Each year, Securitas UK’s Community Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of some of our most outstanding colleagues. This year we judged over 150 nominations – and it’s true to say that every nominee has genuinely helped make the world a safer place. Here we look at some of the most significant contributions, particularly those from the categories that reflect our core values of Vigilance, Integrity and Helpfulness. (Note, for security reasons, specific site and client details are omitted).
Vigilance Award
Our Vigilance Award recognises colleagues who pay attention to detail and notice things that others may miss. This year it went to Security Officer Simon Sharp, whose close monitoring of CCTV enabled him to spot a man trying to set a vehicle alight while the driver slept inside it. Simon’s vigilance and response helped prevent a serious incident and potential loss of life.
Integrity Award
Our Integrity Award recognises colleagues who will do the right thing no matter what the consequences may be for themselves. It was awarded to supervisor Gavin Withers who, when checking the contents of the safe at the start of his shift, was struck by the unusual absence of bank notes. On checking CCTV he identified an unauthorised individual removing the bank notes during the previous shift, and immediately reported the incident to his line manager. The judges praised both Gavin’s vigilance and integrity.
Helpfulness Award
Our Helpfulness Award recognises colleagues who assist whenever needed, even if not directly related to their job. Bruce Hain and Christopher Schneider are deputy security controllers at a key client’s List X site (which means it holds highly sensitive UK government information). The pair were jointly recognised by the judges for their commitment to their roles, uncomplainingly working long and unsociable hours, often at short notice, and particularly for the way in which they kept the site secure during a major power failure that affected the alarms and CCTV.
Leadership Award
Our Leadership Award recognises colleagues who inspire and motivate their team. This year the recipient was Andrew Ackers, who demonstrates his leadership skills daily through his work within the aviation sector. Always leading by example, Andrew’s infectious enthusiasm for standards is recognised by his colleagues, clients and Government agencies as well.
Earlier this year, he gave a presentation at the World Police Summit in Dubai on why the UK, and especially Securitas, are held in such high regard for canine deployed operations. To represent Securitas on a global scale and to be recognised by several international bodies is true leadership.
Country President Award
Shaun Kennedy introduced the Securitas UK Country President Award in 2020 to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of colleagues in our UK business. This year he presented the award to Rhoni Ikhide in recognition of his tireless efforts to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion within the business. “I was delighted to present Rhoni with the Country President Award in recognition of his passion, commitment and desire to help us make Securitas an even better place to work,” said Kennedy.
Community Award
Our Community Award recognises colleagues who give their time freely, purely for the satisfaction of helping others. This year it went to a Static Guarding team that have developed a community programme with a local special needs school. The programme sees sixth form students join security staff for short site patrols; the confidence and interpersonal skills the students gain from working with the security team has enabled them to seek further education and employment after leaving school. The programme has been such a great success that another special needs organisation is looking to duplicate it at another of the client’s sites.
The above examples provide just a snapshot of the incredible individuals and teams that take their commitment to their roles, their clients, colleagues and communities to the next level. “When I read the nominations for these awards, I’m so proud of our people” says Country President, Shaun Kennedy, “There are so many outstanding finalists, and they all deserve to win!”
