Building an Inclusive Future in Security 

We’re proud to have hosted our very first in-person meeting of the OCS Women in Security Working Group. This is an inspiring milestone as we build on inclusion and create new opportunities for women in the security sector. 

This new working group has been established to support women across OCS’s security business. Importantly, it’s a space open to everyone who shares our goal of improving diversity and equality within the industry. Together, we are determined to break down outdated perceptions, amplify women’s voices, and showcase the incredible opportunities available in security, both on the frontline and in leadership roles. 

Why this group matters 

Across the UK, women hold just 10.67% of all active SIA licenses, and our business numbers align with this. Upon reflection, we took action and formed this group. We aim to facilitate positive change by creating a supportive environment and highlighting security as a viable, fulfilling, and exciting career path for women. 

Our Women in Security strategy focuses on empowering women in the security field, challenging bias, amplifying women’s voices, and driving meaningful change. Our mission is clear: to grow a community where women can thrive in security roles, breaking down barriers together, sharing knowledge, and inspiring each other.  

Four strategic pillars driving our mission: 

1. Reducing barriers to entry
2. Promoting security as a career choice
3. Developing career pathways
4. Collaborating with dedicated partner providers

To drive momentum, we’ve established breakout groups around these four pillars, each with actions to deliver real progress. Our face-to-face meetings will now move around the country quarterly. This ensures that as many voices as possible can contribute and help shape the future of the industry.  

Key insights from our engagement 

We also recently conducted a pilot questionnaire to better understand the experiences and perspectives of our people working in security. Some key findings included: 

• 89.4% of respondents said they feel safe at work, but we continue to explore how we can ensure everyone feels fully supported in every role and environment 

• When asked about career progression, over 65% said they want to progress, whether within security or elsewhere in OCS 

• Awareness of safety apps remains mixed, with just under 40% saying they had never heard of them, showing a clear area for increased communication 

• While 77% of respondents said they do not face barriers to progression, 23% did, reinforcing the importance of this group’s work 

These insights are helping us shape practical initiatives around career development, progression pathways, promoting leadership opportunities, and creating safer working environments.  

Celebrating contributions and support 

This inaugural meeting brought together passionate individuals from across the business, driving meaningful change within the security sector. Steven Moore, Managing Director of UK Security, has played an important role in supporting the development of the group’s vision. Hannah Harrop, Head of HR – Security, has also been instrumental in shaping the initiative from its inception.  

The event also benefited from insights shared by Steven Conlin, part of the strategic relationship team at the DWP. Steven provided valuable information on the SWAP programmes via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Liz Lloyd, Head of Marketing and Communications at the BSIA, brought her expertise from the wider Women in Security network, including awards and national initiatives. Their involvement helped spark important conversations that will guide the work of the group going forward.

Looking ahead 

With ongoing collaboration, we are determined to build an inclusive culture where women are empowered to succeed in security roles. As the network grows, we will continue to share progress, engage with new voices, and deliver on the goals we have set together. 

By working collectively, we can break down barriers, challenge outdated perceptions, and open up new opportunities for women in the security sector. Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued in their workplace, and we remain focused on making that a reality.