Private security has long been viewed as a male-dominated sector. The contract guarding company GMS Group is pointing out the vital roles held by women across the business and working to provide a platform for all to join the industry and develop their careers.
Bromsgrove-based GMS reports 62pc of HQ staff and half of the board of directors are female. An example of the opportunities provided to the growing number of female staff across GMS in the UK can be seen in Sihausenkosi Nduna, pictured, one of GMS’ longest serving security officers. Having joined the business in 2005, she has now progressed to a key role at long-standing client, Jaguar Land Rover.
Sihausenkosi said: “Women can make a valuable contribution to all aspects of security. It’s a growing market so there’s lots of opportunities to get involved with and I am excited to be part of such a forward-thinking provider.”
Two women in decision-making roles are Louisa Bell, Operations Administrator and Rachel Freeman, GMS Group’s HR Director. Louisa plays a key role in the Operations team, monitoring mobile patrols, providing audits and planning the schedule of on-site security staff at national clients; Rachel, who joined the business in 2007, heads human resources across the group while also supporting the CEO and Commercial Director in developing the business.
Both women have enrolled on specialist training within their areas of expertise while working for GMS. Rachel has earned a CIPD Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management and Louisa is undertaking an ILM Level 5 Diploma for Leaders and Managers.
Neil Male, CEO of GMS Group, said: “The importance of the role women play within our business cannot be overstated. From the front line of manned security through to sales, HR, operations and marketing, women are vital to our ongoing success and long may it continue. As with everyone that comes through the door at GMS, we provide women with the platform and encouragement to enhance their skills with various training and development opportunities, which is one of the many reasons why we have an excellent retention rate and so many wonderful long-serving employees.”
GMS works at over 300 sites across the UK, including Jaguar Land Rover, GVA and the rugby union club Worcester Warriors.
Visit www.gms-group.co.uk.
