WOMEN IN SECURITY

THE SECURITY INDUSTRY IS GENERALLY RECOGNISED AS A MALE-DOMINATED SECTOR, SECURITY GUARDING CAN OFTEN BE SEEN AS “MAN’S WORK”

THIS PERCEPTION NEEDS TO CHANGE!

There is a positive shift in the number of women working in the industry; however – only 9% of qualified security officers registered with the SIA (Security Industry Authority) are women.

Partnered in 2018, HOST and G4S have created a hospitality security officer role, encompassing a wide range of security services on each campus such as access control, emergency response, conflict resolution, patrols, first aid response and guest and team welfare checks.

Men and Women Security Officers keep hundreds of guests and team members safe at Hinkley and Sedgemoor Campuses – day and night.

Although women are underrepresented compared to males within the security industry – women currently account for 25% of the HOST security team.

We aim to lead by example when it comes to supporting women in the security industry. We recognise that a diverse team makes us stronger and more adaptable.

THE VALUE OF WOMEN ON THE FRONT LINE OF SECURITY

Women can have a diplomatic negotiation style which aides in conflict resolution. We have found women security officers can be great at diffusing potentially violent situations with male customers without resorting to physical measures, who are much less likely to be confrontational with women security officers.

Communication, industry knowledge and empathy are all key attributes to a modern security officer and fundamental to the role. Women security officers can be great problem solvers and contribute highly to diplomacy and tackling any incident.

Women can go into female spaces – where males are restricted – such as public female toilets. Women guests or team members may feel also feel uncomfortable or intimidated by male guests or security officers. A female security presence can help women feel considerably more comfortable and safer.

Women security officers lend support to any females staying or working on campus who may wish to utilize a reassuring safety net of support when in a predominantly male environment.

SAFETY FIRST

SUPPORTING WOMEN’S SAFETY ON CAMPUS

The safety of women is a major concern for many people. The tragic deaths of Sarah Everard, Sabina Nessa and others are a reminder that there is a public safety issue surrounding women. The private security industry can make a valuable contribution to this. As SIA licence holders, our security team play a vital role in protecting female guests and team members on campus.

Through physical security, technology, and innovation – HOST & G4S take steps to ensure the wellbeing of all women working or staying on campus.

Our campus entrance gates are access controlled 24/7
Security patrols are carried out frequently around all areas on campus
CCTV is continuously monitored
All guest rooms are equipped with a landline phone with an emergency button direct to the security gatehouse
All guests and team members are encouraged to join the onsite campus safety app SafeZone linking them directly to the security team for emergency response. Communication and situational awareness link the security team directly to any call for help

IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT SOMEONE’S SAFETY

Report your concerns to your supervisor or management Seek the help of security officers
Take advantage of any local or national schemes aimed at keeping people safe, such as ASK ANGELA
Call for a licensed taxi to take the vulnerable person home
Call the Police

International Women’s Day (March 8th) is a global day for accelerating women’s equality and recognising the achievements of women.

HOST & G4S would like to celebrate our Women in Security