Having recently achieved ISO 14001 for its approach to environmental issues, OHSAS 18001 for its commitment to Health and Safety and implementing rigorous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and diversity policies across the company, Advance is helping to set standards in quality and employee welfare. However, Bailey stresses that accreditation isn’t a stepping stone to complacency.
“With so many customers now requiring these quality and environmental policies as standard, it’s vitally important for the security industry to take these issues seriously and commit to achieving the relevant qualifications and accreditations,” said Bailey. “Many of the leading security organisations are taking the necessary steps, but there’s still a long way to go if the industry as a whole is to catch up with the rest of the corporate community.”
Bailey added: “To ensure our long term success, it’s vital to align ourselves with the standards and values of the industries we serve and then commit to driving them through on an ongoing basis.”
Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility
Just last year, Advance was shortlisted in the Orange National Business Awards for its commitment to CSR, and Bailey is now renewing calls for security companies to learn from each other and the sectors in which they operates in order to improve environmental standards across the board.
Bailey asserted: “Green business is good business. At Advance, we’ve created a sustainable environmental policy at the heart of our operations. However, it’s important to recognise that a commitment to CSR goes further than lowering carbon emissions and recycling waste. Staff welfare and motivation also play an important part. It’s essential that people feel they ‘belong’ to a company, rather than simply being a cog in a corporate machine.”
As such, Advance has introduced a variety of staff initiatives and has been working alongside the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) to achieve the highest level of accreditation for its operational management team within the industry. The company is also developing bespoke qualifications (alongside organisations such as Edexcel) across various market sectors in order to provide clear career paths for employees.
Progressive and professional sector
With further plans in the pipeline, including securing BS: 25999 (business continuity) and Investors in People status within the next 12 months, Bailey is committed towards achieving quality-assured processes.
Bailey concluded: “If we, as an industry as a whole, wish to present ourselves to both our customers and the general public as a truly progressive and professional sector of the UK economy, I believe that a cohesive, ongoing and transparent commitment to achieving such accreditations is vital.”