Corps Security was once again acknowledged at the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Security Personnel Awards 2012; in the Best Team category. The awards ceremony on June 27 was at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Winners were awarded for outstanding customer service and brave acts that often went beyond the call of duty.
The winning team from Corps comprises 140 officers and six site managers employed on a Royal Navy Fleet Commercial contract that provides civilian guarding services to six Royal Marines establishments in the south west of England. It is one of the largest contracts that the company operates and due to the sensitive nature of these establishments it requires security personnel of the highest calibre.
Many of those working for the Corps team are ex-military and so consider themselves part of the Royal Marines ‘family’. With most of the service personnel based at the sites seeing active duty in Afghanistan, some have not returned home alive, while others have come back injured. This means that the security officers have to demonstrate sensitivity when dealing with family members and other visitors.
Corps Security’s chief executive, Peter Webster, said: ‘This fantastic team is a shining example of the unrivalled standards of professionalism that we are proud to offer. These men and women work on a high profile assignment and have helped the Royal Marines cope in a variety of difficult situations. I am delighted that the BSIA has recognised their achievements and this award is thoroughly deserved.’
The Corps has an affiliation with the Royal Marines; its president, Sir Robert Fulton, is the unit’s ex-commandant general. The organisation also raises funds for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) by a range of activities including the Commando Spirit series of challenges. As part of this initiative its sales and marketing director, Gary Broad, will soon lead a team on a 250 mile cycle ride to each of the six sites.
Major Andrew Plewes of the Royal Marines, added: ‘Corps Security has proven to be an extremely capable and effective security provider, and has consistently delivered a high level of service. As the military security advisor for the contract I have been impressed with the proactive support at all our sites by a team that requires a minimal level of oversight and intervention. I am very pleased that these polite, effective and reliable people have been recognised by receiving the Best Team accolade at the BSIA Security Personnel Awards 2012 and I look forward to working with them in the future.’
This year’s awards also recognised the efforts of Corps Security officer, Jane Lapsley, who saved the life of a member of staff at an Amazon site where she was stationed when he suffered a heart attack. Lapsley’s quick thinking allowed her to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the man, who has since made a full recovery. For this she was a named as a finalist in the Outstanding Act award category.
