The security industry is one of the largest industries within South Wales and the UK and with the progression of equal representation between men and women within the workplace, many will think that the security industry would be equal.

However, it isn’t.

In a recent report carried out by Perpetuity Research, they explored the experiences of women within the security industry and identified key areas for industry development. The findings within the report are based on 706 survey responses and 21 interviews with female security professionals who carry out or manage staff and who undertake physical security roles.

The report carried out highlighted that many women hold a positive perception of the security industry and not all women who partook in the survey had struggled to progress or face discrimination within the security industry.

However, it became apparent that there are a number of potential barriers for women who want to enter or progress within the sectors and as such, there is a clear need for the industry to address these barriers. Many of the women who took part in the research proposed suggestions that would be a general benefit to the industry by not only attracting and retaining female security personnel but by helping dispel the outdated perceptions of what physical security work involves and creates a working environment that is attractive to all and enables all staff to be treated equally.

Perpetuity’s Research’s Research Manager, Charlotte Howell, noted: “while gender imbalance in some workplaces is no new concept, it is notable that women remain particularly under-represented in the physical security workforce. Crucially, some respondents that had previously worked In other sectors (prison or police service) felt that security was lagging behind. There remains a perception that the security industry is a man’s world. But equally, it was clear that the security sector offered exciting, challenging and interesting careers to people with a wide range of skills and attributes. The research highlighted the need for employers to take stock of their approach and consider the steps they can take to attract high calibre recruits regardless of gender, and further, once recruited, to ensure their workforce is truly treated equally”

To see the full Perpetuity Research report, click here. A&R Security Services offers professional Security Solutions to businesses across South Wales and the South West. To see more visit our website or call us on 01656 713950