Rhiannon joined Securitas five years ago, beginning her journey without prior experience in the security industry. Her unwavering commitment to professional growth and innovation has been exemplary, resulting in her receipt of the Melker Schörling Scholarship for 2024. This scholarship provided Rhiannon the opportunity to explore advanced security practices at Securitas Operations Centres (SOC) in Stockholm and Malmö, Sweden.
During her scholarship study, Rhiannon focused on enhancing monitoring station capabilities and improving collaboration with security guards, utilising innovative technologies to optimise response times and reduce false alarms. Her insights into the development of the MySecuritas App and the strategic role of the Risk Intelligence Center highlight her dedication to advancing security solutions.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from my peers at the SOCs in Sweden," Rhiannon shared. "The sense of camaraderie and dedication among operators was inspiring, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in ensuring safety.
Rhiannon's commitment extends beyond her personal development; she aims to share her newfound knowledge with colleagues and contribute to enhancing local operations at Securitas. Her experiences are already shaping innovative changes that promise to improve overall security efficiency.
An Interview with Rhiannon Waddon
What interested you most about this Scholarship? Why did you choose this area of Securitas to learn about?
I chose to learn about monitoring stations as it's my area of expertise, and I knew there would be value in observing how other centres operate. Monitoring services link to almost every part of the business, so I learned not only about monitoring but also how it connects other pieces of the security puzzle.
How did you find out you had won?
I walked into work on December 19, 2023, and my manager advised me to check my emails because I’d won something. It was a surprise to find an email from Magnus Ahlqvist congratulating me on receiving the scholarship! Afterward, Åsa Lundberg, the Senior Executive Assistant, called to discuss my study topic and the best location for my scholarship. Sweden was chosen, which was a top preference for me.
What happens next?
I visited Sweden in April 2024, learning from colleagues and networking in both Malmö and Stockholm. Since returning, I've had discussions with our Country President and HR Director about potential changes based on my experiences. I joined my colleagues in the Risk Intelligence Centre for their Q2 team day and will hopefully visit the Canine division.
What do you hope to gain from this experience?
The scholarship has deepened my understanding of Securitas as a community working together to make the world safer. Each part of the business is valuable and interconnected. Moving forward, I hope to use the knowledge I've gained to improve the services we provide to our clients and continue learning about the business on a larger scale.
Rhiannon's journey exemplifies the dedication and innovation that Securitas values. We are proud to have her as part of our team and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make.
