KS How did the partnership between SITO and KS begin?

BD SITO was approached by Kennedy Scott’s Daniel Johnston when he was working on the tender for the "Women in Security" programme. Once he explained the basis of the tender to us we supported KS’s bid by providing costings and a letter of support.
KS What aspects of the "Women in Security" tender appealed to SITO?

BD The programme is aimed at increasing the number of women in security jobs because the fact is that there is a dire shortage of women in the industry. Security firms need women for many of their roles as only they can search women suspected of shop-lifting and other crimes. SITO is a not for profit company that works for the benefit of the security industry. One of its tasks is to support the industry by providing it with more people, particularly women.

This is a complex time for the security industry as new laws are coming into effect that will require all security staff to be licensed. To get a license you need to undertake the appropriate training, be able to prove your identity and pass a criminal records check. Many existing staff won’t meet these criteria and will leave. This means there will be a demand for new staff, particularly for those with the training which the "Women in Security" programme provides. This rise in demand also means that working conditions for security staff will improve with increased rates of pay and options to work shorter and/or more flexible hours.

KS What is SITO’s role in the programme?

BD Initially, to support Kennedy Scott’s bid and, now that the programme is operational, to provide SITO trainers and certification for the participants. Participants receive two types of training. The first is delivered through a traditional classroom method and instructs participants in the roles and responsibilities of security staff. The second part is through role play and trains participants in how to calm down a situation before it gets physical. We also help to publicise the project to security firms through our newsletter
and website and through seminars delivered to HR professionals from security firms.

KS Why are KS and SITO suited to working together?

BD The partnership works well because the companies are experts in two different fields. KS have expertise in motivating people and placing them in work and SITO are experts in the security industry. We provide a link between KS and the security employers. The relationship between the two companies has been very good from the start and we knew that if there were any problems we could resolve them easily by speaking to Teresa, Dan or Urmish.

Kennedy Scott would like to thank Bob for his time in contributing to our newsletter and for the exceptional level of support SITO has provided to the "Women in Security" programme.

Contact Daniel Johnston for further information.