A Message from the director

I hope this message finds you all well. We have been going full steam at SGC Security Services HQ,

So after almost 12 months in lockdown, I wanted to personally thank each and every member of staff who has had to change, adapt and overcome the challenges we have all faced during this unprecedented time. The attitude and behaviour of our staff still out there on the front line has been exemplary.

As we start to ease out of the current lockdown situation we welcome the events industry phased re-opening and I look forward to personally seeing you all there.

Paul Macarthur

MANAGING DIRECTOR

The SIA has made some changes to the training you need to take before you can get a front line SIA licence.

The changes are:

• we have introduced new, updated qualifications for all sectors except close protection and vehicle immobilisation
• you must have a first aid qualification before you can take the training required for a door supervisor or security guard licence

We will be making more changes in October 2021:

• on 1 October 2021, we will introduce updated close protection qualifications
• from 1 October 2021, you must have one of the new qualifications or take top-up training before you can apply for a door supervisor and security guard licence this includes renewals

We explain these changes in more detail below.

Why are we making these changes?

We need to make sure that people working in the private security industry can:

• keep the public safe
• follow new working practices
• understand recent changes to the law
• make the best use of new technology

New requirement: first aid training

We already expected applicants for a close protection licence to complete a first aid qualification before taking their licence-linked training. We now expect applicants for a door supervisor or security guard licence to do the same.

You will need to do this if either of the following apply:

• you are applying for a licence for the first time
• it has been longer than 3 years since you last held a licence for that activity

From 1 October 2021, you will also need to do this if you are renewing your licence.

The qualification must be an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent.

The requirement for first aid training will improve your skills as an SIA licence holder. It will not change the obligations you have when responding to an emergency.

What do we mean by “equivalent”?

We will accept other qualifications that comply with the relevant guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. Some examples are:

• First Aid at Work (FAW)
• First Person on Scene (FPOS)
• First Response Emergency Care (FREC)

Your training provider can tell you more about this.

New requirement: top-up training for some licence holders

From 1 October 2021, you must have one of the following before you can apply for, or renew, a door supervisor or security guard licence:

• one of the new qualifications set in place in April 2021
• one of the older licence-linked qualifications and a ‘top-up’ qualification

This applies to any applications submitted on or after 1 October, including renewals. If you submit your application before this date, you will not need to take additional training.

If you hold a Door Supervisor Licence

From 1 October 2021, if you hold a door supervisor licence you can choose one of the following options:

• take the door supervisor top-up training and renew your door supervisor licence
• take the security guard top-up training and switch to a security guard licence

In either case, you must have an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent, before can you take the top-up training.

The security guard top-up training is shorter than the door supervisor top-up training, so is likely to be cheaper. However, you should consider the day-to-day duties of the job that you do. If your job involves guarding licensed premises (such as a pub or a club) you will need to renew your door supervisor licence.

Other changes

More relevant course material

We have moved training that is critical for all sectors to the ‘common unit’ (taken by all security operatives). This includes new training on:

• terror threat awareness
• dealing with emergencies

We have introduced new sector-specific content – for example:

• the close protection course includes new material on physical intervention
• the door supervision course includes new material on the use of equipment such as body-worn video recorders and breathalysers
• the public space surveillance (CCTV) course includes new material on CCTV operational procedures and the law
• the security guarding course includes new material covering personal safety

More practical assessments

We have increased the number of practical elements in the training to help learners reinforce their knowledge.

The practical assessments include:

• searching
• dealing with conflict
• report/statement writing
• using communications devices

SGC Training Services have developed a market-leading pathway to train the next generation of up and coming Security and Crowd Safety personnel. After spending years in the industry and talking to leading experts in the field of Crowd Safety and Security we have designed and developed this pathway to not only fill a huge void in the industry but secure a future of well-trained highly employable staff.

We have positioned ourselves to be able to design and implement something groundbreaking that hasn’t been seen in the industry before.

Our success and ability to deliver on such a project only strives us to be at the forefront of change.

Through our years of knowledge and experience, we can truly offer the very best level of qualifications available in the industry today. This vast range of courses can be delivered in the form of a Study Programme, Traineeship, Short Course or Apprenticeship from the age of 16+.

Since we started we are constantly striving and adapting our delivery methods to stay at the forefront of technology and education to help facilitate an ever-evolving industry.

Commercial and Professional Development Courses

Equality & Diversity Emergency First Aid at Work First Aid at Work Training Fire Awareness

Manual Handling

Mental Health Awareness

SIA Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor

SIA Level 2 Award for Working as a CCTV Operator

Level 2  in Spectator Safety

Level 3 in Spectator Safety

Level 4 Safety Officer

Apprenticeships

We provide Apprenticeships for our staff to provide skills and knowledge to best help them with their job roles. We particularly put staff that we identify as having the potential to move up in the business as these are longer courses.

Traineeships

We provide Traineeships to new staff as a way to give them the skills and knowledge they will need to be capable of fulfilling a variety of roles whilst gaining relevant experience.

Courses

We also offer courses across the Security and Crowd Safety sector, here is a selection

CCTV Training

Body Language Detection Officer Training

Hand Cuff and Restraint Training

Close Protection

Self Defence and Defensive Tactics Training

Physical Intervention skills

Conflict Management

Front of Stage Pit Barrier

First Aid

New for 2021

SGC Training Services has written and received centre approval through our awarding body QNUK to deliver the new Level 2 Spectator Safety qualification, we will now require all staff to enrol into the mandatory qualification if you wish to continue working within the Crowd Safety sector of the business.

This can be carried out through our training E-learning Portal.

https://sgctraining.learnupon.com/dashboard

If you haven’t yet signed up, don’t worry there is a small funding pot but this will be on a first come first served basis to those having met certain criteria.

So please apply today…..

Find out more

Contact SGC Training Services to arrange your upskilling course.

info@sgctrainingservices.co.uk 

Our “STAR OF THE MONTH” award is given to staff members that go above and beyond to help us provide excellent customer service to our clients and the public.

This is a very difficult award to give out as we have so many outstanding members of staff each month.

Please keep an eye out on our company Facebook page for further updates  https://www.facebook.com/SGCsecservices

UK THREAT LEVELS

Members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321.

If your information does not relate to an imminent threat, you can also contact MI5.

WHAT THE THREAT LEVELS MEAN

Threat levels are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack.

LOW means an attack is highly unlikely

MODERATE means an attack is possible, but not likely

SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is likely

SEVERE means an attack is highly likely

CRITICAL means an attack is highly likely in the near future.

Run Hide Tell 

https://www.npcc.police.uk/NPCCBusinessAreas/WeaponAttacksStaySafe.aspx

Incidents in the UK and around the world remind us all of the terrorist threat we face, which in the UK is considered as ‘SEVERE’, meaning an attack is highly likely. Police and security agencies are working tirelessly to protect the public but it is also important that communities remain vigilant and aware of how to protect themselves if the need arises.

Suspicious Items Guidance 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/recognising-the-terrorist-threat/recognising-the-terrorist-threat

• Do not touch
• Try and identify an owner in the immediate area
• If you still think it’s suspicious, don’t feel embarrassed or think anybody else will report it
• Report it to a member of staff, security, or if they are not available dial 999 (do not use your mobile phone in the immediate vicinity)
• Move away to a safe distance

Crowded Places Guidance 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crowded-places-guidance

The UK faces a real threat from terrorism and crowded places remain an attractive target.

Crowded places include shopping centres, sports stadia, bars, pubs, places of worship and clubs which are easily accessible to the public and attractive to terrorists.

Guidance has been written to help those charged with security at crowded places mitigate the threat

CPNI Advice Marauding Terrorist Attacks.

https://www.cpni.gov.uk/marauding-terrorist-attacks-1

Marauding terrorist attacks are fast-moving, violent incidents where assailants move through a location aiming to find and kill or injure as many people as possible. Most deaths occur within the first few minutes of the attack before police are able to respond.

It is more important than ever that your organisation is aware of the heightened risks and adequately prepared for any potential attack.

New and detailed guidance is now available providing details of the simple measures that can be taken to minimise the impact of an attack and help save lives. This new guidance builds on the principles of RUN, HIDE, TELL published by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office.

COVID-19

The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are:

a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual) a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.

If you have any of these symptoms, get a test to check if you have coronavirus and stay at home until you get your result.

Payroll 

To be submitted by email (payroll@sgcsecurityservices.co.uk)

All queries need to be submitted within 24 hours of Payslips being issued.

Queries not submitted within this 24-hour period will be dealt with after

Before submitting your query, please be sure to check your payslip fully

Provide details of any shifts/dates/rates that you believe are not correct

End of the Tax year 2020/21 – P60’s

As we see the end of the 2020/21 tax year, your P60’s will soon be ready and issued. These will be uploaded to your payroll portal alongside your payslips.

The deadline for these to be uploaded is the 31^st of May, but you will receive an email confirmation beforehand.

You can log into your payroll portal

https://eol.sage.co.uk/

Telephone 01279 428 498 option 5

Timegate

We are now fully integrated into the new Timegate staff portal system.

The System will reject any attempted book on /off & check Calls that are not within the Designated Geo-Fence of the Site you are working on.

Booking on /off -Should you not be able to book at the required times allocated to your duty, you are required to contact the Operational Control centre and explain the reason for failure which will then be

To use the app for booking on / off you must ensure you have your “Location Settings “switched on, should you not wish to use this service then you can use the Telephone booking on/off procedure documented within your Company Welcome Pack.

Check Calls-If you working on a lone worker site under the Health & Safety at work Act 1974 and the Management of health & safety at work regulations, we are required to complete hourly check calls, it is paramount that they are completed with the designated window of 15 min each side of the hour for example –10am Check call can be completed between 0945-1015.This also confirms you are still on duty in the event of client discrepancies

During the previous weeks, we are still noticing several Officers attempting to book on /off whilst Traveling to site or still at their home address several miles away from site which is both fraudulent and a breach of Health & Safety.

Any staff member that fails to book off will have a failed duty generate which ultimately declines the whole shift from the payment process.

Your employee portal contains all the relevant information that you require to manage your day to day working activities, please ensure you spend time reviewing the system.

https://sgcsecurityservicesemployeeportal.thefmcloud.com/

New Contract Awards

We are excited to be able to share activity on the work front, there are plenty of opportunities for you to be involved in…

SGC Security Services are proud once again to be awarded a new contract supporting the NHS in keeping Patients, Visitors, and staff safe at 6 Hospitals throughout North Wales on behalf of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

SGC Security Services is proud to be awarded a new contract and supporting Whitecliffe in Ebbsfleet into its customer portfolio, providing 24 hour Security and Asset protection.

Whitecliffe, formally known as Eastern Quarry, is the largest development site in Ebbsfleet Garden City.

The 667-acre site is owned by Eastern Quarry Ltd a wholly-owned subsidiary of Henley Camland who acquired it from its previous owners Landsec in March 2018.  Henley Camland is managing the delivery of the infrastructure, while parcels of land are built out by individual housing developers. 

Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium two major test events completed in April 2021 and we are looking forward to the Euro 2021 football matches.

Epsom Derby 2021

This week we have had confirmation that the Epsom Derby, with whom we have a long-standing commitment shall be going ahead on 4th and 5th June 2021.

KEEPING SAFE AT NIGHT

Recently there has been a lot of discussion on social media and news sites regarding people’s safety at night. With lockdown looming over us and nearing its end with every passing week the next question is how will the world change, and how will people keep safe at night.

Currently, because the lockdown has been in place the amount of crimes has fallen overall, but there have been incidents which have shook the public.

Having been kept mainly inside for a majority of the past year, plenty of the population have taken a more active role on social media and report on issues and incidents which has created a more open space for discussion.

For further information please click the link below

https://sgcsecurityservices.co.uk/keeping-safe-at-night/

PETER HORNER

NATIONAL OPERATIONS MANAGER

Peter has been in the Security industry for over 10 years and has been a member of the SGC team since 2015, starting out as a Contracts Manager before recently being promoted to National Operations Manager. This is a role that suits his management style as Peter leads by example and uses his wealth of experience to train and motivate the team of Officers to match his exacting standards.

He is passionate about Officer welfare and getting the job done right the first time ensuring that service excellence is a standard to all SGC’s clients. Peter is a lifelong West Ham supporter and enjoys some playful banter with Paul over who is London’s best team.

STEVE MCUNULTY

HEAD OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Steve has over 35 years of experience in the security industry and has worked in security since 1984 when he joined the RAF Regiment. He has over 30 years of experience as a management professional including managing operational and business development teams. Steve heads up our Business Development team and is responsible for the Sales & Marketing at SGC Security Services.  In his spare time, Steve plays Basketball, likes to walk up mountains, and follows the best team in the land Liverpool FC.

ANTHONY BARNES

COMPLIANCE & PORTFOLIO MANAGER

Anthony has been a member of the SGC Security Services family since 2013 starting off onsite as an Officer and working his way up to Portfolio Manager looking after a selection of our long-term clients.  Anthony’s attention to detail has led to his role within the company extending to looking after our compliance both for our annual ACS and ISO Audits and for ensuring our supply chain conforms to all current legislation within our industry.  Anthony has a love of reptiles and spiders and has a varied collection at home that help him relax after a tough day.

LAURA NEWHAM

RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST

Laura has been a valuable member of the team for over two years. She uses her vast experience in people development to assist the HR Team in finding and developing the team of Officers the operations team needs to fulfill and deliver service excellence to SGC’s clients. Laura prides herself on finding the right Officers quickly and efficiently, meaning that SGC Security Services directly employ the majority of its Officers, allowing the operations team to maintain standards that are the envy of many of SGC’s competitors. Laura is the proud mum of two children and Errol the French bulldog, who takes up most of her time when she is not at work finding the right Officers for SGC’s clients.

GRZEGORZ JANIAK

RESOURCE COORDINATOR

Greg, as he is known by the team, has been a valued member of the SGC since 2019, Greg works in the control room at Head Office and is responsible for allocating Officers to Shifts ensuring that all of our client’s shift requirements are covered. Greg has a background in operational planning and logistics. In his spare time when Greg is not with his family, he likes to go to the gym and work out.

LOUISE DIXON

SUPERVISOR

Louise has been a supervisor at SGC since 2019, Louise started as an Officer but very quickly demonstrated her ability and dedication and was promoted to a supervisory role. Louise is currently a supervisor at one of our NHS sites where she manages the day-to-day delivery of the services liaising with the Trust, the Team on the Ground, and the Control room back at Head Office. Louise’s dedication to her role has seen her and her team pick numerous awards at the Trust.

SGC Security Services becomes a corporate partner of the National Association for Healthcare Security

https://sgcsecurityservices.co.uk/sgc-security-services-becomes-a-corporate-partner-of-the-national-association-for-healthcare-security/

SGC Security Services has been recognising in its field as a leading Contract Security Guarding Company and has achieved the top 15% of assessed scores during their annual inspection, by an approved UKAS body, for the Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme.

https://sgcsecurityservices.co.uk/sgc-security-services-has-achieved-the-sia-acs-score-required-to-join-the-acs-pacesetters/

SGC Security Services has become a Strategic Partner at UKIHMA

https://sgcsecurityservices.co.uk/sgc-security-services-has-become-a-strategic-partner-at-ukihma/

SGC Security Services becomes a founder member of IPSA

https://sgcsecurityservices.co.uk/sgc-security-services-become-a-founder-member-of-ipsa/