Historically the security profession has always been active in addressing age discrimination, relying on experienced management who enter the profession for a second or even a third career.
The trade press, spurred on by voices for within the industry such as Women In Secure Environment (WISE) and specialist recruitment firms such as SSR®, have also been encouraging employers to make the profession more attractive to women. The latter has had limited success as the numbers of women employed within the sector have increased from 7% in 2000 to 10% in 2005. As such the industry can be viewed as having invaluable expertise in overcoming discrimination in employment.
Prior to IFSEC 2006 SSR® announced they were taking an initiative in the fight against discrimination further when they signed the Recruitment and Employment Confederation's (REC) Diversity Pledge. This pledge sets standards for recruitment firms to achieve when supplying recruitment services, not just to the security profession but across all sectors. More recently SSR®'s approach and commitment to equal opportunities has been recognised by employers, such as the London Borough of Islington and Comensura, who have awarded SSR® a certificate recognising their values in equality recruitment.
SSR® Personnel Services are renowned for innovation and taking a lead in sensitive areas that impact security professionals. In 2005 they were amongst the founders of an industry-wide initiative designed to boost standards in the recruitment, selection and supply of professional personnel.
Del Hunter, Director of Performance at SSR®, says "recent recognition has greatly encouraged us as we advance from equal opportunities towards championing inclusiveness and we will continue to share the knowledge and expertise we gain with the profession".