Ahead of International Security Officers’ Day on July 24 (chosen for the 24-7 nature of the work), Darryl Bedding, Security Operations Manager for EMEA, at the facilities services company Sodexo, pictured, reflects on his career so far and the trait he credits for his success – not brawn, but emotional intelligence.
From leisure to healthcare, corporate to government – Darryl Bedding’s career has spanned not just industries, but continents. With responsibilities stretching across the Middle East, Europe and Africa, it’s safe to say Darryl knows a thing or two about the ever-changing landscape of security.
“Everybody thinks security is the rough and tumble,” says Darryl. “The big guy stopping trouble and getting involved. It’s not always like that – that’s a really old-fashioned view of the role. The role now has evolved so much – we’re first responders, we’re concierge, we’re reception, we’re customer service. It’s a job requiring a multitude of skills – and much more than just physical ones.”
Where did it all begin?
Darryl began his career in security in the 1990s, in defence. He later moved into the private sector, beginning with roles in the leisure industry. In 2010, he joined Sodexo, as a security officer and progressed to a shift security manager role. Over time, Darryl supported a range of roles across multiple sectors, including serving as security manager at two busy London hospitals. His experience in front line healthcare settings has shaped his perspective on the importance of soft skills – particularly emotional intelligence – in security roles.
Recalling an example from his time in healthcare, he says: “Most people don’t realise the incredible work officers do on the front line, especially in major A&E departments. I once received a call about an elderly woman who was having a very difficult time with her mental health. She was being asked to stay for treatment and support, but she was extremely distressed and wanted to leave.
“In that moment, my job was simply to sit with her at the bus stop, talk to her, build trust – and gently encourage her to return to the hospital where she could get the care she needed. That’s when you see how varied this role really is. It’s the side of the job people don’t often see, and I believe it’s what truly defines a skilled security officer.”
Continents
From healthcare, Darryl became a regional security manager for a major cosmetics brand before being promoted to Sodexo’s UK security manager. It was from this role that his experience began to span multiple geographies. He transitioned into security operations manager for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), where he directed the security and front of house services teams and provided professional integrated security solutions across Sodexo’s portfolio in the EMEA region.
Continuous growth
Darryl hasn’t stopped for a moment – he’s always building on his knowledge and experience. He has a Level 5 Diploma in Operations and Departmental Management and Level 5 Diploma in Security Management. In addition, he has multiple industry awards to his name – including Security Officer of the Year and Regional Facilities Management and Excellence Award.
Earlier this year, his latest role with Sodexo saw him move into an account manager role, specialising in business continuity. And as is his style, he’s not stopping there. He may be 30 years into his career but he’s still growing and learning. In fact, next year he will embark on a PhD in Risk and Security. For those in already working in security and wanting to develop and those that are thinking about a career in security Darryl’s advice is: “Be tenacious, be absorbent, lean in and volunteer for anything and everything. Do as much as you can. Eventually it will pay you back and you’ll reap the rewards”.
