Advance Security: CSR Should be a Priority Across the Entire Industry

With new research showing that climate change is now the fourth most important consideration for European businesses, and that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is climbing the agenda across industries, Advance Security is calling on the security profession to open its own debate on the issue.

“CSR should be seen by the industry as an opportunity and not a hindrance” says Richard Bailey, sales and marketing director for Advance Security. “If we are to work towards greater recognition as a professional service, we can’t simply pay lip service to the big issues that the rest of the corporate community is taking seriously.” 

The research, launched this week by the RSM Erasmus University in Holland, shows that climate change ranks fourth behind corruption prevention, transparency of business practice and health and safety in the league of top business concerns for 200 of Europe’s largest corporations. Just five years ago it was only considered the eighth most important consideration, a statistic which Advance Security says should give the security industry pause for thought. 

“With the environment and social responsibility policy beginning to impact at all stages of business, from tendering, to recruitment and staff retention, we believe it is time to engage in honest discussion about the future of our own industry and best practice which can be shared across the board.” comments Richard Bailey. “The key for us is to structure any policy around the operational and commercial requirements of the industry, whilst simultaneously introducing innovative working practices.”

Since December 2006 Advance Security has been working towards establishing a sustainable environmental policy at the heart of its business. On initially considering the company’s carbon footprint, it was evident that its impact was relatively minimal in comparison with companies of similar size in other industries (with the vast number of employees based at clients’ premises), but an area that did cause concern was the 80% of the footprint which came from vehicle usage.

Since undertaking the research Advance has begun introducing LNG vehicles in major cities for patrol and response journeys, but as Richard Bailey admits, this measure in isolation will have little effect: “If this statistic is replicated across the security industry the impact is both sizable and worrying. Only a long term programme of minimising vehicle emissions across the industry over a number of years will have the necessary effect.”

Rather than head down the route of carbon off-setting, the company has taken the decision of working towards a programme of gradual and consistent reduction in its carbon emissions over a specified period of time. Says Richard Bailey: “Though we understand that carbon off-setting can play a part in a wider environmental strategy we have chosen to take a more practical approach in the belief that it will have a greater impact over time. We wouldn’t discourage other organisations within the security industry from going down that route, indeed we welcome as many options as possible, but we felt it was important for our staff to fully appreciate what we’re trying to achieve as a company by joining in with our efforts and reducing their own footprints alongside the company.”

With this in mind, a detailed assessment programme has been introduced for staff, with a dedicated internal webpage advising on actions that can be taken at home and work to minimise their personal environmental impact. ‘Green vouchers’ are awarded to employees providing the most effective suggestions for company-wide improvement.

From a wider administrative perspective Advance has also looked into reducing paper usage and travel to meetings, with conference calls now common practice in place of meetings and paper, mobile phones, PDAs and print cartridges recycled as a matter of course.

Taking care of the environment however, forms just one part of a wider Corporate Social Responsibility strategy across Advance Security. A number of additional policies and practices affecting supply chain, employee relationships and the company’s role in the community have also been introduced.

All suppliers, from IT to uniform, stationery to office furniture are now assessed for their own commitment to CSR; in particular their processes for improvement and willingness to transfer best practice. In addition, an open procurement system has been introduced to allow local suppliers the opportunity to pitch for Advance business alongside more established national providers. And in a further commitment to the community, a new relationship has been formed with the Children’s Air Ambulance, with employees and clients encouraged to actively take part in various fund-raising projects, alongside a significant financial contribution at a corporate level. 

With the security profession traditionally transient, experiencing relatively high staff turnover, Advance Security has placed particular emphasis on staff satisfaction and motivation. Initiatives include a focus on professional development, with the introduction of bespoke programmes designed with the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) 12 months ago, alongside a number of welfare and communications packages. 

Though Richard Bailey is pleased with the progress that Advance Security has made over a relatively short period of time, he recognises that continued progress is dependent on buy-in from all parties – employees, clients and competitors alike: “Our success so far is indicative of the support we have received from the highest level within our company; with enthusiasm for placing CSR at the heart of our business being driven from the very top down, it has been a relatively easy process to implement these new policies.”

He adds: “We believe that investment in the issues of corporate and social responsibility and the environment is not only important for ensuring a better future generally, but also for guaranteeing a better future for all businesses within the security industry. Happier, more satisfied and motivated staff, and an industry that supports the values its customers care about – to us it makes sense.”