Doug Hewitson, the Managing Director of G4S Secure Solutions Group introduces his second blog on Infologue.com. Doug writes: “The saying ‘unity is strength’ is particularly resonant in the security industry. In a practical sense the quality and delivery of our services are dependent on a tightly organised and streamlined team. As with all sectors, the merits of teamwork and collaboration are clearly played out in the profitability and productivity of our activities. However, the security industry must move beyond this internal barometer to consider the benefits of collaboration not just within our own workforces, but in the wider community.
“In a company as diverse as ours, the nature of the work means we regularly come into contact with the general public and local organisations. To improve and tailor our services and better understand the jurisdictions in which we operate, we take pride in working alongside local communities, whether this is through one-off initiatives and events or through longer-term partnerships. We have firmly placed collaboration at the top of our agenda, working as ‘one’ towards worthy and mutually beneficial goals.
“One of our key areas of focus is in sport. Sport is an excellent channel through which to engage and inspire people at all levels. Two years ago we became involved in the SRU’s ‘Street Rugby’ programme that aims to help troubled youngsters across Scotland get involved with rugby at a local level, while simultaneously reducing anti-social behaviour and crime. It’s been most rewarding to see the effects of this programme in building stronger and safer communities, and more fulfilled individuals.
“Continuing the sporting theme, we have partnered with the Warwick County Cricket Club to supply local schools and communities with cricket kits, laden with essential equipment for aspiring cricketers to hone their skills over the summer months. So as to incentivise the community, we have also sponsored the annual Cricket Youth Awards, held at the famous Edgbaston, to celebrate sporting success at a local level. We are also involved in a series of disability initiatives, the most notable of which has been our ‘Remploy Baton Relay’ through our partnership with Remploy, to raise awareness of career opportunities for disabled people in the security sector. Since January this year, the baton has been passed to a different G4S business unit across the country, each month highlighting success stories of disabled people working in the company. With the Olympic Games just around the corner, the relay has been a great way to promote diversity for disability in the workplace.
“As for our other health initiatives, we recently pledged our alliance to the ‘see me’ campaign, initially launched by the Scottish government to tackle the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. We have teamed up with other organisations across the UK to raise awareness of this widespread issue, so often side-lined and misunderstood, both amongst our employees and in the communities in which we work.
“As we look to London 2012 and beyond, these principles of teamwork and collaboration, which are so central to the running of our services, will continue to be reflected in our outreach programmes. It is only through these partnerships that we can create a truly diverse, educated and unified workforce.”