APS Newsletter November 2023

NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2023

This Month...

King Charles III - Book Launch

AP were delighted to be invited to attend the official Book Launch in London on the Kings Birthday

Dare2Dream

How you can get involved in mentoring young adults in 2024

The Use of Dogs In Security

Mark Edwards shares his experience of working dogs

Womens safety in the work place Diane Mulkeirins tells us about the issues women face regarding their safety in the workplace

Team Shoutouts!

Sharing the achievements and acts of kindness from our APS Staff

King Charles III - The Leadership and This year we are delighted to announce that we attended the book launch of King Charles III: Leadership and Vision of a Modern Monarch in celebration of his 75th birthday.

The book is superbly researched and written by bestselling writer and royal biographer Robert Jobson and encompasses the photography of Arther Edwards MBE who has captured those memorable images that we have all come to know.

Our own contribution focuses on our role as mentors and our commitment to social responsibility.

The article that was written by Robert Jobson highlights that we are more than security expertise but that we put mentorship at our core.

The nation came together in celebration of our King and Queen’s coronation on the 6th May 2023, when our King with his Queen were crowned in Westminster Abbey in front of the worlds watching nations.

AP Security were honoured to be part of the security requirement for the Coronation and had 1500 security personnel on the mall ensuring the visitors to the coronation were in safe hands .

Vision of a Modern Monarch We work with charities such as Dare2Dream and Children with Cancer Fund (Polegate), including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge acknowledging those who serve or who have served in the armed forces that they should be treated with fairness and respect.

What we are seeing by reading excerpts of the book, is that a new Royal Family is emerging under the guidance of the King.

We are featured on page 476 – 477 depicting the modern monarch, the future looks bright, and we are in safe hands with AP security.

By Diane Mulkeirins

Once more into the schools we go - Da

For the 3rd year running the AP Manned Guarding Division will take part in the inspirational programme challenging young people to change the way they think with ‘Dare2Dream’ Foundation mentoring young adults.

For the past 2 years we have mentored the PACA School in Brighton and our team of 5 staff are now moving on to partner with Dorothy Stringer School which is just one of the schools to take part in this exciting programme this year.

Feedback from our AP Team of mentors was really positive and all have stated that they would like to undertake the mentoring project again. Kevin Souter, Adam Simpson, James Handley, Mark Edwards, Luke Young and reservist Stephen Layton all said they gained a lot from their individual experiences and the pictures below reflect the teamwork seen with the mentors and mentees.

Dare to Dream work with many local influencers and businesses, local schools, youth clubs, colleges and universities to give young people the confidence they need to fulfil their potential.

Using themes of self-awareness, mindset, gratitude, resilience, teamwork and employability Dare2Dreams speaker Jack (the lad) former radio host on FM Heart, and the AP mentors used their own experiences and extensive knowledge to drive and motivate young people.

By Diane Mulkeirins

re2Dream Dates 2024

APs Social Responsibility Champion, Diane Mulkeirins, says that ‘teaching our children is of vital importance but we also need to prepare them for their wider social responsibilities when they too become adults’.

Do you have what it takes to be a Mentor for the future?

If you are interested in being part of our mentor team, please email apmanned@apsecurity.co.uk

Dates for 2024 are as follows: 7th February 2024 (8.35am-3pm) 28th February 2024 (8.35am-3pm) 12th March 2024 – please can you confirm that this date is suitable, this is a suggested date by the school.

23rd April 2024 (8.35am-3pm)

By Diane Mulkeirins

The Use of Dogs In Security

Dogs have been used in security for many years, and they continue to be a valuable tool for law enforcement, military, and private security companies.

Dogs Are Loyal: Dogs are known for being incredibly loyal creatures, which is one of the main reasons for an estimated 13 million dogs being kept as pets in the UK.

There are many reasons why dogs are used in security, including their keen sense of smell, their ability to detect hidden objects and substances, and their natural instincts to protect their handlers and territory.

They can develop a territorial instinct and become protective over what is theirs, such as the person they respond to or the home they live in. It is also very common to train dogs to follow instructions and respond only to one person while giving them their full attention.

Using dogs for security work has many advantages.

Here are some of the benefits: They Have Quick Reactions: Dogs have an incredible ability to react much quicker than humans, which proves to be extremely useful in the security field. Their natural curiosity means they can detect any unusual sounds, scents, or movements almost instantly and will bark to inform others. These quick reactions mean they can stop criminals in action and prevent them from getting away.

They Are Highly Intelligent: As we have already established, dogs are highly intelligent animals who are able to pick up on things such as scent, sounds, and body language when trained.

This skill is best put to use when sensing things out of the ordinary and will react to them accordingly.

Dogs are Natural Weapons: A big advantage for security dogs is that they have natural weapons to help defend themselves against danger as well as scare away those causing harm.

Dogs have strong jaws, sharp claws, intimidating barks, and the speed to outrun those who dare escape.

They Motivate Others: It is no secret that dogs make great companions for humans and having one trained alongside you at work is bound to motivate you.

Security dogs will make their handlers feel more confident and safer with them by their side.

Cost-Effective: Using dogs for security work can be more cost-effective than hiring additional human security personnel, especially for large areas or properties.

Dogs are versatile and some common roles for dogs in security include: Detection dogs: These dogs are trained to sniff out specific substances, such as explosives, drugs, or contraband.

Which is the best Dog for a Security Role: German Shepherds are well known for working alongside the police due to their capability to track criminals, follow scents, and obey commands.

These traits are also sought after for security dogs and have been widely used for this reason for many years. They are intelligent and capable working dogs with an instinct to defend their territory and keep others away from harm.

These high levels of intelligence mean they are loyal and easy to train, perfect for forming a strong bond and keeping any intruders away.

Overall, dogs are a valuable asset in security, and their unique abilities and instincts make them an important part of many security operations.

However, it is important to remember that these dogs require specialised training and care and should only be used by trained professionals.

Proper care and training ensure that the dogs are safe and effective in their roles, and that they are not a danger to others. You are in safe pair of hands with the handler and a safe set of Paws!

Patrol Dogs: These dogs are trained to protect their handlers and property, and can be used to track suspects, search buildings, and apprehend criminals.

Search and Rescue Dogs: These dogs are trained to locate missing persons in a variety of environments, including wilderness areas and disaster zones.

Therapy Dogs: These dogs are used to provide emotional support and comfort to people in stressful situations, such as victims of trauma or disaster.

By Mark Edwards

Womens safety in the work place Gender-based violence remains one of the most systemic and widespread human rights violations of our time, and requires urgent action. Some people may think violence against women only happens on dark streets late at night, in war zones, or behind closed doors in the family home.

There is also clear evidence that gender-based violence increases in scale and severity in conflict situations. An estimated 20 to 30% of women and girls have experienced non-partner sexual violence in conflict-affected settings.

Violence in the workplace Workplace mistreatment includes covert (passive) and overt (verbalised) generalised harassment, incivility, sexual harassment, and physical hostility. There are physical and psychological consequences that victims and bystanders experience when exposed to workplace mistreatment.

Sexual harassment is also a form of violence against women. Since the explosion of the #MeToo movement, no one could be in any doubt that it’s still rife in UK workplaces.

But violence against women and girls happens everywhere.

In every country In every different type of household In the biggest cities and the smallest villages In schools and universities On public transport …………………………..And in the workplace One in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, according to data from the World Health Organisation. This violence often starts devastatingly early: one in four young women, who have been in a relationship, will experience violence by an intimate partner by their mid-twenties. Violence is often worst among the hardest to reach. Women with disabilities in developing countries are two to four times more likely than other women to experience violence.

The current research found that over half of all women have experienced some form of sexual harassment at work – a number that rises to nearly two third (63%) of women aged 18-24.

And it’s not just sexual harassment that affects women’s working lives. Verbal aggression and incivility has a lasting effect on women, especially those who are in oppressive and abusive relationships outside of the workplace.

New Zealand is now one of many countries that recognises it is women who often lose their jobs due to domestic violence, making them even more isolated and financially dependent on their abuser.

Furthermore, Australia has implemented 20 days paid leave across its public sector, and one of the EU countries has introduced 3 months of paid leave in cases of domestic violence. This has been followed by several Canadian provinces.

In any one year in the UK, more than 20% of employed women take time off work because of domestic abuse, and 2% lose their jobs as a direct result of it.

In 2016, 4 women were murdered by men in the workplace (either at or near their workplace or the perpetrator’s workplace).

Many employers are only now beginning to wake up to the scale of the problem of sexual harassment – and some still refuse to accept that domestic violence is a workplace issue.

At the present time there are several trade unions supporting the International Labour Organisation in drafting a convention on ending violence in the world of work that recognises violence as a gendered issue.

Furthermore, the draft also states that domestic violence, stalking, sexual violence both in and outside of work, and sexual harassment are all workplace issues that unions, employers, and governments must try to tackle. New Zealand has implemented a law that supports workers who experience domestic violence, which enables women to have 10 days paid leave. This has created a great amount of interest on the international front.

Diane Mulkeirins giving a lecture on Womens Safety in the Workplace

Continued overleaf...

What cansafety we do?

Womens in the work place

What can we do?

Employers could do more to support any of their staff who suffer from workplace violence. The equality Act could be further strengthened so that it is easier to tackle individual perpetrators of sexual harassment, as well as tackle workplace cultures, charitable and social club cultures where harassment and discrimination have been allowed to flourish. It can be suggested that important provisions within the Equality Act have been eroded away over that past decade.

There is no protection for women or workers from third party harassment and discrimination, i.e. discrimination from clients, patients, customers and or third parties! In short, the power of employment tribunals to state that employers are to tackle the wider culture of harassment and discrimination other than that of the individual has been removed. Women have their place within the workplace and bring a valuable skill set. New research by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust has found alarming levels of violent, aggressive, sexual and unwanted behaviours inflicted on employees whilst in work, or on their way to work.

The figures highlight a rising trend of violence against women. 44% of women had experienced harassment, compared with 26% of men. An overwhelming majority of reported cases of harassment (83%) were perpetrated by a man.

34% of all those surveyed had experienced one form or another of unwanted behaviour whilst working or travelling to work. 15% had experienced sexual harassment, but 60% of those never reported these experiences to their employer. They did not believe any action would be taken, or any difference would be made by reporting it. This is something that we can all work together to stop.

Similarly, three quarters of respondents who were harassed at work or travelling to work did not report the incident to the police. This correlates with Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) figures from April 2022, which indicate 99% of rapes reported to police do not result in a conviction…….figures like this, stops you dead in your tracks.

Article by Diane Mulkeirins

CPD CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development

CPD is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities

CPD is a holistic approach towards the enhancement of personal skills and proficiency throughout a professional’s career

CPD is available at APS - If you are interested in enhancing your skills, please contact Diane Mulkeirins

New Starters Elizabeth Briggs Office Administrator Elizabeth is our green fingered team member who loves gardening and is passionate about animals especially her very bossy rotund dachshund!

Elizabeth is part of the Manned Guarding division and brings a wealth of experience in administration and systems.

When Elizabeth is away from the office she like nothing more than to travel.

Robin Bailey Business Development Manager Although relatively new to the security industry, Robin brings over 25 years wealth of experience in Finance, Account and Office Management to our bustling office.

When not dealing with the day to day running of the office he prefers to try his hand at cooking and baking to relax and wind down.

A keen runner and cyclist, looking to build up for a Marathon next year.

A few words from Sarah: Hello, I’m Sarah, I’m very much looking forward to working with you all and keeping you updated with the latest news at A.P. Security. I hope you have enjoyed reading my first Newsletter.

A little bit about me... I have worked in Event Management for the last 23 years and have been lucky enough to travel the world with my work and see some amazing places. Most places I have been have felt very safe, but there have been a few occasions where I wish I’d had my own security!! I also have a very small beauty business that I run from home. Both are very different roles, but I enjoy them both very much.

Sarah Nix Media Assistant Sarah has recently joined A.P. Security as a Media Assistant, she will be working with us on a part-time basis, alongside Diana Mulkeirins primarily to deliver our monthly newsletters.

In my free time, I love walking my 2 Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs, riding my friends horses, scuba diving when I’m somewhere warm and sunny, cooking up a storm in the kitchen and I also love designing and making my own clothes.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all soon.

If you would like to include an article in a future news letter, please do get in touch.

Best wishes,

Sarah

Poppy Appeal Collection

Gordon Thow, one of our A P Security Officers and an Army veteran took time out to help raise money for the Royal British Legion. Seen here with his fellow sellers and the Mayor of Eastbourne.

A BIG Congratulations

A Big Congratulations goes out to MJ Jeng, one of our London Building Supervisors who in October 2023 completed his 1st Half Marathon abroad with members from “RunTheBoroughs” running club.

MJ completed the Marathon in a PR of 1hr 40 minutes running through some very scenic countryside in Marseille – Cassis.

MJ told us “it was a real eye-opener running up the hill's/mountains at a 1450ft of elevation and his new PR still hasn't sunk in yet”.

MJ has more Marathons planned both here in the UK and abroad over the coming 12 months and we wish him all the best, GO MJ!