Here’s Peter French MBE, pictured, the CEO of the recruitment consultancy SSR Personnel, about the annual awards, Inspiration in HR, co-sponsored with IFSEC Insider. The winning entry has been recognised at the annual Security & Fire Excellence dinner since its inception 18 years ago.
Peter says: โUniquely recruiting across all aspects of the security industry we came across talented HR people and teams hard at work supporting and underpinning a companyโs vision by finding high tech designers, to create the vision, front line staffing to install or service the vision, bonding management teams creating and managing the vision of the organisation. What could SSR do to raise the profile of some incredible people we worked with wand recognise their efforts?”
Human Resources teams work a broad internal remit, managing cultures and diversity. The attraction of talent is vitally important in times of skills shortages, writes Peter; or, finding suitable people in areas of low unemployment. HR can include Learning and Development (L&D) programmes, motivating employees through continuous professional support, also working to ensure that employers remain of good repute.
Shortlisted companies see their HR function as giving them a competitive edge, Peter adds; they clearly demonstrate going above and beyond any current standards as you must be a quality employer to make the Inspiration in HR shortlist. This award recognises a critical differentiator in business. Short-listed organisations for this award have proven their credentials in the opinion of judges.
Wilson James were winners in 2023 and previous years. The company states โthis has been incredibly positive for our business and it is an accolade that we are exceptionally proud of. This recognition validates our efforts and strengthens our reputation as a leader in people-focussed practices. It boosts morale across Wilson James, assures our clients and partners of our commitment to excellence, and attracts top talent that enables us to continue to bring new entrants and expertise into the security industry as whole. The award has also provided us with valuable exposure, enhancing our brand and opening new opportunities for growth and collaboration.โ
The 2022 winner was Jennifer Hulme, Group HR Director for the installation company Marlowe Fire & Security. She spoke of the awards’ special significance to the HR function within the installer. โWe look after the eight businesses and to ensure we were able to do this to a good standard and help develop and grow the business from a people perspective, we launched our ACE people plan in 2020. This award gives us the recognition of the journey so far, reflecting on the great progress and developments we have undertaken which have been a success. We want to be an employer of choice within the industry. Attracting great candidates and retaining those within the business already. Our employees deserve development and where relevant a clear career journey. Our ambition in the HR team is great and we have fantastic support to deliver the ACE people plan by the executive board of the Group. ”
In 2021 the guarding company Ward Security impressed the judges highlighting their โWellbeing @ Wardโ to promote and support all aspects of a healthy physical and mental health agenda as a key to their success in looking after their people. โOur objective is to champion better work and work-lives for an effective workplace. The investment in Wellbeing aims to provide resilience for reduced work-related sickness absence whilst improving people engagement, workplace contentment, higher performance and productivity. This Award reflects who we are at Ward.โ
Organisations that are shortlisted place people at the heart of their operations charter, Peter adds; they build upon that when they respond in times of challenge. L&D is to safeguard employees, prioritising their welfare, looking at how quickly security needed to change from the start of the covid-19 pandemic; whether you were within a corporate crisis team or going out every day to fix the technology that millions of remote workers needed to rely upon.
Inspiration in HR-shortlisted organisations show incredible flexibility in their operations, Peter says; this meant dedicated resources and guidance during that pandemic period, enhanced health and safety measures, and all you should expect from a dedicated service provider. Most client organisations had praise for the way their support functions reacted, and HR teams stepped up to the challenge. The amount of energy and care that went into keeping workforces engaged, educated, and supported in diverse areas of their personal wellbeing during a crisis never experienced previously was a cause for admiration and celebration.
Previous winners have included Axis Communications, CIS Security, and ADT Fire and Security.
If you would like details of the 2024 Inspiration in HR Award email [email protected].
About Peter French MBE
Peter is the CEO of SSR Personnel, the London-based recruitment consultancy in the field of security risk, permanent or interim hire, with a workforce presence in Europe and the Middle East. Peter serves on the Chartered Security Professionals Registration Authority, is an ASIS Certified Protection Professional, and a former ASIS UK chapter organiser, and as a Master of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals (WCoSP) in the 2000s was one of the founders of the Security Benevolent Fund.
