Category: Services

International Security Officers’ Day: A Sit-down with Steven Moore

Posted on by stephanieamata

Today, we commemorate International Security Officers’ Day—an important occasion on the global calendar that honours the brave individuals who safeguard our public and private spaces. As an FM company, security constitutes a substantial part of our business. In the UK and Ireland, we employ over 5,000 officers serving diverse sectors, including retail, industry, construction, and the public sector. Today, the 24th of July (24/07), honours the role of a security officer who has to be present at all hours of the day, from early rises to night shifts, protecting us all so we can work, rest, play, or eat safely.

We sat down with Steven Moore, UK Security Managing Director, to discuss the current industry landscape for our security officers.

What are the challenges security officers face? 

Security officers play a crucial role in safeguarding our communities, but their work is not without its challenges. These dedicated professionals face high-pressure situations and confrontations while striving to provide exceptional customer service and enforce regulations. Moreover, their work can be physically demanding, with foot patrols and long hours of standing so everybody needs to stay motivated at all times. This is why it is important to celebrate their resilience and bravery not just today but every day of the year and recognise the risks they take to protect us all.

What are the industry challenges? 

The security industry faces several pressing challenges, most notably attracting the right diverse personnel to frontline and managerial positions within the sector. Working as a security officer is demanding, and it’s well-known that security officers within the retail sector face threats and verbal abuse daily. Attempting to attract new talent is difficult in environments where threats have escalated to verbal abuse and, in the worst cases, physical violence. Additionally, some local areas that have a high density of advertised roles are at saturation point, leading to fewer applicants. Brexit and the pandemic have also caused a shortage creating a skills gap.

With an industry that’s so competitive, unfortunately in certain circumstances, a ‘race to the bottom’ scenario can occur as we compete in a tight market. We are seeing companies undercut, not only straining the commercial model but also putting huge pressure on sub-contractors that operate under the ACS accreditation nationally. However, we are a company that strives to self-deliver throughout the UK which is an attractive proposition to our customers. 

Lastly, the dynamic threat landscape—from terrorism to cyber threats—requires constant adaptation.

What has OCS done to improve these challenges? 

We’ve implemented succession planning at all levels to ensure leadership continuity. To further strengthen our workforce, we’re leveraging the apprenticeship levy to deliver up to 200 apprenticeships in 2024, an initiative that aligns with our ESG commitments. This not only upskills our existing workforce but also cultivates future leaders. Regarding customer relationships, we’re selective in establishing long-term strategic partnerships with customers who value fair rates. Our due diligence process ensures that we work in partnership with our customers to provide attractive pay and conditions, enabling us to focus on securing our customers’ assets, information, brand, and environment. To keep our team informed, we continuously monitor Open Source Intelligence (OSIN), providing our managers, frontline colleagues, and customers with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their site’s security posture. We’ve also embraced technology by implementing artificial intelligence to supplement our existing technology, aiding our frontline colleagues in detecting and recording threats. Lastly, to tackle recruitment challenges, we’ve established collaborations with the DWP, local job centres, veteran communities, and other organisations. We hold job fairs in key locations and support individuals obtaining their licenses, to provide post-training jobs. These measures collectively reflect our commitment to improving our services and addressing the challenges we face in our operations.

‘I want to thank our security officers for their invaluable contributions each day in keeping thousands of customer sites across the UK and Ireland safe and secure. Your professionalism, dedication, and positive attitude bring an extraordinary value that makes OCS stand out. Once again thank you, everyone’s contributions add up to make the difference in everything that we do for our customers.’

How do we provide career progression opportunities for our security officers? 

We take a comprehensive approach to support the career progression of our security officers. We’ve made substantial investments in Virtual Reality (VR) training, providing an innovative alternative to conventional methods. Our bespoke VR training modules, designed to cover the core functionalities of security across most of our customer base, offer a unique and effective learning experience. In addition to VR, we have the OCS Academy, our custom e-learning platform. Here, officers can not only complete industry-specific training such as ACT, but also gain insights into the wider business and delve into topics of personal interest. This fosters continuous learning and development. Furthermore, we run an annual mentorship scheme, giving talented individuals the chance to learn from business leaders and managers. This is particularly beneficial for those aspiring to roles their mentors currently hold, facilitating knowledge transfer and leadership development. Through these initiatives, we aim to equip our security officers with the necessary resources and opportunities to advance their careers and achieve their professional goals. Our investment in our people underscores our commitment to excellence in security services.

Tell us about the successes of some of our security officers. 

Our security officers have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, as evidenced by the recognition they’ve received through our TRUE star awards. These awards highlight the commendable actions of our front-line colleagues in the public sector.

In January, Robert Thomasi was recognised for his prompt response to a first aid incident where he provided CPR. Denise White, our February awardee, applied a defibrillator to a juror at GSC, saving his life. In March, the PS Gartcosh team was commended for their effective response to an incident within the Data Centre, where they managed a potential fire hazard, preventing it from escalating.

Stephen Crainie, our April awardee, was recognised for his unwavering support during challenging times, going above and beyond to cover shifts. In May, Gerry McDonald and Ian Simpson were acknowledged

for their empathetic response in supporting a female witness who experienced a panic attack and subsequent epileptic seizure. They ensured her dignity and wellbeing were maintained throughout the incident, which was well-received by both family and staff.

These successes underscore the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of our security officers in ensuring safety and providing exceptional service.

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OCS Pledges Commitment to National Business Crime Centre’s Safe Spaces Scheme

Posted on by stephanieamata

We are proud to announce that we are part of twelve leading private security service providers that have pledged to support the National Business Crime Centre’s Safe Spaces scheme, which is also known as Operation Portum. This comprehensive initiative invites businesses to participate and contribute to the creation of safer environments within cities, town centers, and retail parks. 

By joining this scheme, we have made a commitment to raise awareness among our security officers about Operation Portum’s core principles. Additionally, we will provide guidance to our private security personnel on how to effectively support and assist individuals who may feel vulnerable. Our dedication to this cause underscores their commitment to fostering safety and well-being in communities.

The response we have had from the private security industry to the scheme has been tremendous. With so many of the large security companies joining the scheme, there will be thousands of security staff up and down the country given training on the scheme and know what to do if someone is feeling unsafe and asks for their help. By working together we can help people feel safer in their communities.

Supt Patrick Holdaway

NBCC lead

There are many reasons why someone may feel vulnerable or unsafe when they are out. Private security staff can provide a reassuring presence as someone in a uniform that can be trusted to help someone in need of help. I am pleased that so many private security companies have signed up the NBCC’s Safe Spaces scheme working collaboratively to protect any individual who requires support.

Assistant Chief Constable Samantha Millar

National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for violence against women and girls

OCS is proud to support the National Safe Spaces scheme. This initiative aligns with our commitment to enhancing community safety and providing a secure environment. By training our security colleagues on the principles of Operation Portum, we can ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the support they need. We believe in the power of collaboration and are dedicated to playing our part in making public spaces safer.

Steven Moore

OCS Managing Director – Security UK

Embracing Sustainability: Ushering in Net Zero Week with Our ESG Impact Report 

Posted on by stephanieamata

Net Zero Week is the UK’s official national awareness week drawing attention to the impacts of climate change and a call to action for businesses and playmakers to take strides towards sustainability. At OCS, we are heeding this call as we take meaningful strides to demonstrate our commitment to delivering positive impacts on our environment and society. Engaging in a multitude of activities aimed at safeguarding our planet, we recognise that transparency is paramount. By sharing our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact report with the public for the first time, we aim to foster accountability and underscore our dedication to three critical aspects: the environment, our people, and governance. 

This report sheds light on our efforts last year and we invite you to explore the depth of our commitment and join us in our collective mission to protect our precious planet. 

The merger with Atalian Servest’s operations in the UK, Ireland, and Asia has catapulted us into the echelons of the world’s largest international facilities service providers. This momentous union marks a pivotal step in our quest to become the best facilities service provider in the world. And at the heart of this journey lies a fundamental pillar: ESG. 

A Shared Commitment

As a proud member of the OCS Group, our UK and Ireland team is steadfastly aligned with this mission. We refuse to shy away from the challenges that lie ahead. Instead, we embrace an approach rooted in evidenced action—a commitment to tangible progress. This ethos permeates every facet of our organisation, from the shop floors to the boardrooms. 

Setting Ambitious Goals

Our ESG culture has undergone a remarkable evolution since 2023, fuelled by the winds of change sweeping through our business landscape. We’ve pivoted with purpose, casting a brighter and more ambitious spotlight on integrating sustainability into our corporate DNA. We recognise that we are at the beginning of a long journey, but we remain committed to enhancing our progress reports as we work toward our goals.  

OCS ESG Impact Report Inside Cover

Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2040

On theme with Net Zero Week, our compass points resolutely toward a bold goal—to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across all our UK and Ireland operations by 2040. Together, we can turn this vision into reality. Sixteen years may seem fleeting, but the urgency of our planet’s needs propels us forward.

Leadership and Strategy

As part of our commitment to ESG principles, we have bolstered our ESG team for the UK and Ireland. Their mandate is to elevate our sustainability initiatives to new heights. But our efforts don’t end there. In 2024, we have conducted a materiality assessment—a compass that will guide our ESG strategy, which will be launched later this year. We are deliberate in identifying the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we champion and determining where our impact can be most profound. These considerations drive our purposeful journey. 

Reshaping Tomorrow

As stewards of sustainability, we’re reshaping the contours of responsible management. Our larger business enterprise is charting a course that transcends mere profit margins. It’s about making a difference—socially, environmentally, and commercially. Net Zero Week isn’t just a calendar event; it’s a call to action. And we heed that call with resolve. Together, we’ll forge a future where our legacy is one of stewardship, leaving footprints of positive change across the globe. 

You can read the full report here.

Download Our ESG Impact Report 2023

Download Our ESG Impact Report 2023

ESG Impact Report 2023

Steve Moore, Managing Director of Security Services UK and Ireland, Visits Scotland Team

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During a recent visit to the Scotland team, Steve Moore, the Managing Director of Security Services UK and Ireland, met with colleagues old and new and undertook a regional strategy meeting focusing on Scotland.

Our security colleagues in Scotland recently secured a strategically important retender for one of our largest customers. This achievement, which is a testament to their hard work and dedication, was a significant milestone for our team. Steve Moore’s visit provided the perfect opportunity to personally recognise and congratulate the team for their outstanding performance.

In addition to meeting the team, Steven also visited several unique customer sites across the country, viewing first-hand many site operations in action and speaking to our front-line colleagues. This allowed Steven to meet the many new colleagues who joined the business from Profile Security Services, which was acquired by OCS late last year.

Integrating one of the UK’s most prominent independent security specialists, Profile Security has meant a sizeable restructuring within our security business unit. Steven was keen to see how our colleagues were settling into these new structures and to ensure that our people and the places they operate are the best they can be.

The visit was a resounding success; we have strengthened relationships with our customers and the team and set a clear direction for future growth. With so much potential for expansion, the Scotland team can look forward to the future.

avatar

Steven Moore

Managing Director – Security UK

Steve Moore’s visit culminated in a crucial strategy meeting with the new security business management team for Scotland, with Warren Edmundson, Relationship Director UK&I, also in attendance. This meeting, which was rich in learning points, set a clear direction and strategy for our business in Scotland. The visit marked an exciting time for our team, with numerous opportunities for growth and expansion across Scotland.

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International Women in Engineering Day: Giorgia Baker

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Giorgia Baker, in her role as the Account Director on a variety of OCS’s local government contracts from the City of London to Croydon, holds a pivotal position overseeing critical sites for Boroughs across London. Notably, she is responsible for managing key locations such as Courts and Police, The Barbican Centre, Royal Parks and other local Borough Portfolios. 

Giorgia’s career spans diverse industries and countries and she has worked with a high-profile customer base. To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we sat down with Giorgia to delve into her professional journey thus far, exploring the factors that have shaped her career as a woman in the challenging field of hard services.

Giorgia Baker has enjoyed an illustrious career, fueled by her determination and foresight. Her career in facilities management spans 28 years, a journey that, like many other FM professionals, she fell into. Starting in estate management, she transitioned into property management, marking the beginning of her journey. She soon completed her IWFM qualification, formerly known as the British Industry Facilities Management qualification. In 2021, she was awarded the prestigious IWFM chartered status, demonstrating her excellence as a professional and expert in the industry.

However, Giorgia didn’t start in hard services. After achieving great success managing a range of soft services—from cleaning, catering and security to pest control—and winning local awards in many instances, she decided it was time for a new challenge. Thus, she was drawn to hard services. “It was the natural next step for me to invest in something else and answer new questions. How does a building design work? How does the air conditioning flow? Where do you put the pipes? Where do you put the wiring? How do you deal with the exhaust waste in gas production? It also has a completely different set of legislative regulations. I felt drawn in and excited by the challenge to answer these new questions.”

The path to hard services was not easily forged. Being a woman in a male-dominated sector presented its challenges, but Giorgia faced them with an acute focus towards her goal. “To break through, I had to persistently knock on doors and create opportunities. Unlike those with technical qualifications, such as electricians, I didn’t fit the traditional mould. Despite not being male or technically qualified, I immersed myself in learning beyond my day job. I became a fierce advocate, explaining complex concepts like boiler functionality and HVAC systems. Managing assets, considering life cycles, and navigating legal compliance—all from a female perspective—required difficult conversations.”

Undeterred, she soldiered on. She takes pride in her work and celebrates the diverse buildings she has managed. “I’ve had the privilege of working with some truly incredible buildings and spaces. I’ve taken on global roles in the past due to the diverse career I have forged, earning the label ‘globally experienced.’ I’ve managed office moves in Hong Kong virtually, I’ve done and seen so much, and I feel proud and grateful for that.” But one thing remains close to her heart: seeing her team thrive and grow. “My pride lies in team management and colleague development. Working with people brings me immense joy—I thrive on developing others.”

Her path to joining OCS was an equally interesting one. Having started her relationship with OCS, then Atalian Servest, as a customer, she was drawn in by the team’s sheer dedication to work. Reflecting on the time, she says,

“I really enjoyed the way we worked the contract together. It was an outstanding relationship. When you have the experience of working with people who go those many miles extra, there’s something in it. There’s something that draws you into that, and that’s what led me to OCS. So far, it has been one of the best places I’ve ever worked.”

For the future of the industry, Giorgia remains curious and ready to adapt, foreseeing many changes on the horizon. “The influence of AI in our industry intrigues me. We’ll need to navigate this transformation and find ways to explain how AI and robots can effectively manage estates. Already, we’ve seen cleaning machines making an impact.” She also believes the industry still has loose threads to tie up in the aftermath of the pandemic. 

She is passionate about seeing more women in the industry flourish. When asked what her advice would be for women interested in hard services, she says, “Make it your business to understand your business. Get qualified—it opens doors to valuable networks and contacts. Attend everything you can, even if it’s unfamiliar. Whether it’s an emergency call-out or a planned preventative maintenance (PPM), dive into understanding the assets. The Institute of Workplace Facilities Management (IWFM) is an excellent resource, and there are international counterparts now, including one in Australia.

“Stay curious, get qualified, and actively engage—it’s your business to be involved!”

Giorgia’s journey is a beacon of inspiration for future generations of women in the facilities management industry. Her tenacity and focus have led her to a thriving career, weaving through the various pockets and sideroads of the industry, facing challenges and innovating as she went along.

International Women in Engineering Day: Victoria Thursfield, Account Director

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Victoria Thursfield, in her role as the Account Director on OCS’s Government Property Agency (GPA) contract, holds a pivotal position overseeing critical sites for the UK government. Notably, she is responsible for managing key locations. Victoria’s career spans diverse industries and countries, and she has worked with high-profile clientele. We sat down with Victoria to delve into her professional journey thus far, exploring the factors that have shaped her career as a woman in the challenging field of hard services.

Victoria’s entry into the facilities management (FM) business was serendipitous. Her career trajectory began in the catering industry, with a graduate job at Compass and a stint at the food chain Pret-A-Manger. Her rapid ascent within Pret-A-Manger led her to establish the business in Hong Kong, where she spent three years. “We needed to be quite self-sufficient because you didn’t have the support of the UK business. I think that was a good grounding for then working in FM,” she recalls.

Upon her return to the UK, Victoria’s CV found its way to the desk of a managing director of a leading FM business. This marked her foray into the FM world, where she initially managed the retail sector. As she gained experience and made her mark within the company, she took on more accounts, eventually leading her to engineering, marking a new chapter in her career. Despite not being an engineer herself, Victoria pursued an interest she always knew was there. “My father is a civil engineer, so I think there’s always been a bit of interest there,” she shares.

Victoria has spent a total of 19 years within the FM industry, strengthening and developing her expertise, and building a strong network. She joined OCS in October 2023, where she now oversees the technical services contract for GPA. She thrives on the dynamism of the FM industry, stating, “No day is ever the same.” On joining OCS she says, “I’ve now been here six months and I can tell it’s ultimately about the people, OCS say people are at the heart of what they do and that feels true, you know, OCS delivers its values throughout. Despite my short time here, I feel like my voice will be heard, which is quite comforting. To be so new in a significantly significant sized company, I still feel I have influence and will be listened to and that’s a valuable thing.” She also particularly enjoys setting up new teams and developing people, a task she is currently undertaking on the GPA contract.

However, Victoria’s switch to engineering has not been without its challenges. As a woman in a male-dominated field, she often found herself the only woman in the room. Despite this, she credits her supportive and receptive teams for helping her navigate these challenges. She remains hopeful and proactive in recruiting more women into hard services, working with social value practitioners and attending career fairs to promote hard services as a career option for young women.

In her current role within the hard services division, Victoria is excited about the future of OCS. “I think we have some very challenging and ambitious targets and it’s quite an exciting time to join,” she says. She wants women curious about hard services to know that there’s nothing stopping them from diving in. “It’s not all about knowing how a fan coil unit works, or what happens in a plant room, it’s about not being afraid to ask questions,” she advises.

Victoria’s journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. From her early days in the catering industry to her current role in FM, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to thrive in new environments and take on challenges head-on. Her story serves as an inspiration for women looking to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Transforming Spaces: Explore the Future of Public Sector Facilities Management

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Discover the future of facilities management with our new integrated public sector facilities management. OCS and Atalian Servest merged in 2022, creating a public sector FM services powerhouse. With over 50 contracts and 7,400 colleagues across 1,150 estates, we offer a range of consistently delivered facilities management, including cleaning, catering, security, hard services, and logistics. From healthcare to education, we’re transforming spaces and making people and places the best they can be.

Watch our video and join us on this exciting journey!

OCS Partners with Love British Food to Celebrate British Produce

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We are thrilled to announce that OCS is now an official partner of Love British Food, a dynamic grassroots-driven organisation dedicated to championing British produce. Our collaboration with Love British Food reflects our commitment to supporting local farmers, celebrating culinary heritage, and promoting sustainable food choices.

Why Choose British Food?

When you choose British food, you’re not only indulging in delicious flavours but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system. Our partnership with Love British Food empowers us to support local farmers who play a vital role in maintaining the picturesque British countryside. When you choose British produce, you’re directly contributing to their livelihoods.

Climate-Friendly Recipes

We recognise the importance of sustainable practices. Our collaboration with Love British Food allows us to create climate-friendly recipes. By using seasonal produce, we reduce our environmental impact and promote a harmonious balance between food production and local cycles.

I’m excited to have the opportunity to champion and advocate for local produce that supports our farmers and bolsters the local economy. Love British Food is doing vital work not just protecting British suppliers but also pushing for better environmental practices in the food supply chain. I’m honoured to be a part of this.

Leigh Ashley

Contract Manager ‑ Public Sector

Meet Leigh Ashley: Our Love British Food Ambassador

Leigh Ashley, our Public Sector Contract Manager, has enthusiastically stepped forward as a Love British Food Ambassador. In this role, he represents OCS within the public sector, advocating for British food and building essential relationships with suppliers. Leigh’s passion for local produce aligns perfectly with our TRUE values.

Supporting the Local Economy

As a business headquartered in the UK, supporting the local economy is close to our hearts. Our recent participation in Great British Beef Week exemplifies our commitment. During this initiative, we shared a range of Red-Tractor-assured beef recipes, encouraging others to join us in celebrating British food.

On behalf of OCS, we are delighted to partner with Love British Food, our journey with them will see us promoting local economies, reducing carbon footprint through local supply chains and celebrating cultural heritage. We aim to improve awareness and make quality British produce available to all our customers.

Debbie Noakes

Support Director for Catering and Continuous Improvement

Revolutionising Facilities Management: A Data-Driven Approach

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Data has emerged as the new currency across many industries but has become especially significant in the world of facilities management, with its continued effort to modernise and optimise building management technology. Data holds the key to unlocking efficiency and driving tangible results, with data-driven decision-making in FM practices can be transformed drastically. 

1. Harnessing Current Condition Data

Facilities are more than just physical structures; they are dynamic ecosystems. By collecting accurate asset data—details about equipment, maintenance history, and condition—we can make informed decisions about the asset, such as life remaining, maintenance interventions, and replacements.

One crucial metric is the Facility Condition Index (FCI), defined as the ratio of the current year’s required renewal cost to the current building replacement value. A facility with an FCI score above 10% is considered to be in poor condition. FCIs serve as a health check for assets, providing a holistic view that enables long-term planning and strategic asset management.

2. Decoding Energy Consumption Patterns

Energy costs form a significant portion of FM budgets. With the built environment accounting for 59% of the UK’s electricity consumption, optimising energy usage through data analytics is crucial. Consumption patterns help identify when energy-consuming equipment, such as lighting or HVAC, activate and de-activate, and highlight peaks in energy demand.

This information can guide decisions on how equipment should be controlled, timed, and operated. Additionally, anomalies can be identified and investigated to understand whether energy is being wasted due to defective equipment or faulty control settings.

The use of smart meters, historical consumption patterns, and real-time monitoring empowers FM sites to control their energy consumption effectively. The potential impact? Reduced energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

3. The Power of Predictive Maintenance

Waiting for equipment to fail is both costly and disruptive. Predictive maintenance models, fuelled by real-time data, allow for intervention before breakdowns occur. This approach not only optimises asset health and predicts failures, but also extends the useful life of your assets through a strategy that prioritises repairs and replacements. This could decrease costs by 12% and extend the lifespan of an aging asset by 20%.

4. Optimising Space Utilisation Metrics

Space is a precious resource. Analysing occupancy trends, peak hours, and spatial efficiency can guide flexible workspace design and enhance the employee experience. Space utilisation measures what’s actually happening in the office, providing granularity that other occupancy data sources like badge check-ins and employee surveys can’t.

By spending less on utilities in underutilised spaces and only investing in workspaces employees will actually use, costs can be cut. Better office design that aligns with work habits and work style preferences can improve the workplace experience. Furthermore, real estate portfolios can be optimised by making data-driven decisions regarding architectural design, office layout, and resizing.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of FM, smart data utilisation is the key to unlocking efficiency and driving tangible results. By harnessing the power of data, we can revolutionise FM practices and create a more sustainable, efficient, and productive future.

Ready to harness the potential of data-driven solutions in facilities management?

Explore how our advanced technology leverages data to optimise operations and enhance performance.

A World FM Day Celebration: Carl Gage, Regional Director, Hard Services

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Carl is one of the Regional Directors within Technical Services that sits within the overall OCS Hard Services Business, responsible and accountable for six key customers across a number of services.

As part of our World FM Day celebrations, we are doing a deep dive into Carl’s FM career, to provide insight into the industry and inspire the next generation of FM professionals.

Carl’s entry into FM was varied, from catering in the military to becoming a Health and Safety Advisor, following his father’s footsteps. Eventually, Carl quickly moved into operations, which he has worked in for 8 years of his 12-year career in FM. “I have been extremely fortunate in my career to date and have been given some fantastic opportunities which I have grasped with both hands”. 

The world of FM is different every single day, but the main benefits are that you get to work with talented and like-minded colleagues and customers. What inspires Carl to work in FM is that many people bring so many different skills and experience which makes for a great team. “Every day is a learning experience which enables us to work smarter for our customers ultimately making the experience for their end users better each day”.

OCS gave Carl opportunities to grow by giving him autonomy and the ability to influence change, two crucial factors in facilitating career growth. 

“OCS is a fast-paced business and is growing all the time, which means the opportunities to grow come thick and fast which I will always take and run with”.

Carl’s key advice for anyone looking to get into FM would be to be open-minded, take nothing for granted and grasp all the opportunities that come your way. A career in FM has endless possibilities and many different paths that can be taken.

In Carl’s opinion, the future innovations in FM will vary from automation, data analytics, and many more, which will all impact our customers positively, but ultimately one thing to remember is that what makes FM so unique are the people that deliver the service to our customers. “Our people ultimately are the ones that make our customer experience greater daily. That is one of the reasons I’m passionate about OCS’s TRUE Values”. 

OCS Facilities Services

A World FM Day Celebration: Tony Parkinson, Sector Director, Hard Services

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 Tony is responsible for directing the Technical Services division within OCS, which has 1,000 team members delivering planned and reactive maintenance across a range of contracts and buildings throughout the UK.

As part of our World FM Day celebrations, we are doing a deep dive into Tony’s FM career and journey, to provide insight into the industry and inspire the next generation of FM professionals.

From a young age, Tony had taken a keen interest in physical elements and how things worked. This led him to start his career as an electrical engineer, he then worked his way into management in his early 20s. Naturally, Tony’s career progressed into the FM industry to lead large and diverse teams for over 25 years. Tony’s most recent experience has been supporting growth strategies including the evaluation and mobilisation of new opportunities in the UK and our global regions.

“Our customers are committed to ensuring they have safe, efficient, and pleasurable buildings for their end customers and employees. This drives the FM industry to be an innovative market and suits my desire for advancement and making a difference in the environment”. Tony has been fortunate to work with inspirational teams who make a huge difference to our customers’ buildings and enforce the moves towards a more sustainable and ethical future.

“OCS has a positive people culture and has empowered me to manage my business and ultimately our customer requirements and promises”.

Tony saw OCS as an innovator, pushing high-quality service delivery at our customer sites, and overall OCS has the scale and drive to reach ambitious growth targets.

FM is a wide and diverse arena, and future FM professionals should spend time considering what elements excite them the most and aim for the vocational and academic path that suits their needs.  “My advice would be to start with a specialist area to focus on and gain the FM experience whether soft or hard services or wider support functions such as commercial, financial or procurement”.

OCS Facilities Services

Tony sees three key innovations as part of the future of FM; Automation, data analytics and building intelligence. “We have strong targets to help the government and customers meet their strategic carbon reduction commitments. These commitments need a solid understanding of data to support the investment into smarter, more efficient buildings. In turn, this will also ensure space is managed effectively and aligns with core requirements of FM”

Class Dismissed: The Culinary Classroom class of 2023-24 takes a bow! 

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The Culinary Classroom cohort for this year have concluded their final session, marking the culmination of a transformative 10-month programme. Throughout this period, chefs from diverse sectors within our business engaged in a comprehensive culinary learning journey, emphasising the acquisition of a renewed understanding, respect, and appreciation for the origins of our food. 

Monthly modules, spanning various culinary disciplines, covered topics ranging from vertical farming techniques that conserve water to recipes with reduced carbon footprint. The curriculum also delved into the art of breadmaking, the intricacies and artistry of chocolatier skills, the nuances of butchering, and immersive experiences like road shows and street food safaris. These sessions, orchestrated by our catering executive development team, addressed vital aspects of the catering business, like hospitality, menu planning, and financial awareness. As a result, the chefs emerging from this programme not only possess a heightened appreciation for the journey of food from farm to fork but also wield the essential tools for business success.

This initiative stands as a testament to OCS’s commitment to investing in our people, ensuring the longevity of their careers by arming them with invaluable lessons and tools. The penultimate module was a practical class on pasta-making, covering handmade pasta, egg pasta, gnocchi, and risotto.  

After acquiring a solid foundation in pasta, gnocchi, and risotto cookery, our culinary classroom chefs were entrusted with the challenge of crafting original recipes based on their observations and learning. The chefs were organised into teams, with pasta machines securely affixed to the tables, and engaged in the enjoyable process of rolling out their pasta doughs. The kitchen became a hub of creativity, witnessing a dynamic exchange of ideas among our chefs as they collaboratively developed fresh pasta dishes brimming with flavour. To acknowledge their successful completion of the Culinary Classroom programme, each participant was presented with an engraved kitchen knife, symbolising their proficiency and growth throughout the programme. 

I’ve had an amazing experience and gained so much knowledge over the past 10 months. I really appreciate Matt Vernon and Matt Chapman from the development team hosting this fantastic course and I’m truly grateful for the gift. The culinary classroom has built my confidence within the kitchen immensely. Everybody on the culinary classroom programmer is such lovely and genuine people; I’ve taken away invaluable experience from their support too!

Zoe Boland

Chef Manager, Marshalls Park Academy

The concluding module featured an exhilarating day immersed in road shows and exploring renowned street food hubs. Here, our chefs gained invaluable firsthand experience of the business process from the customer’s perspective. This hands-on encounter provided insights into crucial elements such as pricing, presentation, and marketing strategies, all while indulging in the delectable offerings of diverse global cuisines from Jamaica to South America. 

What lies ahead for our Culinary Classroom graduates? In the final class, they attended the Hotel, Restaurant & Catering show. This annual event hosts the esteemed International Salon Culinaire competition, where top chefs from around the catering world gather to compete in various categories. Our Culinary Classroom students have now been introduced to this prestigious competition, and our chef development team will mentor them as they prepare to compete in 2025. Additionally, they will actively participate in mentoring and collaborating with the chef development team to lead regional skill-based workshops, contributing to the training of new and existing colleagues across OCS Food Co. 

Congratulations to the 23/24 cohort!  

I’ve had the opportunity to visit different suppliers all over the UK and meet many great people along the way. It’s been a great experience to be part of the culinary classroom, I wish we could have even more classes! Matt has been very helpful throughout and encouraged me to enter our 2023 Chef of the Year competition in which I proudly reached the final. I’m going to miss the culinary classroom; I’m grateful for the opportunity and I’m proud to have formed long-lasting relationships with my colleagues

Fernando Murillo

DHL in Slough

I’ve enjoyed meeting other chefs from different sites and developing my understanding of cookery, as well as the wider business. If I were to sum up the culinary classroom in one word, I would have to say – refreshing.

Dan Price

Ocado in Andover