Focus on a Security Officer Dave Aston
It was a pleasant stroll on a hot day from Embankment Station to Pall Mall for City Security magazine’s Graham Bassett when he met with David Aston, Senior Supervisor Front of House for Portal Security, at a classically hi-spec newly refurbished 70,000 sq. ft multi-tenanted building.
It is often said it is the journey that counts, but the destination in this case was special: the minute you walked into the foyer area, it oozed luxury refinement, followed by a warm and professional welcome.
How did you initially get into the security profession?
I served in the Royal Navy at their submarine base in Scotland for ten years before I moved into retail security and subsequently corporate security sixteen years ago.
What does your job entail and what is the best thing about it?
Ensuring everyone in the building is safe, the building is secure and all as it should be – and, of course, helping visitors and tenants accordingly. I enjoy sharing my knowledge, supporting my colleagues, and seeing them progress and do well.
What has been the highlight of your career in security?
When I was working at Lambeth Palace a Lord visited and, on his way out, he made a point of stopping to speak with me and compliment me on how I had greeted him/processed his arrival – I was just doing my job, but his feedback made what I do even more worthwhile.
On another occasion, a well-known TV celebrity was visiting my place of work. He stopped to speak with me, not knowing my wife is a huge fan, plus it also happened to be her birthday; he then said, “Can I call your wife to wish her happy birthday?” (which he did).
What skills do you believe are important for the security role?
Having the ability to listen and communicate/engage with people; being able to think ahead and be proactive; having good observation skills. If something does not look right, no matter how small, action and follow up. Show an interest in where you are working, ask questions, learn good practice from others and progress.
How does technology support the security role?
Technology is an important contributing factor in today’s blended security provision, which enables us to provide a better overall service to the client, staff, and visitors.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into security?
Firstly, be yourself and be honest: integrity is fundamental. Have a passion to do your best, learn and help others along the way, with a positive ‘can do’ attitude.
How has your role changed over the time you have been doing it?
For me, the biggest change has been from chasing shoplifters in retail to working in a corporate environment. Another big change I have seen over the years is people’s attitude towards security: I believe it is now seen as a profession, rather than being viewed in a less positive light. Also, the day-to-day role has changed with the advent of technology, along with clients, who have an expectation of a more customer service-focused approach, which is essential today.
How would you like to progress in your role.
I would like to progress to the next level and be able to help/train others, as I have done in other positions and in the Navy.
Speaking with Dave, it is evident he is a great ambassador for the business and well thought of by the client and Portal Director, Adrian Moore: “Dave Aston is an exceptional Front of House Officer. His customer service, friendly demeanour, and attention to detail, make him an invaluable asset to our client and Portal Security. Whilst new to us, in a short space of time, Dave has quickly become the face of the building and we are delighted to have him in our team.”
