Nadine Matthews, Country President
Nadine joined Securitas UK as our first female Country President in October 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience with the Saint-Gobain Group, including more than two decades in UK board-level roles. Nadine served as Managing Director for five Saint-Gobain companies, most recently leading Jewson, a top UK builders' merchant in another traditionally male-dominated sector, which has given her valuable insights into some of the challenges women can face in business environments.
Nadine’s appointment is a significant milestone for Securitas UK, and Nadine is committed to creating a culture where every individual feels valued and included and is keen to ensure our organisation reflects the diverse world we live in and the clients we serve. By achieving this, we will create an environment that values diverse perspectives, enhances innovation and ensures fair opportunities for all to grow and succeed.
As sponsor of our Women’s Network (Women@Securitas), Nadine champions initiatives that provide a space where colleagues can connect, collaborate, and discuss the challenges they face in both their professional and personal lives. The network also helps shape policy, procedures and initiatives by holding a mirror up to our business and driving concrete change for the better.
In addition, Nadine is equally committed to programmes such as our Accelerator Programme and our Engage Survey. The Accelerator Programme launched in 2024 in response to feedback received from our networks and aims to enhance employee skills by providing focused, high-impact learning experiences that equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to advance their career. The Engage Survey gives us feedback to ensure we foster a strong workplace culture and exceptional colleague engagement.
“It’s crucial that Securitas is a place where talent can thrive, and where our whole professional family feels recognised and valued equally for the difference we make. This is the future we must strive for and together, we can make it happen!”
Alexandra Davis, Chief Operating Officer
"Although I’ve only been with Securitas for a few months, it’s clear this is a business driven by purpose and underpinned by universal values of integrity, helpfulness, and vigilance.
From day one, I’ve been warmly welcomed by passionate colleagues from diverse backgrounds, all working to make a difference. It’s inspiring to see how these values guide everything we do.
Having worked for years in industries striving for greater equality, diversity, and inclusion, I’ve often encountered misconceptions about the physical demands of security roles. But in my short time here, it’s evident that success in the security profession is overwhelmingly about skills and behaviours. Whether as a protective service officer, an intelligence analyst, or in a supporting role, the skills we value, problem-solving, resilience, communication, and collaboration, are perfectly suited to women from all backgrounds.
Progress requires us to work together, addressing biases and systemic issues from recruitment to retention. It’s vital that women’s voices are represented, colleagues are educated, and opportunities for flexibility are expanded. A diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve not only drives inclusion but also enhances our mission to make the world a safer place.
This year's theme, Accelerate Action is a timely reminder that progress is far too slow. The case for greater diversity is compelling, and we must double our efforts to drive meaningful change."
Rachel Doland, Sales & Commercial Director, Securitas Technology UK
Rachel joined Stanley Security, now Securitas Technology, over five years ago as a Sales Manager. As the sole female manager in the Sales Team, Rachel initially faced scepticism about her ability to succeed in the industry, this fuelled her determination to adapt, learn, and demonstrate her true capabilities.
Rachel's drive to progress her career led her to complete an ILM Level 5 course achieving a distinction, which helped boost her confidence and paved the way for her to progress to General Manager of the CIA business on the South Coast. In August 2023, after the Stanley Security acquisition, Rachel was promoted into her current role of Sales & Commercial Director.
Rachel sees huge value in increasing diversity in the security technology sector and advocates for prioritising diversity and ensuring women feel supported. While the industry remains male-dominated, Rachel believes women bring critical skills such as empathy, relationship-building, and problem-solving.
Rachel recently became Chair of the Women at Securitas network and has driven several initiatives to support inclusivity in the workplace, addressing topics like menopause and work-life balance to help foster a more inclusive workplace. Rachel says. “We need more male allies in our business to champion equality and drive meaningful change.”
Rachel finds this year’s theme, Accelerate Action, particularly inspiring. “At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. That’s simply too long. We all have a role to play. By becoming role models and supporting the next generation of leaders, we can drive faster, more meaningful progress towards gender equality”
Allison Dibben, Head of Operations
Allison joined Securitas in 2022 where her transition to the security industry was driven by a desire to take on new challenges and make a tangible impact in an evolving field. Since then, Allison has worked to create a more inclusive workplace by championing roles that are part time, job shares and weekend only working, all of which have helped to attract and retain female talent.
As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Allison has been instrumental in driving key initiatives such as the flexible working project, designed to support employees with varying needs and circumstances. Allison also plays an active role in the Women at Securitas group, mentoring aspiring leaders and championing policies that empower underrepresented groups within the business.
Allison believes that women bring unique and invaluable skills to problem-solving and the development of interpersonal relationships. These include emotional intelligence, collaboration, and mindfulness, qualities that are essential to success in the security industry and developing customer relationships.
"Flexibility is key to creating a workplace where everyone can succeed. By recruiting people with varied backgrounds and skills, we gain the fresh perspectives needed to tackle today’s complex security issues. It’s not just about meeting today’s needs but preparing for the challenges of tomorrow."
Accelerating Action
At Securitas UK, we believe that progress starts with action and the incredible women across our organisation are helping to create a more inclusive future every day.
This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to support the theme Accelerate Action by continuing to break barriers, inspire progress, and create equal opportunities and a more inclusive future for all.
