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I was employed in the Health Service for
over 21 years before joining Shield Guarding 11 years ago. My
father was an active union member in a local authority and the
aims and principles of the movement have always been important
to me. When the opportunity arose to join the local branch
executive, I naturally stepped forward.
In the early days of the Health and Safety
at Work Act, a group of union staff in the hospital where I
worked got together and the Health and Safety Committee was
formed. I was duly elected Chairperson and held that position
for a number of years. I also became the welfare officer for our
branch of Unison. I was able to benefit from the extensive
training that provided me and it has continued to help me
throughout my career. This position gave me a greater
understanding of people’s needs and of how external forces can
effect the way a person does his job and his view of life.
Before being elected as the General
Secretary to the Staff Association 3 years ago, I worked as a
security officer, a wages clerk, and a vetting officer. I have thoroughly enjoyed being the General
Secretary. Each day presents me with the need to be familiar
with the constantly changing employment laws. I find my work
stimulating and it certainly keeps my mind active!
 
I am in my first year with the Association
and still learning the ropes. I have been in the security
industry for over seven years. Those who know me know I have
extensive experience in security matters and I am always there
to help were I can. I am based in the control room at the Shield
Guarding Company, which gives me a great opportunity to be aware
of the issues for security personnel.
I like being part of the Shield Guarding
Staff Association as I think, with the combined expertise of all
the executive members, we can provide a great service to all
levels of staff in the Security Industry. I first got really interested in the Staff
Association last year in 2006. My interest grew and I wanted to
know more how I could get involved and become part of the team,
and all that was being achieved. As time went on and I learnt
more, I felt the time was right to apply for a position in the
Association and was pleased and privileged to be voted on to the
Executive Committee.
 
I have worked for Shield
for 13 years and, like our Secretary, I am a founder member of
the Staff Association. My fondest wish is to see it grow and
expand so that we can give a real voice to the workers of the
security industry in all its forms. I am keen to look at new ways to develop the
Association and provide a service that our members deserve.
When I left school, I joined the Royal Navy and served for 27
years, gradually advancing through the ranks. During that time,
I had the opportunity to study for my National Examination Body
for Supervisory Studies, thereby gaining interpersonal skills
that are very useful for the Association. |
