 17%.

In addition to criminality, military trauma when left untreated can result in addiction, family breakdown and even suicide.
 
“The Coronavirus lockdown gives us all some idea of the stress of losing our freedom even if we’re not actually in prison,” explained Patrick Rea, campaign director for PTSD Resolution. “Plenty of veterans find themselves in the criminal justice system. In many instances, this is at least in part because of the effects of military trauma they’re still suffering. If they don’t receive the therapy they need in prison to become better, how can we expect them to re-join society responsibly? This is both a justice system and a humanitarian issue.”

Patrick Rea

For its part, PTSD Resolution has provided free mental health therapy to veterans, reservists and their families for eleven years now and taken care of people right across the UK. It’s one of the only providers of specialist help to former Armed Forces personnel while they’re in prison or have alcohol and/or substance abuse problems. Treatment is available through a network of 200 therapists, either online or by telephone during the current lockdown scenario.

Reporting of symptoms

According to research conducted by the British Journal of Psychiatry, among ex-Armed Forces personnel, no less than 17% of those who had been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2014-2016 reported symptoms suggesting PTSD. Those deployed in a support role such (eg medical, logistics, signals, aircrew) were affected at a rate of 6%, which is 1-2% higher than in the general UK population.
 
Emerging studies are indicating that, following the COVID-19 outbreak, rates of PTSD among those serving as medical key workers or Emergency Services personnel and who have been personally affected by the pandemic are likely to be much higher.

*For further information on PTSD Resolution visit www.ptsdresolution.org

Reliance High-Tech names Blue Lamp Foundation as chosen charity for 2020-2021

Reliance High-Tech, the independent security technology integrator and provider of lone worker protection services, has announced that its chosen charity for 2020-2021 is the Blue Lamp Foundation. 

The Blue Lamp Foundation was founded in 2010 by PC David Rathband after he suffered life-changing injuries having been shot at close range by Raoul Moat. The charity helps those from the Emergency Services who’ve been injured, physically or emotionally, in the line of duty by providing funding and support towards treatment, rehabilitation and out-of-pocket expenses.

Throughout the year, Reliance High-Tech’s employees will engage in a range of activities to generate funds and put them towards the vital work that this charity transacts. Last year, those activities raised a magnificent £2,090 for SSAFA, the dedicated Armed Forces charity.

David Walton, finance director at Reliance High-Tech, told Security Matters: “SSAFA was our first ever charity of the year and I’m really proud of how the Reliance High-Tech team undertook a variety of fundraising activities, from the ‘Big Brew’ through to climbing the equivalent of Everest at our head office in Bracknell. This year, we invited nominations from the team as to which charity we should support and the Blue Lamp Foundation was chosen. Given Reliance High-Tech’s close working relationships with a number of police forces and, indeed, the NHS, this is a perfect fit for us to give something back to such a worthwhile cause and ably assist the brave men and women of the Emergency Services who sacrifice so much for us.”

Peter Sweeney, chairman of the Blue Lamp Foundation, responded: “We would like to thank everyone at Reliance High-Tech for choosing to support the Foundation over the next year. In the current climate, we know that Emergency Services personnel, along with many more key workers, are really stepping up to the plate to meet new levels of demand. At some point, their coping mechanisms will slow down and, on top of the physical assaults many are experiencing, they will reach a point whereby they can no longer effectively function with front line duties and will need support. Sponsorship from Reliance High-Tech will help us deliver that support.”

Meggitt CEO Tony Wood appointed president at ADS

Tony Wood, CEO of Meggitt and former president of Rolls-Royce Aerospace, has been appointed president of the ADS trade organisation for the security, defence, aerospace and space industries. Wood succeeds Colin Smith. The appointment comes ahead of the 2020 Farnborough International Airshow, where the spotlight will be on the UK’s aerospace, defence and space industries, the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology, and attracting future engineering talent.

Wood commented: “It’s an honour to be appointed ADS president and I look forward to championing the industries we represent: industries that connect people across continents, ensure our national security and put advanced technology into space.”

He continued: “2020 marks a year where both sustainability and social purpose will be high on our agenda, underpinned by the innovation that continues to be the hallmark of the industries we represent. We’re looking forward to working with the new Government to take forward our industrial partnerships, investing to create a more sustainable future and deliver a national space programme. We keenly anticipate contributing to the Government’s planned Security, Defence and Foreign Policy Review and ensuring that our industries remain equipped to provide outstanding levels of support to our Armed Forces, the police and the Security Services.”

Tony Wood

In addition, Wood observed: “We’re also looking forward to the 2020 Farnborough International Airshow and the opportunity to showcase to an international audience the fantastic products, services and innovations created by our members.”

ADS CEO Paul Everitt enthused: “It’s a great start to 2020 for ADS to welcome Tony Wood to the role of president. He brings extensive knowledge of our industries. His experience and drive will be an asset to ADS and to our members.”

Everitt also stated: “I would like to think Colin Smith for his support, advice and dedication in his two years as ADS president, which have seen our members continue to grow, the development of our industrial strategy partnerships with Government and a first Farnborough International Airshow at our new Exhibition and Conference Centre.”

As president, Wood leads the ADS Board, which is composed of representatives from each of the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, including vice-presidents from each industry. The appointment of ADS president is made for a two-year term.

Wood has been CEO of Meggitt since January 2018, having joined the company as chief operating officer in 2016. He was Rolls-Royce’s president for aerospace from May 2013 to January 2016, and previously spent 16 years with Messier-Dowty.

Wood is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and of the Association of Project Management.

Institute of Risk Management pledges commitment to Armed Forces community by signing Armed Forces Covenant

Senior members of the Institute of Risk Management (IRM) recently gathered at a co-signing ceremony for the Armed Force’s Covenant at Horseguards Parade in London. The signing was between the IRM and the Greater London Reserve Force’s and Cadet’s Association (GLRFCA).

Guests included IRM Board members. There were also representatives present from the Kent Army Cadet Force including Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dean OBE, Deputy Commandant Major Richard Phillips and Regimental Sergeant Major Pete Barnes. SO1 Lieutenant Colonel David Utting (head of engagement for the British Army) was also present and gave a brief message on partnering with defence.

The signing between the IRM and GLRFCA signifies an ongoing commitment to service leavers and personnel as laid out in the pledge.

Socrates Coudounaris CFIRM (left), chairman of the IRM, and SO1 Lieutenant Colonel David Utting (head of engagement for the British Army)

Socrates Coudounaris CFIRM, chairman of the IRM, said: “It was a great privilege to be here today to co-sign the Armed Forces Covenant. It’s vitally important that the Armed Forces and businesses are mutually engaged. This signifies a wider pledge by the IRM to increase the risk management profession’s visibility to ex-military personnel. We provide accessible and relevant training and qualifications that will help ex-Armed Forces personnel in making the transition to the business world.”

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dean OBE and Captain Vicky Robinson (country PR for the Kent Army Cadet Force and head of marketing and communications at the IRM)

Coudounaris added: “Many of the skills learned by services personnel naturally cross over into the world of risk management and we’re keen to ensure these skills are recognised and that we can help support individuals’ lifelong learning and career transition where possible.”

Drew Jeacock, head of engagement for the GLRFCA, stated: “The Government is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community by working with a range of partners who’ve signed the Armed Forces Covenant. It’s a national responsibility involving Government, businesses, local authorities, charities and the public. Demonstrating commitment to the Armed Forces family is a significant gesture and I hope that the IRM will embrace the intent and values that we hold close to our core. We value the IRM’s support.”

*The IRM supports Captain Victoria Robinson, the organisation’s head of marketing and communications, who’s also the county PR officer for the Kent Army Cadet Force, with leave for annual camp and other cadet-related activities

PTSD Resolution organises ‘Shell Shock Walk’ for Forces’ veterans mental health

PTSD Resolution – the charitable organisation looking after the mental health of forces’ veterans, reservists and their families – is organising the third annual ‘Shell Shock Walk’ in London on Saturday 14 September. The walk from Wandsworth Bridge to Tower Bridge is over eight miles and starts at 1.30 pm. Further details are available online at www.ptsdresolution.org/shellshockwalk.php.

PTSD Resolution works closely with ASIS UK and other security associations because of the number of forces veterans that work in the industry. Some may have experienced and still suffer from the symptoms of trauma from earlier military service. The charity can also help where there has been a more recent traumatic incident during the course of current employment.

The charity delivers the TATE Programme (short for Trauma Awareness Training for Employers), a half-day course for security line managers and HR personnel to enable them to recognise the symptoms of trauma in staff and then signpost help.

The 2019 walk is to highlight the issues of veterans’ mental health resulting from military trauma and to raise funds for therapy by PTSD Resolution, which provides free treatment to veterans through a network of 200 therapists nationwide.

In 2019, many veterans are still suffering from the impact of trauma without effective treatment. That’s now over 100 years after the end of World War I, whose mental health casualties are commemorated in the charity walk.

Tragically, many of the victims of shell shock were court-martialled during WW1. Their diagnosis of shell shock was not considered an admissible defence. The Battle of the Somme alone created 60,000 casualties of shell shock – a figure unmatched by any other battle in British military history.

In its aftermath, the Royal Army Medical Corps was actually banned from using the term shell shock.

Reliance High-Tech names SSAFA as chosen charity in support of Armed Forces community

Reliance High-Tech, the independent security technology integrator and provider of lone worker protection services, has named SSAFA (the Armed Forces charity) as its 2019-2020 corporate charity. Throughout the year, Reliance High-Tech’s employees will engage in a range of activities to raise funds and help with the vital work that SSAFA carries out for serving personnel, veterans and military families across the UK and worldwide.

SSAFA has been providing lifelong support to the Armed Forces and their families since 1885. Last year, its teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 82,000 people in need, from Second World War veterans through to young men and women who’ve served in more recent conflicts.

“We take the selection of our corporate charity very seriously and were unanimous in the view that the incredible work that SSAFA does to support those who’ve served their nation, and been prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice, was a perfect fit with our own Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives,” explained David Walton, director of finance at Reliance High-Tech. “Furthermore, many of our current employees are ex-Armed Forces personnel and we believe that supporting SSAFA on a national level enhances our levels of employee engagement.”

Kelvin King, regional service manager at Reliance High-Tech, stated: “This is brilliant, I’m happy to try and collect funding as much as I can”.  This sentiment was echoed by project manager Lee Jones, who commented: “Being ex-Welsh Guards myself, I would be more than happy to be involved with anything in my regional area.”

Amendment of CSR policy

Although raising funds is vitally important for SSAFA, so too is providing the time, energy and resources needed to help it carry out its fundraising activities. As such, Reliance High-Tech has amended its CSR policy to give each member of staff one day of paid leave to actively volunteer their time to help with SSAFA’s charitable projects.

The company has also appointed eight regional co-ordinators who’ll ensure that help is available where and when it’s needed. The business has committed to match any money raised from employee activities.

Reliance High-Tech will  play an active role in Armed Forces Week, which runs from 24-30 June, helping out with Big Brew-Ups around the country. Big Brew-Ups are a perfect way to convene with friends and family, colleagues or neighbours, have a chat over tea and cake and donate to SSAFA.

Jonny King, corporate fundraising officer at SSAFA, enthused: “I’m delighted that Reliance High-Tech has selected us as its chosen charity for 2019-2020. The business will help us raise funds to support Armed Forces personnel and their families in their times of need. From speaking to David, it’s clear that there’s a genuine synergy between our organisations. I’m very much looking forward to working with him and the rest of the Reliance High-Tech team in the months ahead.”