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Corporate Social Responsibility

Araba Cole ASyI

Currently I have a strategic leadership role at the IRC, a sector-
leading international humanitarian organisation who supports
beneficiaries in over 40 countries across the globe, focusing on
those suffering as a result of ongoing conflict and natural disasters.

I entered the security sector through a rather ‘conventional’ route;
following service in the British Army (Regular and Reserve), I worked
as a close protection officer before moving into analytical, advisory,
and then management and leadership roles.

Diversity and inclusion enables the expansive approach to security
risk management that is essential in an increasingly complex
and challenging world. By failing to diversify and include the full
spectrum of identities, we fail to capitalise on a wealth of ideas
and perspectives, denying ourselves the innovation and creativity
needed to lead in our industry.

Nicholas Reed FSyI

I am changing roles but have for the last 8 1/2yrs been working
in Healthcare Security, most recently in the role of Head of
Protective Services, leading security, health & safety, non-clinical risk
management and litigation for a long-standing NHS Trust.

I literally feel into security … whilst studying for my MSc in
Environmental Science, I needed to support myself and found
parttime security (retail & door) worked fitted perfectly around my
studies. The only problem, I developed a deep seated love for the
work and industry, so completed and MSc and redirected my career
path into security and risk.

I have been a long time advocate for mental health awareness,
equality, diversity, inclusivity and wellbeing in the security sector.
Sometimes it has felt like being a lone voice, but more recently I
have found and connected with more like-minded voices. Then
when the SyI led on establishing an Inclusive Security SIG, it felt like
joining the choir.

For me, the key is Inclusivity – nurturing true open minded,
consciously inclusive thought and behaviour. We all make mistakes,
but if they are in the spirit of open curiosity and we learn from
them, then we should not be afraid to speak and explore. For me,
if we get inclusivity right, diversity, equality, wellbeing, mental health
acceptance, honesty, integrity and a safe culture to speak up and
escalate concerns all follow naturally. It is about fostering a culture
of psychologically (and physically) safety for all.

The focus is on genuine inclusivity as the key, not contrived equality,
not political correctness gone mad.

If we get this right, a multitude of intangible and unapparent benefits
over and above this correct moral behaviours will then grow –
resilience, retention, loyalty and innovation.’

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