IWD2024: Investing in women in security

For International Women’s Day 2024 (IWD) we are recognising and celebrating women in security everywhere, who are breaking through the bias and smashing preconceptions at every turn.

The focus of this year’s IWD is #InvestInWomen and that’s a theme we fully support here at Venture, where we believe in investing in all our team members, to empower and enable each individual to reach their full potential.

From our female security officers, who are out there every day making a difference, to our event supervisors and stewards who help keep people safe, and our head office team who ensure everything runs smoothly, we have a growing percentage of women on our team spanning all areas of our operations.

Sara Howe, director at Venture, explains: “While security may traditionally have been a male-dominated industry, with every year that passes we see progress being made. But there is still a lot more work that needs to be done if we are to crash through outdated stereotypes.

“I am very proud that 19% of the Venture workforce is female - this really is changing things. I genuinely believe that a female security officer can bring a calm, more considered and empathetic approach to some situations. And for those who believe that security guarding should only be done by a man… we're educating them!”  

 

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We asked our female employees to share their experiences of working in security, what kind of challenges they have faced and what they most enjoy about being in this industry.  Here’s what they had to say:

 

What do you most enjoy about working in security?

 

• I love the variety of the work and meeting so many different people. I love the interaction and I feel fulfilled by helping people.

 

• Since joining Venture, I have learnt a lot about security operations and its critical role in ensuring the safety of individuals at events. I am drawn to the fast-paced, logistical challenges that come with running large scale events. Also, my involvement in office operations has allowed me to create meaningful relationships with team members which I can further develop when working with them on the ground.

 

• I enjoy the variety! No two shifts are the same.

 

• As a City Centre Security Officer (CCSO), I feel I have an opportunity to make a difference.

 

• I enjoy being in a people facing role in an exciting industry. Using my knowledge and skills to ensure that customers are safe and able to enjoy the event. The variety of the role keeps it interesting and there is an ongoing opportunity to build on my skills.

 

• As I am semi-retired, I like the variety of work and ability to choose when I work.

 

• I enjoy the challenge and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

 

• The best thing is meeting and greeting people from all over the world and providing peace of mind to customers and visitors.

 

• You get behind the scenes access to some really cool, unique places. No day is the same and it's fast paced.

 

 

 

How do you feel about being a woman in security?

 

• Women bring a different set of skills and perspectives to the table, which can enhance the effectiveness and diversity of security teams. There's an assumption that women aren't as capable or knowledgeable in the field of security, however I have seen firsthand my female colleagues demonstrate skills which contribute to creating safer and more inclusive environments for all.

 

• Although it is a male dominated role, all the guys I work with treat me with respect and make you feel part of the team. A woman can bring different skills to the role and that can be of great value during conflict situations.

 

• As I work mainly at events, I find being a woman a positive. We often bring a calming influence to a situation. As I am older than a lot of my colleagues, I bring the Mum (or Granny’s!) perspective and it is often helpful.

 

• I find that having male and female officers can help in reducing incidents rather than them escalating.

 

• It is empowering and challenging. I feel being a woman in this industry can bring a different and sometimes more positive outlook on situations.

 

 

 

What challenges have you faced?

 

• Sadly, in sales meetings, some people can still feel uncomfortable that a woman knows anything about security. In one meeting, about 3 years ago, all the questions were directed towards my male colleague when I was the one who could answer. My male colleague, rediverted each question back to me.

 

• Not at Venture, but I have felt underestimated in the past when I have turned up to a shift and there was almost a look of disappointment in my colleagues faces.

 

• Comments from the public about not knowing what I am doing, sexist comments and men thinking they’re funny with comments that are wholly inappropriate - especially ones based on looks or figure.

 

• Security can involve dealing with difficult people, but a lot of the job is good customer service - developing a good rapport/ relationship with people. You don’t have to have a butch tough manner!

 

• The level of ignorance and sexism among certain members of the population still amazes me and when they see a woman in security, it can all come out - especially when alcohol is involved. For example, I was recently shouted at for doing my job and told we need a man-led world!

 

 

 

What could the industry do better to support and encourage more women to work in security?

 

• They need to be showcasing women in security, showing their strengths and celebrating achievements.

 

• We need to change the stereotype of the industry as a whole - it’s not about big, beefy men on club doors!

 

• I think workshops would be a good idea, so women can learn all about the security industry and exactly what the job entails and the benefits they could bring to the industry.

 

• Making it clear that you don’t have to be muscular or tough to work in security, being a ‘people’ person is what counts!

 

• I think it would be good to promote a career in the security industry to females in schools!

 

 

What would you say to someone thinking about working in the security industry?

 

• I’d ask them ‘what's holding you back’? There are flexible hours, you get to work with some amazing people. Why not try something new?

 

• In this day and age, a career in security is a good option for women. There is flexibility of hours and the work can be interesting, providing variety where no two shifts will be the same.

 

• I would highly recommend it! There are plenty of different role choices that you can work in and scope for progression in the industry.

 

• From helping vulnerable people to working some of the biggest music festivals, there really is a role for every strength.

 

• If you love working with the public and enjoy working outdoors, being part of a team, it’s very rewarding and there are so many different types of security. If you work hard you can progress up the career ladder.

 

• There are so many types of security out there. Dip your toe in, try it, there will be a role out there for you that will suit you down to the ground.

 

• Go for it, as long as you’re prepared to do the work, it’s a great industry to be in.

 

• Why not give it a try? If you're uncertain about pursuing a career in security, consider starting as a steward. No license is required for this role, and it offers valuable insight into event security. I also recommend chatting with some of the women on our team; they work across diverse roles within Venture and you might discover an interest in something like corporate guarding or contributing or working as part of our anti-social behaviour (ASB) teams in the local town centres.

 

• Do it! It can be such a rewarding role.

 

 

 

Interested in a career in security?

At Venture, we believe that providing the highest quality of service, means employing the best people and providing them with the best training and support. We have worked hard to create an inclusive culture that truly values each individual and their efforts, and which provides opportunities for growth and career development.

We are proud to be accredited as a Living Wage employer and to pay rates that are higher than many security providers in our region. Alongside this, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, which includes free online GP, nurse and counselling services, helping protect the health and wellbeing of our officers from day one.

 

To find out more about careers at Venture and to view our latest vacancies, visit: venturesec.co.uk/work-at-venture

To work in private security, you need to hold a valid SIA licence (excluding some unlicensed stewarding and support roles). If you don’t currently have a licence, you can find out more about getting one here.