Security is not only about physical presence, but also about communication, empathy, professionalism and trust. Skills often overlooking when people think of the industry, but hugely important in understanding situations, people and conflict resolution. These skills are often brought by women. Understanding this and encouraging women within the security sector can bring in diverse perspectives and strengths that will enhance team performance, client satisfaction and end user benefit.
In certain environments, a woman’s presence can be especially important. For example, in high-security settings where searches are required, female officers are sometimes specifically requested, ensuring equality requirements with a female officer available to carry out a female search. Similarly, in settings such as women’s refuges or sensitive community environments, having female officers can help individuals feel more comfortable, respected and supported.
Women are not just part of the industry, they are essential to delivering safe, professional and respectful services.
Women at SGS
At SGS, women currently make up 10.63% of our SIA-licensable workforce. When compared to the wider security industry where 10.38% of SIA licence holders in Security Guarding, Door Supervision and Close Protection are women, we are proud to be consistent with industry representation.
Since January 2024, when we began regularly tracking and reporting this data, our female representation has remained steady. We started at 9.85% and have grown to 10.63% today. While the wider industry has historically remained around the 10% mark, maintaining strong representation in line with industry standards is something we are proud of, and we continue to look for ways to encourage more women to join and thrive in security careers.
Women Across the Whole SGS Team
While 10.63% of our SIA-licensable roles are held by women, this doesn’t reflect the full contribution women make across SGS.
Women play key roles throughout our organisation, including in HR, bid writing, business development, operations support, compliance, and leadership positions such as our Assistant Director of HR & Compliance. These roles are essential to our success supporting our people, winning contracts, maintaining standards and helping the business grow.
Security is a team effort, and the women working behind the scenes are just as vital as those on the frontline.
Recognising Achievements
Women at SGS are making a real difference. Their dedication and professionalism are recognised across our organisation:
Long Service Awards: 3 women have received long service awards (all for 5+ years of service) out of 38 total awards.
Values Awards: Over the past five years, around 10 awards have been given to women across cleaning and security roles.
These achievements highlight the commitment, reliability and excellence women bring to their roles every day.
Breaking Stereotypes and Building Futures
Security careers offer variety, stability and progression opportunities from site security and event protection to specialist roles and management positions. Yet misconceptions still exist about who “fits” in security.
We want to challenge those stereotypes
Women are succeeding in security because of their professionalism, leadership and ability to handle complex situations calmly and effectively. By sharing their stories and recognising their achievements, we hope to inspire more women to see security as a rewarding and respected career path.
Looking Ahead
While industry-wide female representation has remained relatively stable, we remain committed to supporting women already in our workforce and encouraging more to join.
That means:
- Promoting inclusive recruitment
- Supporting career development
- Recognising achievements
- Providing safe and supportive working environments
Every step forward helps build a stronger, more diverse security industry.
Thank You
This International Women’s Day, we thank every woman working in security and support roles across SGS and the wider industry. Your professionalism, resilience and dedication make a difference every day.
Together, we continue to build a safer future one where women are recognised, valued and empowered in every role.
