Part of the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH), East Surrey Hospital (ESH) uses manned guarding, with CCTV and access control, to protect staff, patients and visitors, and assets.
Richard Bridgman, ESH’s security manager, said: ‘Corps Security came up with a solution that met our specific requirements and helps the hospital achieve all its security based objectives. Corps Security was awarded a three-year contract and now provides 24/7 manned guarding and mobile response services to ESH. Nik Flytzanis, Business Development Manager for Corps Security comments, ‘We were delighted to win this contract as we are keen to increase our presence in the healthcare sector. We have already completed a review of the hospital’s CCTV and alarm systems and our recommendations have been well received.”
Compliance with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 – otherwise known as TUPE – meant that the some of the officers who worked for the previous guarding company had to transfer to Corps. Nik Flytzanis says: ‘While this can be a problematic process if not handled correctly, we pride ourselves on our ability to ensure a smooth transition. We treat legal compliance as a bare minimum requirement and adopt a policy of inclusivity, consultation and best practice that results in a more motivated and engaged workforce.
The security contractor points to its Securing Success management development for the company’s junior and middle management. It consists of six one-day modules covering a range of topics such as people management and leadership, finance, health and safety and compliance, operational security knowledge, sales and marketing, and time management and organisational skills. Corps Security is designing a hospital training module. Flytzanis says: “This will include control and restraint training to account for the unique risks that a hospital based environment presents. Our willingness to embark on this type of activity and offer a unique service was other reasons why we were selected by ESH.”
Richard Bridgman is delighted with the improvements to ESH’s security. He adds: “We are pleased with the service provided so far by Corps Security. They regularly communicate with us and visit the site on a bi-weekly basis, and I look forward to developing our relationship in the future.”
Pictured left to right are Nik Flytzanis, Business Development Manager and Darren Green, Contract Manager for Corps Security; Richard Bridgman, Security and Fire Manager for ESH; Slaw Piatek, Security Officer for Corps Security.
About Corps Security
Originally set up ago to provide employment for ex-servicemen returned from the Crimean war, Corps Security, the former Corps of Commissionaires, employs over 3,000 SIA-licensed personnel and has 12 regional offices around the UK. The company also operates the Corps Monitoring Centre (CMC), based near Glasgow.
For further information – ring Corps Security on 0800 0286 303; Email [email protected] or visit www.corpssecurity.co.uk.
