Category: News

Kalyendirya & Storytelling

Posted on by Ash

We believe that street children are created in the image of the Supreme Being with inherent worth and dignity. Therefore, they have the right to live and be protected from any form of abuse. They should be given opportunities to express themselves and maximize their potentials to help themselves and others.

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Childhope Philippines

On the 25th of October 2023, something truly magical happened in the heart of Paco, Manila. OCS Philippines and Childhope Philippines joined hands, not just as organizations, but as beacons of hope, compassion, and change. The result? A day filled with joy, optimism, and knowledge, a day that left a profound mark on the youthful hearts of Paco.

This remarkable corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative was a symphony of compassion and learning. It started with enlightening sessions that emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness. These simple yet vital lessons are the building blocks of healthier and happier lives, paving the way for brighter futures.

But it wasn’t all about lectures and rules. There were engaging recreational activities that brought laughter and excitement, reminding us that education can be fun. Storytelling sessions added another layer of magic, allowing the children to not just listen but become the story itself. This ignited their creativity, turning them into heroes of their own tales.

And what’s a day of learning and play without nourishing meals? OCS Philippines and Childhope Philippines ensured that every child was not just fed but nourished, their bodies and minds ready to embrace the world with renewed strength.

This noble endeavour transcends charity; it is a testament to our shared mission of improving well-being. It’s a shining example of our commitment to leave a lasting impact wherever we go. Every action we take, every location we visit, and every individual we encounter becomes an opportunity to make the world a better place.

Coldplay: Music of the Spheres World Tour

Posted on by Ash

Today, on January 19, 2024, OCS Philippines proudly takes centre stage as the official ticket validator for the Coldplay: Music of the Spheres World Tour at the iconic Philippine Arena. This monumental event marks not only a celebration of music but also a testament to our commitment to delivering seamless experiences.

As the chosen ticket validator, OCS Philippines ensures a smooth entry process for thousands of excited attendees, contributing to the overall success of this globally acclaimed tour. Our dedication to precision and efficiency mirrors the energy and enthusiasm Coldplay brings to their performances.

In this collaboration, OCS Philippines exemplifies the importance of reliability in executing pivotal roles within large-scale events. Our meticulous ticket validation process reflects our dedication to enhancing the concert experience, allowing fans to focus solely on the magic of Coldplay’s music.

This partnership not only underscores our operational prowess but also aligns with our mission to play an integral role in creating memorable moments for people. OCS Philippines is honoured to contribute to the success of the Music of the Spheres World Tour, symbolizing our commitment to excellence in service across diverse and dynamic environments. Together, we set the stage for a night of unforgettable music and extraordinary experiences at the Philippine Arena.

In a single pulse, two cities beat as one. Thank you, Red Cell Rangers!

Posted on by Ash

In a profound display of solidarity, the heartbeat of compassion resonated between two vibrant cities as the OCS Group Philippines orchestrated a remarkable blood donation drive in collaboration with the Philippine Red Cross. Manila and Cebu, two bustling urban centers, harmonized their efforts in a single pulse, illustrating the potent impact of unity on the journey of saving lives.

This exceptional initiative transcends geographical boundaries, emphasizing that benevolence knows no limits. The synergy between the OCS Group Philippines teams in Manila and Cebu, combined with the unwavering support of the Philippine Red Cross, brought forth a tangible testament to the power of collective goodwill. Each donated pint of blood becomes a poignant symbol of selflessness and shared responsibility, weaving a narrative that underscores the intrinsic connection between diverse communities.

A total of 36 bags of life-sustaining blood were collected, each serving as a reservoir of hope for those in need. This impressive outcome not only reflects the generosity of the participants but also underscores the critical impact such initiatives can have on bolstering healthcare resources. As the ripples of kindness emanate from this collective effort, it inspires a ripple effect, urging others to join in and perpetuate this flow of compassion. Let this endeavor stand as a beacon, reminding us all that when cities beat as one, remarkable feats of humanity can be achieved, and the pulse of kindness can reverberate far beyond the boundaries of any single community.

K-POP Group Seventeen “FOLLOW” tour in the Philippines

Posted on by Ash

OCS Philippines is elated to express its immense pride as our dedicated event management team wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to support the ardent fans of the K-pop sensation, Seventeen, during their exhilarating “FOLLOW” tour in the Philippines. Serving as the ticket validators for the much-anticipated event held on January 13th and 14th, 2024, our team played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless entry of enthusiastic concertgoers.

The atmosphere during the Seventeen “FOLLOW” tour was nothing short of electric, with our event management team contributing to the overall success of the concert by efficiently validating tickets and facilitating a smooth check-in process. As the passionate fans flooded the venue, our team was dedicated to providing a positive and organized experience, capturing the essence of the K-pop phenomenon.

The collaboration between OCS Philippines and SM Tickets not only showcased our commitment to excellence in event management but also reinforced our enthusiasm for contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the Philippines. This memorable event further solidifies our dedication to supporting and enhancing the experiences of fans and patrons alike, aligning seamlessly with OCS’s values of unity, dedication, and customer satisfaction. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate on events that captivate hearts and create lasting memories for the community we proudly serve.

In the Philippines, concertgoers love the energy and music vibes. Ticket validators make their concert experience smooth and enjoyable. With quick entry, fans avoid long queues, ensuring they catch every moment of the show. The validators help fans focus on the music, creating a fantastic and hassle-free concert experience.

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Roger Godio

Account Manager

OCS Philippines: Security General Formation

Posted on by Ash

OCS Philippines takes immense pride in its role overseeing the strategic deployment of guards in collaboration with CAT Security for a high-profile retail project.

At the forefront of this initiative is our General Formation, a comprehensive strategy that establishes a robust security framework marked by unwavering vigilance and professionalism. Central to our operational excellence is the meticulous training and coordination that define our approach. Each security personnel undergoes rigorous training sessions, equipping them with the skills necessary to address diverse challenges and ensuring a cohesive and synchronized deployment. This commitment to preparedness guarantees a seamless integration of security measures, creating an environment where clients and customers can confidently engage in their activities without concern.

As a steadfast partner in the Retail Industry, OCS Philippines places the safety and integrity of the project at the forefront of its priorities.

We understand the critical importance of fostering a secure environment, not only for the physical assets but also for the overall well-being of everyone involved. Our team’s dedication to maintaining a high level of professionalism, combined with our emphasis on vigilance, sets the stage for a secure atmosphere that instills confidence in both clients and customers alike.

In navigating the intricacies of the retail landscape, OCS Philippines stands as a beacon of reliability and trust, ensuring that the security measures implemented contribute to a positive and thriving retail experience. Through our collaborative efforts with CAT Security, we reinforce our commitment to delivering excellence and setting the standard for security in the retail sector.

The Power of Listening: Why our colleague engagement survey is essential

Posted on by ameliaroberts

Embracing global perspectives

Every one of our OCS colleagues is valued, and as the Group Chief People Officer at OCS, in a company as diverse as ours and spread across numerous countries and embracing many languages and cultures, it’s imperative to truly listen to our colleagues. This understanding forms the bedrock of our strategy to become the world’s leading facilities service company.

The significance of every voice

In an organisation as vast as OCS, the insights and experiences of our colleagues, particularly those on the front lines, are invaluable. These team members are the eyes and ears of our operations, interacting directly with our customers and experiencing first-hand the daily challenges and triumphs. We must not only hear their voices but actively listen and engage with them.

Beyond the survey: A commitment to action

Conducting a colleague engagement survey is vital in this engagement process. However, the true essence of these surveys lies in what we do with the information we gather. It’s about turning feedback into action, ensuring every suggestion and insight raised is addressed, not just acknowledged. This approach isn’t just about improving our operational efficiency; it’s about fostering a culture where every colleague feels respected, valued, and heard.

Creating a stronger, unified OCS

Our ambition to be the best in the world is deeply intertwined with our internal culture. Engaging our colleagues through these surveys is more than just gathering data; it’s about empowering them to shape the future of OCS. Their insights are pivotal in crafting policies and practices that resonate with our diverse workforce, driving us towards a cohesive and inclusive organisational culture.

Conclusion: Cultivating a culture of continuous improvement

In our journey towards making people and places the best they can be, the engagement and satisfaction of our colleagues remains a top priority. Through our engagement surveys, we’re not just collecting opinions but inviting our colleagues to participate actively in our journey towards excellence. By listening and responding to them, we are enhancing their experience at OCS and reinforcing our position as a global leader. Together, we are building an exemplary OCS in service, colleague satisfaction, and engagement.

Merger completes between Atalian Servest’s and OCS’s UK, Ireland and Asia operations.

Posted on by danbarber

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

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.

Further communication on this exciting news, including the company’s ambition and vision will be shared in the coming weeks ahead.

 

 

Sean Fisher’s OCS Journey to Cleaning CEO

Posted on by danbarber

Summary

  • Sean joined Servest UK in 2003, and his first role saw him become a regular at Sheffield’s famous Gatecrasher nightclub
  • Treating the business as your own is an important mindset for success, Sean believes
  • Success for Sean is OCS becoming synonymous with being the best
OCS’s newly appointed CEO of Cleaning, Sean Fisher, has a long association with both the legacy OCS business and cleaning as a profession.

It was back in 2003 that Sean, who originally hails from South Africa, began working for what was then Servest UK as a site supervisor, after studying IT in his homeland.

Over the two decades that followed, Sean led retail and cleaning divisions, and served as Chief Operating Officer at Atalian Servest, before being appointed to head up the new OCS cleaning division.

“To take on that first role with Servest, I needed to move to Sheffield – so I moved in with our cleaners,” says Sean.

“I moved into the house they were sharing, and they taught me how to clean. I started with Gatecrasher nightclub and Bed nightclub, before moving into an area management role, and then moving to the head office in Bury St Edmunds.”

The attributes for success

Since then, Sean’s played a key role in a business that’s experienced sizeable organic growth, but those early experiences cemented in his mind the attributes that are needed to succeed.

“People need to be passionate about what they do, believe in what they do, and treat the business as if it was their own.”

Sean Fisher

CEO of Cleaning

“You’ve got to have the energy and the edge – the pace at which we operate is relentless, but at the same time, it’s good fun.”

The new OCS TRUE values – Trust, Respect, Unity and Empowerment – sit well with Sean, who believes when you find the right people, it makes everything else significantly easier.

“That’s everything we stand for, as a business, as a cleaning business, and myself as an individual,” he says.

“When you get the right people, who are true to those values, you have a successful business – and I think those values suit us perfectly.”

Putting values into practice

In practice, for Sean, those values look fairly simple – but the impact they can have is seismic.

“You’ve got to be professional, polite and well-mannered – that’s a given,” he says.

“At the start of every shift, you’ve got to be on site before the shift starts. I expect all of my operators to be visible on site, engaging with customers, and making sure they’re getting the best out of their team in terms of productivity and standards.”

And that engagement with customers – which builds unity and trust, as well as demonstrating respect – is essential to building partnerships that truly help people and places be their best.

“It’s important to build those relationships because, together, we’ll achieve significantly better outcomes,” says Sean.

“We do a lot of relationship mapping, from site level all the way to procurement and CEOs, and if you get that right, you can have the right conversations with the right people – you’re not forcing a relationship, but building something that will be beneficial for both parties in the longer term.”

Building solid foundations for OCS

A successful relationship can deliver a number of strong outcomes,  made possible by the successful day-to-day delivery of services. Those longer-term outcomes are something Sean is focused on in his new role as CEO of Cleaning.

First, however, comes a period of building the foundations that will serve the new OCS business well over the decades to come.

“My main objective this year is to get things like budgets, succession plans and performance management right, ensuring we have the right people in the right roles, and are giving the right opportunities to those people, too,” he says.

“That will create an incredibly solid foundation from which we can build upon and deliver on our overall business mission.”

That mission is, of course, to be the best facilities management business in the world, making people and places the best they can be – and it’s a mission that enthuses Sean as looks ahead to the coming months and years.

He says, “OCS needs to stand for quality, and I want to help OCS become synonymous with being the best.”

Reflection on the first year as New OCS by Rob Legge, Group CEO

Posted on by ameliaroberts

As 2023 draws to a close, I’ve reflected on what has been a gratifying year. Having started the year as CEO of Atalian Servest, I was honoured and excited to take up the role of Group Chief Executive of the newly formed OCS following its merger with Atalian Servest’s operations in the UK, Ireland, and Asia in March 2023.

As two stonewalls of the industry, I knew the underlying strength of both the Atalian Servest and OCS and believed in the great potential that combining them would create. The merger presented us with the opportunity to take the best bits from both businesses to develop a genuine disruptor in the international facilities management landscape.

That said, I was also cognisant of the challenging macro picture. Rising interest rates and persistent inflation have created difficulties for our customers and colleagues. I knew from the outset that we would need to adapt holistically to successfully position ourselves as the partner and employer of choice in the market.

Resilience: A Pillar of Strength in Challenging Times

The merger was more than a business transaction; it was an opportunity to redefine our purpose and values, ensuring we build our most compelling offering for our customers. In my experience in this industry, I’ve seen that having resilience is crucial to success. With 2023 being as challenging as it has been for business generally, this quality has never been more critical.

At OCS, we’re on a mission to become the best facilities service provider in the world. I’ve been encouraged to see how colleagues across the business have responded to this challenge, often in testing conditions, to ensure we meet the high standards we promise to deliver. Indeed, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, which is a testament to the resilience and drive of our colleagues. I thank every one of them for their valued contribution and commitment.

TRUE Values: Guiding Our Journey with Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment

Similarly, I have been proud to see our TRUE values—Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment—guiding us through this transformative period. I’ve seen evidence of these values in practice helping to shape our business for the better as we grow at pace over the coming years.

Trust: It’s all in the Process

In my experience, trust is the bedrock upon which successful mergers are built. Trust in our collective vision, trust in our strategy, and trust in the capabilities of our teams have been instrumental to our success this year.

Indeed, the success of our merger can be seen in the flagship customer wins we’ve achieved throughout the year (Royal Parks, Government Property Agency, and Irish Rail, to name a few). Winning a business’s trust is never something we take for granted, and we work to be the best partner we can be.

Respect: A Foundation for Collaboration and Sustainability

Respect for our colleagues and a broader sustainability approach have been at the forefront of our endeavours. Respectful collaboration has enabled us to unite as one business with a shared vision and mission. While this principle covers many aspects of our business, one particularly evident area is our 2040 net-zero commitment, a testament to our dedication to setting the standard for excellence in compliance and responsible stewardship.

Unity: One Business, One Vision

Since the very early stages of the merger, I have been impressed with how the new OCS has presented itself as a singular, cohesive business entity. The merger was a consolidation of operations and a unification of purpose and vision.

Over this year, I’ve had the opportunity to visit several of our teams on the front line across the globe. Every time I make one of these trips, I’m inspired time and time again to see how colleagues pull together to provide the market-leading service our business is known for.

Empowerment: Investing in Our Teams

Empowerment, a commitment to investing in our teams, is a cornerstone of our strategy. Our success is intrinsically tied to the growth and development of our people. By empowering our colleagues and encouraging them to take ownership, make decisions, and shape the future of our business, we nurture future leaders within our organisation.

The merger has allowed us to combine the best initiatives from both organisations into one holistic approach. We proudly offer schemes that offer access to employment for people who may not get the opportunity, ensuring we select from as broad a talent pool as possible and offer apprenticeships and progression schemes across the business to support development.

Serving Communities: A Responsibility We Cherish

Integral to our identity is our role as responsible and sustainable members of the communities we serve. Our goal is to manage spaces efficiently and create a positive impact on the people and places we touch. This mindset permeates every aspect of our business and drives the support we offer locally in those countries where we operate.

As we move forward, OCS’ BEST strategy and TRUE values remain the driving force behind our mission to make people and places the best they can be. We are a unified global team with one identity and vision. We are poised for growth, and I want OCS to become the market leader in the facilities management industry. Reflecting on the first ten months of this transformative journey, I have nothing but confidence in our ability to achieve our goal.

OCS achieved a score of excellence in the SIA audit.

Posted on by ameliaroberts
OCS has recently undergone its annual Security Industry Authority (SIA) audit and achieved the maximum score in six out of the seven criteria and were awarded a score of 142 out of 145.

This is the 18th year that our business has committed to the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), a point worthy of note by the auditor from the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). The brand, reputation and continued delivery of the OCS gold standard was also noted.

“The continued investment in people through training, the use of a software programme to streamline HR, payroll and talent management processes and the continued promotion of mental health training all show clear progress.”

Officers at one of the largest contracts had a full understanding of the requirements of the customer and the expectation on them to achieve this. There was good understanding of the company values and copies of relevant documentation were available at the point of delivery.

A number of officers made the following comments: “The team work is amazing”, “We have good support from the supervisors and regular visits from management”, “ OCS look after their staff and we feel very well looked after”, “HALO has improved our communication with the customer”.

A new member of staff expressed that “I am in my element here with OCS”.

“The result owes much to the security teams, back of house support and the officers on site who all display the commitment to our security gold standard.  Thank you to our security teams across our portfolio and a huge well done to all those who participated in the audit. These teams are responsible for keeping our sites, our customers and the general public safe on a regular basis. Their commitment has ensured the company has achieved a very creditable score.”

Steve Gardner

Director of Security Risk and Intelligence

OCS receive social value commendation at ERSA Employability Awards 2023

Posted on by ameliaroberts

OCS were honoured to receive a social value commendation at the ERSA Employability Awards 2023.

We always aim to be our best, delivering the best partnerships and best services every time. It takes a hard-working, knowledgeable and compassionate team to provide the services and initiatives at OCS and we are extremely proud of our commendation.

The ERSA Employability Awards celebrate best practice in the employment support sector and demonstrate the hard work and dedication of those working to improve the lives of jobseekers, communities and the wider workforce.

We were also thrilled to have been nominated by Ingeus for the ‘Employer Partnership of the Year Award’.

Unlocking potential: placing people into work with OCS

The nomination

We are committed to being a responsible employer and building a diverse and inclusive workforce reflective of the communities we serve. We have an established ‘Placing People into Work’ programme dedicated to changing lives by providing meaningful employment to people from vulnerable groups and pathways for development for all our colleagues.

Ingeus and OCS work closely together to develop and refine tailored recruitment processes for each contract. By tailoring the pre-selection process, we ensure that candidates are equipped with everything they need to help them succeed in work. This includes making sure candidates have the necessary documents, information and training ahead of being interviewed, and that support mechanisms are in place for new recruits once they are in work.

Ingeus is now supporting us to fill vacancies for Court Tribunal and Security Officers (CTSO) in London and Greater Manchester. Together we have developed and refined a recruitment process, established service level agreements, and are now delivering exceptional results. In the last such recruitment exercise there were 20 candidates put forward for interview who secured job offers.

To help prepare candidates for interview Ingeus works with OCS to:

  • Source candidates with the right skills and aptitudes for the role
  • Deliver employer information sessions
  • Fund participants Security Industry Association (SIA) licences
  • Deliver a bespoke 3-day CTSO routeway course (designed by OCS)
  • Arrange a visit to a local court
  • Prepare documents for the enhanced security vetting processes

All candidates who successfully complete the CTSO routeway course are put forward for interview.

In the first recruitment round, Ingeus Employer Account Manager Farwa spent several weeks calling 160 potential applicants to see whether the role would suit them. She narrowed the search down to 12 people who attended a three-day Routeway Course devised by Ingeus to explain the job in detail. Seven people were offered roles, four of whom are female.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the building – people were jumping up and down with delight after getting the jobs,” she recalls. “An established company had given them a chance and you couldn’t help but feel the emotion in the room.”

In undertaking this innovative and tailored approach to recruitment through Ingeus, we are attracting candidates who would not typically apply for our vacancies. In doing so we are challenging role stereotypes (gender, age, ethnicity etc.) and creating a stronger workforce which is more reflective of the communities we work within.

Stephen Kerr, Senior Regional Manager, OCS, said the partnership had been instrumental in supporting our drive to attract women and others currently under-represented in the security industry.

“Working with Ingeus on our social value recruitment process, we have been able to recruit talented people into our workforce who have unique experiences and abilities,” he said. “In our role at HM Courts and Tribunals Service, showing our customers genuine empathy in difficult circumstances is a key skill and our Ingeus recruits have that in abundance.”

Ann-Marie Conlon-Taylor, OCS Social Value Manager, HMCTS contract added: “Working with Ingeus helps us access people who have faced barriers to work, but who are being properly supported in a professional manner into employment. We were very impressed with the calibre of applicants put forward.”

OCS awarded double Gold by RoSPA for exceptional health and safety achievements

Posted on by ameliaroberts

OCS, one of the world’s leading international facilities service providers, has been honoured with the highly esteemed Gold RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Award for its outstanding commitment to Health and Safety.

OCS was awarded a Gold RoSPA for its National Grid Vegetation and Industrial Painting contracts, where they consistently demonstrated exemplary health and safety standards implementing proactive measures to identify and mitigate potential risks across its operations. OCS are committed to safe working on every site, every day, and their non-complicated approach is combined with proactive management at all levels to ensure occupational health and safety are treated as a core value.

John Prowse, National Operations Director at OCS said, “Safety is a key priority for all operations at OCS. By achieving the Gold Award, we have proven our commitment to safeguarding our colleagues, customers and the public from potential harm, and have set a benchmark for others in the industry to follow.

“We are committed to ensuring safety plays a key role in every facet of the business. We recognise this requires a sustained commitment and active involvement at all levels – from the board, to managers, support teams and frontline colleagues. This has helped to create the necessary conditions for high standards in safety performance and continual improvements towards an injury-free workplace.”

“Accidents at work and work-related ill health cause major disruption and can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. That’s why good safety performance deserves to be recognised and rewarded.

We are thrilled that OCS has won two Gold RoSPA Awards and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.”

Julia Small

RoSPA’s Achievements Director

The RoSPA Awards recognise organisations that have successfully implemented and maintained comprehensive health and safety management systems. Entrants are rigorously assessed on various criteria including accident prevention, risk assessment, employee training and engagement.

The Gold RoSPA Award adds to the growing list of accolades and recognitions OCS has received for its commitment to excellence. As a company, OCS has been recognised with 12 RoSPA awards in 2023 and remains steadfast in its pursuit of continuous improvement and will continue to invest in health and safety initiatives to ensure the well-being of its workforce and all stakeholders.