When Lara Johnson stepped into the world of security, she never imagined how profoundly it would shape her life, both professionally and personally. Since leaving formal education 30 years ago, returning to structured learning was daunting. But what began as a job quickly evolved into a passion. That passion has empowered her to become a confident leader, a respected colleague, and a proud role model.
From Redundancy to Reinvention
Lara began her journey into security after 24 years with the London Borough of Hillingdon, where she was involved in event work. Following redundancy just before the COVID-19 pandemic, she seized the opportunity to retrain, earning her SIA badge and Level 2 Spectator Safety qualification. This marked the start of a new chapter, allowing her to turn decades of unpaid event experience into a professional career.
Her resilience shone through during the pandemic, when she helped form a COVID hub supporting vulnerable residents. From there, she joined an agency that placed her with OCS, where her career began to flourish.
Apprentice to Leader
Lara embraced the OCS apprenticeship programme, completing her Level 3 qualification with distinction and earning the title of Apprentice of the Month twice. She’s now pursuing her Level 5, continuing to push boundaries and inspire others. Her journey is a testament to lifelong learning and the power of second chances.
“I finished school nearly 30 years ago. The thought of doing English and maths exams again was terrifying. But I persevered, passed, and got a distinction. That’s when I was nominated for Apprentice of the Month.”
Leading with Heart
Now a Mobile Supervisor on the HS2 project, Lara manages around 100 officers across nine construction sites. Her leadership style is grounded in empathy, integrity, and high standards. She’s known for going the extra mile; printing personalised certificates, creating mugs and badges for employee recognition, and even crafting gifts for team members expecting children.
“I believe in leading by example. Respect is earned on the ground, not handed out with a title.”
Her dedication to team welfare, buying ice creams on hot days, handing out water, and sending Christmas cards has built strong relationships and a high-performing team.
Empowered by OCS
Lara credits OCS with giving her the confidence to grow and the platform to lead. From shy beginnings, she’s now mentoring apprentices, supporting officer development, and planning long-term training programmes.
“OCS has empowered me. I’ve gone from someone who didn’t know anything about construction security to someone who wears the black helmet: the symbol of leadership on site.”
Women in Security: A Vital Voice
As one of only seven women in her security team and just three in her area, Lara understands the importance of visibility and support. She joined the Women in Security group to connect, share experiences, and help amplify the voices of women in a male-dominated field.
“Being a woman and wearing a black helmet has power. So it’s a strange concept, but it’s one I’ve earned.”
Looking Ahead
Lara’s goal is to continue climbing the ladder, aiming for an operations support manager role. She’s driven by a desire to improve conditions for her team and remove barriers to progression.
“Every step I take is about making things better for the officers. I want to be the person who clears the path for others.”
One Word: Empowering
When asked to describe her journey in one word, Lara chose empowering. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and leadership. From redundancy to recognition, she’s shown that with courage and commitment, anything is possible.
