The City Security Council (CSC) campaign celebrating diversity in security

The City Security Council (CSC) is leading on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) through a campaign that spans the UK to ‘change the perception’ of security.

The CSC has met and filmed over 300 front-line security personnel to celebrate how the security industry is championing diversity and inclusion.

They capture the backgrounds, religions, beliefs, sexual orientations, gender, and disabilities through the process of storytelling. Here we highlight just a few with their views on the project and working in security.

Sercan Turet CIS Security

This is a great project for a good cause and interesting opportunity to be a part of. This was something I hadn’t done before, being in front of a camera, so was out of my comfort zone, but I always like a challenge and to participate in new experiences. I wanted to put my story out there to help introduce new people to this great industry.

Having people from all walks of life is important for me, as there are many experiences that I have not had an opportunity to be enriched by. From culture to food, I am always interested in more ways to live life to the fullest.

CIS has a management structure where you feel that they are approachable and I can truly see and relate to the Passion, Determination & Leadership in people within the company.

Kim Brechin SecuriGroup

Kim is the Head of Front of House at Mayfair, a luxury reception and concierge provider.

Kim’s career journey started as an Event Steward with SecuriGroup a decade ago, where she contributed to safeguarding Europe’s largest free open-air music festival, world-class European golf tournaments, and the pioneering multi-sport European Championships of 2018.

Kim was promoted to Project Manager, mobilising some of the UK’s most iconic contracts, such as the Television Centre, Selfridges and 30 Fenchurch Street, among other prestigious accounts.

During this period, Kim identified a massive need for the separation of front of house to security as although they have synergies, they also have a lot of variances and so Mayfair Front of House was born”.

Beth Ivans UniTrust

Beth Ivans is responsible for the delivery of security services to a property in Canary Wharf. She has established exceptional links with the local security community, including the Canary Wharf Group, police networks and other building security managers within the Wharf.  Beth continually looks for ways in which she can collaborate within her network, such as hosting presentations that proactively encourage engagement with the various businesses in the locality.

Aside from industry initiatives, Beth also contributes to the community from a charity perspective.  She initiated and implemented a charity event raising money for MS which involved the entire building community and was a resounding success.

Steve Raison Ward Security

Steve spent 36 years in the City Police, with over 20 of those years in the dog section, before joining Ward to continue his dog-handling career in the private sector. Ward enabled him to continue to work as part of the City infrastructure, whilst joining his two former dog instructors in the Canine unit.

Steve enjoys the variety of his role: every day there is something different happening. Being a dog handler gives him the opportunity to meet great people from all over the world, something that you can’t get in other jobs. Steve has such a passion for the role, which is so important when you’re responsible for the safety of yourself and those around you. A rewarding yet challenging industry that he is so proud to be a part of.

Jon Webster  EOS Security

EDI to me is about creating a certainty. Life has two, birth and death. We are all born someone, yet life seems to find a way to make too many somebodies into nobodies. By working collectively and in unison, we can see the value and inspiration in those around us, regardless of their heritage, orientation, identity, religion, or anything else that makes them someone special. We can support them, encourage them, and help them see the beauty and the magic they hold inside, allowing it to shine brightly and proudly. Thereby allowing us all to create a certainty that we are all somebody, that being a nobody is unacceptable, and collectively we can become everybody.

Fatima Alves Corps Security

Fatima joined Corps as a receptionist and it became clear very quickly that building rapport with both clients and colleagues came very naturally to her and her customer service skills were second to none. Wanting to develop this talent, Corps took every opportunity to progress Fatima, moving her into an administration role within our compliance team. Now as a Contract Manager in London, she proves to everyone just what she is capable of. She has transformed security operations, with both clients and colleagues singing her praises.

Fatima stated, ‘I want to promote the security industry as a rewarding place to work for females. So much progress has been made and I’m so excited to see what more we can collectively achieve.’

Kay Hylton Securitas

I joined Securitas STARS in 2020 as they had been recommended by a friend, having finished university I was looking for a job that would offer me structure, stability, and growth opportunities.

I found an organisation and management who were keen on developing and supporting their employees so to join was a no-brainer. The experience and opportunities I have had have been incredible and life-changing for me in every way. From relocating to a new city and making new friends to a new environment and professional development has all been great for my mental wellbeing. I have had no regrets joining Securitas and would highly recommend them to my friends and anyone interested in joining the security industry.

Agnieszka Chlewscka ICTS

Taking part in the EDI campaign was a rewarding experience. By telling my story I can show others that the security industry is open and welcoming. We learn from our differences and experience, and this is essential for personal growth and understanding. Embracing diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences enables us to broaden our horizons which leads to more effective problem-solving and a deeper understanding of potential threats and vulnerabilities. Being part of ICTS allows me to achieve my goals and encourage others to join the industry. Working for a company with a clear and supportive management structure and various training programmes supports my career and makes me feel valued and trusted.

Abs Mbye Lodge Service

Abs Mbye, a Security Officer at Lodge Service, has been working in security for the last seven years. Abs was inspired to enter the security sector by a relative and since gaining his SIA licence has become a committed and enthusiastic team member who loves his role. Abs eagerly discussed the wide range of career options in this field and expressed ambitious aspirations for his own future development.

For Abs, only the security sector can offer him a career that is fulfilling, rewarding and challenging, with great opportunities for career progression and to develop though the achievement of qualifications.

Xavier Heywood  Mitie

I have been in the industry for over 15 years.  During my career I have held various positions from Area Manager to now Senior Operations Manager. I have worked for Mitie for 12 years.

I have worked in some of the most prestigious and challenging environments London has to offer and no day is ever the same.  My role is exciting, rewarding, and challenging.  I thrive on supporting employees of the business to achieve their career goals by mentoring them.

Security is not just standing on the door, there is so much more – anyone who is committed, and hard working can have a fantastic career in security and all are welcomed, from those with no experience to those with years.