Category: News

Our first 100 days: An update from our Group CEO

Posted on by ameliaroberts

It’s been 100 days since we set out on our journey to bring our two impressive teams together to form the new OCS, and I’m encouraged and excited at the progress made so far and the opportunities ahead for us. I am pleased to reflect on our progress so far and check in on our vision and mission towards becoming the best facilities services business in the world, making people and places the best they can be. As we develop our plan, the main areas of focus and prioritisation are investment, team collaboration, cultural integration, our responsibility towards ESG initiatives and the continuation of excellent service for our customers and end users.

Bringing our two previously family-owned businesses together closely will be the key to our success. We have enormous experience and expertise within our newly formed organisation, and we’re focused on bringing those teams closer together physically, technologically and above all, culturally. Part of our brand launch (later this year) will help to embed our TRUE Values throughout the organisation. Our values guide what we do, how we operate, how we interact and, importantly, how we show up and deliver each day. Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment (TRUE) are at the heart of OCS, and I’ve made it my mission to deliver that message at every opportunity.

You may have heard the term ESG. It’s a widely used term in business and stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. ESG is an accountability mechanism on which we are measured as a business. ESG covers every aspect of sustainability, from environmental to financial sustainability, all things people and community and how we, as a business, are aligning to global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – as well as the governance of our organisation and how we ensure that we’re operating in a way that aligns to our values. Look out for further updates on our ESG strategy and progress which will include our Net Zero targets.

Investment in our organisation is vital, and we’re looking at all business areas to see where investment is needed and how that investment will help towards our vision and mission. Making people and places the best they can requires real effort in areas from training and development to innovation and technology – and you have my word that we’re committed to this being part of our ethos and an essential ingredient for our success.

Speaking of success, I’ve already witnessed much of this during the first 100 Days of our transformation, be that teams working together, contract awards, the continual progress of our Apprenticeship and Learning and Development schemes – or the positive feedback that we’ve received from a wide range of customers, which pleases me hugely. But we’re not always judged on our successes. More likely is that we’re judged on what we’ve not done well or where we could improve – and so I’d ask you all to continue the good work in bringing our teams together and doing all you can to help us come the best facilities services business in the world.

I want to thank everyone for their efforts so far, and for what we’ve achieved in such a short space of time. I look forward to updating you on further progress and key milestones of our exciting journey together.

Rob Legge, Group CEO

Gill O’Riordan Commences as ISIA President

Posted on by daireleonard

OCS are thrilled to announce that Gill O’Riordan, Director of Strategic Solutions has commenced her Presidency of the Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA). This is an outstanding personal achievement for Gill and everyone here at OCS Ireland is incredibly proud to call her our colleague.

OCS has a long and proud association with the ISIA and we are privileged to have the serving ISIA President and recent outgoing President, Lorraine O’Neill, Director of Security Services, in our team, pictured above with OCS Ireland Managing Director Aine Mulcahy.

The ISIA has been representing the needs of the private security industry for over 40 years and is the only trade association representing the full spectrum of companies in the private security industry.

Ann Rogers-Bell welcomes Acting President of Stamford International University to PCS head office

Posted on by ameliaroberts

On 4th August 2023, Ann Rogers-Bell, Managing Director of PCS Thailand, warmly welcomed Dr. Apithep Saekow, Acting President of Stamford International University, to the PCS head office.

Dr. Apithep Saekow attended the office for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. Manjiri Kunte, Programme Director at Stamford International University and Phassanai Doyle, Human Resources Director at PCS Thailand.

The MoU focused on internship programmes, industry research and employment opportunities. It provided a fantastic opportunity for PCS Thailand and Stamford International University to exchange both knowledge and expertise with one another.

OCS reflects on reconciliation progress during NAIDOC Week

Posted on by lokeshkaushik

NAIDOC week provided a great opportunity for OCS Australia to reflect on its reconciliation progress and share new initiatives that support their journey of cultural discovery.

Experienced First Nations advocate and proud Quandamooka (Moreton Bay) man, Cameron Costello, o joined OCS as OCS First Nations Ambassador, providing the organisation with guidance as OCS commenced our journey earlier this year.

OCS are honoured to be a major sponsor of the Wynnum Wolves Football Club, supporting scholarships and indigenous awareness programmes. The highlight of this partnership is the creation of their own indigenous jerseys, the first in the club’s 102-year history,  worn by more than 1,500 players and member.

OCS has also joined the growing number of Australian businesses coming together to support meaningful social equity and change. Their draft OCS Australia Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outlines actions towards achieving OCS’ vision to contribute to positive change in social, economic and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As OCS looks ahead, they will register their RAP in the early months of 2024 and are seeking to work with a local indigenous artist to design their RAP cover. The RAP roadmap will guide OCS outlining key actions to be taken throughout the coming year.

Gareth Marriott, OCS Managing Director Australia & New Zealand emphasized, “Our journey is ongoing as we pursue our mission of making people and places the best they can be.”

OCS awarded a 3-year contract with the Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge

Posted on by emmacook

Delivering the best services

International facilities management service provider, Atalian Servest, part of the OCS Group, have been awarded a three-year contract at the prestigious Wellcome Genome Campus.
Atalian Servest will deliver cleaning, washrooms and waste segregation services at the scientific research campus based in Hinxton, Cambridgeshire. The contract manager will oversee the daily running of the contract with support from the senior operations team.

“We were looking for a Facilities Management company who could provide a bespoke service at our multiple-building site. From the outset Atalian Servest have worked collaboratively with our team to deliver a best value solution with a strong sustainability focus.”

Jen Waterfield

Senior Procurement Partner at Wellcome Sanger Institute

The Wellcome Genome Campus is home to some of the world’s foremost institutes and organisations in genomics and computational biology, committed to delivering life-changing science with the reach, scale, and imagination to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Jen Bates, Sector Managing Director, Atalian Servest, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Wellcome Genome Campus. Our local knowledge and expertise in delivering services to similar clinical environments means we have a sound understanding of the client’s requirements, and look forward to supporting them at their Hinxton site.”

Collaboration and determination key to sustainable outcomes

Posted on by lokeshkaushik

Despite the distractions of the COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, global uncertainty, and labour constraints, OCS Australia has gone from strength to strength, taking steps towards creating a better future for generations to come.

The initiatives and partnerships we have committed to are shared in our 2022 OCS Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) Sustainability Report, released this week.

OCS ANZ Managing Director, Gareth Marriott, says having a sound sustainability framework is more valuable than ever.

“Our framework puts our people, customers, and communities at the centre of all that we do. Alongside providing exceptional facilities management services, we aim to make a positive social and environmental impact every day.”

Gareth says one thing that has stood out for him in 2022 is the focus on partnerships.

“We have really focused on partnering with our customers, industry experts and supply partners to achieve our respective climate action and sustainability goals.

“We have seen a rise in innovative and collaborative solutions to everyday problems and increased opportunities for our team members to take on new responsibilities.

“We’re also proud to partner with Toitū Envirocare, and in New Zealand, the Sustainable Business Council and the Climate Leader Coalition – all three help our Australian business to also stay abreast of current challenges and opportunities.”

Carbon reduction has been under the microscope for OCS in 2022, and we enlisted Toitū Envirocare to help us generate new science-based carbon reduction targets.

“Climate change presents environmental, social, and economic crises on a whole new level. For nearly two millennia, humans have been carbonising the planet, and we must act to decarbonise.

“Over the last 50 years climate-induced weather events, such as droughts, fires and floods, have cost Australian communities an estimated $120 billion. And that doesn’t reflect the human cost. Setting new science-based targets is a step in the right direction, however it’s a small drop in what’s required globally – we need to all work together now if we are to effect real change.”

OCS is also proud to have achieved, for the third year, Toitū net carbonzero certification in line with ISO14064-1, reflecting our commitment to leaving our planet in a better state for future generations.

With a diverse team of over 4,000 people, made up of 89 cultures, OCS ANZ is making a conscious effort to ensure our operations are environmentally responsible and have a positive impact on the communities we serve.

You can view the report here.

OCS ANZ management teams unite at annual conference

Posted on by lokeshkaushik

After 3 long years, OCS Australia and New Zealand management teams (including colleagues from 1M and Midcity) from across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand came together in Christchurch at their annual conference in March.

Relationships emerged as the central theme of the conference – building, maintaining and nourishing key relationships, with customers, supply partners and colleagues has seen OCS go from strength to strength, despite a tumultuous three years.

The insights, perspectives, and expertise shared over two days clearly showed the value of being able to be together and unpack the lessons of the last few years while setting the groundwork for the years to come.

The energy and enthusiasm in the room was contagious. Colleagues exchanged ideas and celebrated successes, leaving everyone inspired and motivated to make a difference as they work towards common goals.

As the conference concluded, the resounding message was: relationships matter – they fuel progress and drive success.

PCS Thailand and Foodhouse Catering Services (Thailand) proudly receive Carbon Label Certificates.

Posted on by ameliaroberts

At PCS Thailand and Foodhouse Catering Services (Thailand), sustainability is one of our strategic business objectives: to be one of the most environmentally sustainable business in our sector.
This motivates and inspires each of our employees to deliver the sustainable solutions for our client’s businesses and protect our environment in order to future-proof it for tomorrow’s generations.

We are delighted to announce that Nitinan Thamhatai, Director, Foodhouse Catering Services (Thailand), Onnisa Chimplee, Senior Manager – Quality, and Charnphop Saijabudha, Supply Chain Manager, PCS Thailand have received Carbon Label certificates from Klatchai Maitriwong, Executive Secretary, Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).

OCS celebrates International Women’s Day

Posted on by lokeshkaushik

In celebration of International Women’s Day we recently caught up two members of our OCS Australia family – Erzelina Hyska and Adriana Freire. They share their career development advice and give us a little insight into their individual journeys with OCS and what they love about working here.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity, which is a statement that holds true for us at OCS. Driving the success of our women is not just something we say – it’s something we do.

 

  1. Erzelina Hyska

Erzelina Hyska started working for OCS as a cleaner in a Melbourne shopping centre in early 2020. Her potential was soon recognised by her team leader, who was quick to appoint her as shift supervisor.

After a break during COVID-19 Erzelina returned to OCS to take on a new and even more challenging role – Site Manager at a food manufacturing site. As Site Manager, Erzelina leads a team of twelve OCS cleaners operating in a demanding environment with strict food safety requirements.

Despite being judged by friends when she got into the cleaning industry, for Erzelina this was her happy place. And this passion and dedication has led her to where she is today, having taken several steps up the ladder within OCS. Go Erzelina!

We asked Erzelina about her experiences working at OCS.

Q. Tell us about your journey at OCS. In what role did you start and what are you doing at the moment?

A. I started working for OCS as a cleaner three years ago in a shopping centre in Melbourne. Soon after I took on the job, I was asked to take on a fulltime supervisor role where I was in charge of seven cleaners. After a short break due to COVID-19, I was contacted by my former manager who wanted to know if I was interested in a position as site manager. I certainly was! I now look after twelve workers who are responsible for making sure our customer’s site is absolutely spotless.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your work?

A. That would have to be my team. We are one. Everyone jumps in when needed and it’s amazing to know that you’re well looked after. Every day people check in on me to ask me how I’m doing and if I need any help. Apart from the OCS team, it’s great to have such a positive connection with our customer as well.

Q. What advice would you have for other women when it comes to career development?

A. Do what you love. Follow your dreams. When I started cleaning at quite a young age, my friends would judge me. Luckily, I didn’t care about what they thought. I’ve got two girls at home and I teach them to never be ashamed of what you do – if what you do, is what you enjoy.

Q. Are there any women who have inspired you in your life?

A. My mother is not only my biggest supporter, but also the one who has inspired me the most. She is such a strong woman and has always said to me ‘You can do it!’.

 

  1. Adriana Freire

Adriana Freire only recently started her journey with OCS when she came on board as the Site Manager for Westfield Mount Druitt in August last year.

Together with her team of around 30 people, she makes sure the whole shopping centre is sparkling clean. With more than 65,000 sqm of floor space and around 11,4 million annual customer visits that’s quite challenging. But as Adriana puts it: “life would be boring without challenges”.

Coming from Brazil 13 years ago and now working in a completely different field than her previous experience, Adriana has had her moments of insecurities. Her tips for overcoming that include: to have trust in yourself and gather people around you who are there for you. Also, always remember: “women are strong and powerful, we can do anything”. We couldn’t agree more, Adriana.

We asked Adriana about her experiences working at OCS.

Q. Tell us about what you do at OCS.

A. I started working as the Site Manager for Westfield Mount Druitt in August last year, so I’m still pretty fresh at OCS. Within my role, I manage a team of around 30 people and I’m the first point of contact for the customer. We work 24/7 in three shifts: mornings, afternoons and night shifts/weekends.

Together we make sure the whole shopping centre is sparkling clean. With more than 65,000 sqm of floor space and around 11.4 million customer visits annually, that’s quite challenging. But life would be boring without challenges.

Q. What do you enjoy most about your work?

A. Building a relationship with our customer is something I’ve really enjoyed. And the fact that every day is a different day works well for me – I’d get tired of doing exactly the same day in, day out.

Also, I love working in a team and collaborating with people. In my view, you should lead by example, so I don’t  sit in my office much, I spend time with my people. I think that’s the most effective way to create a great team.

Q. What advice would you have for other women when it comes to career development?

A. Do everything you want. Sometimes women think they’re not capable of doing certain types of work, but I always say: you can do anything! Women are strong and powerful. So, I’d encourage everyone to follow their dreams.

I used to work at a bank back when I lived in Brazil, so I’m in a totally different field now. And yes, I have to admit that sometimes that has made me unsure, but you need to trust in yourself. Also, gather people around you who are there for you. My husband gives me great support, because he’s in a similar situation.

Q. Are there any women who have inspired you in your life?

A. I know it’s cliché, but my mum has been my main inspiration. She is such a strong woman. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed or low, I call her and she reassures me that I’m on the right path. Also, when I look at her career and life it makes me so proud. She was the only woman working for one of the largest telecom companies in Brazil and she pushed through so many boundaries.

I have to say that my father inspires me a lot too. He works for the federal highway police and always wanted me to work in that field as well, because there were not many women in that field. Twenty years ago, most federal highway police were men – only 1 out of 100 were women. But I travelled the world instead. Luckily when I decided to move from Brazil to Australia, both my parents gave me all the support I needed.

Atalian UK, Ireland and Asia operations to merge with OCS Group to create new, leading international FM provider

Posted on by ameliaroberts

Following the recent acquisition of OCS Group by Clayton Dubilier & Rice, Atalian confirms the sale of its operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Asia to the private investment firm.

In a move that will create one of the world’s largest international facilities service providers, Atalian Global Services has confirmed the sale of its UK, Ireland and Asia operations, along with its specialist automotive division Aktrion, to Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), the private investment firm that recently acquired OCS Group, with the intention that the businesses be merged over the next twelve months, opening a new chapter for the two firms.

Atalian’s Group CEO Rob Legge will become Group CEO of the newly merged businesses.

Women in Security ISIA Award Winners 2022

Posted on by daireleonard
OCS Ireland were proud recipients of this years Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA) Women in Security Award.

OCS Ireland is unique within the Security and FM Industry as our senior leadership team has an equal 50% female representation. Additionally, our business is led by a female Managing Director, Aine Mulcahy and our Security Division is also led by another successful and professional female Lorraine O’Neill, Director of Security Services.

OCS work hard to be the employer of choice for women seeking a new career or opportunity within the security industry and all FM sectors. We do this by investing in our people and identifying existing female talent within the organisation.

Well done to everyone involved and congratulations.

Innovation and focus on sustainability key to sustained partnerships

Posted on by lokeshkaushik

OCS Australia is delighted to announce it has renewed its contract with global product and PPE supplier Bunzl, acknowledging the benefits of fostering collaborative partnerships with like-minded companies.

Bunzl has been OCS’ primary supplier of cleaning consumables and equipment, as well as PPE for their facilities management and cleaning teams since 2019. They’ve been instrumental in keeping Australia’s Covid-19 frontline work-ready.

Responding to evolving challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic has required OCS to act decisively and fluidly. They’ve had to keep their frontline team safe at all times while also working swiftly to keep Australia’s public spaces and places safe, clean and hygienic.

Bunzl has risen to the challenge, rapidly responding to shifting needs and supplying high-quality materials, while providing innovative solutions to everyday problems.

OCS Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, Gareth Marriott, says the decision to extend the supplier agreement with Bunzl has been an easy one.

“We have cemented our partnership with a shared focus on sustainability, as well as a joint desire to innovate and create a better industry for everyone.

“Notably, our partnership has seen the Bunzl team thoroughly audit and ratify imported and local products and alter delivery activity to reduce carbon emissions.

“They have also worked closely with our teams to customize training of our team to ensure site hygiene and cleanliness, and personnel safety meet the highest standards.”

Mr Marriott says regular communication has ensured a continuous supply of stock and specialised products during the pandemic.

“The Bunzl team has developed a true understanding of the shifting needs and requirements of our customers.

“Our work with Bunzl truly reflects our Partnership Made Personal brand promise and we look forward to helping the relationship reach new heights in the future.”

Bunzl Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Lance Ward, says Bunzl is excited to continue its work with OCS.

“A shared purpose and similar core values have been the defining factors of this successful partnership with OCS.

“As a result, we have seen some real movement in achieving our sustainability targets and assisting our customers to do the same. We’ve been able to leverage the power of our global technologies and innovative systems to provide the most efficient results.”