Our Pride network embodies this theme, fostering a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves. Through open conversations, inspiring events, and unwavering allyship, we continue to strengthen this culture across the whole organisation. This month, we shine a spotlight on the individuals who lead and inspire within our network, showcasing their stories and the impact they have on our organisation.
Sarah Hayes – HR Director: A Personal Commitment to Inclusion
Creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong has always been at the heart of Sarah Hayes' role as HR Director. From the outset, we believed that people do their best work when they feel safe, respected, and free to bring as much of themselves to work as they choose. "That belief was the foundation for launching our Pride employee network—a space dedicated to supporting our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and building a more inclusive culture for all," Sarah shares.
Under Sarah's leadership, the Pride network has grown into a vibrant community, a place of connection, support, and celebration for our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. The Pride network has helped educate Securitas UK colleagues, fostered open conversations, challenged assumptions, and enabled employees to become more compassionate and informed allies.
The network has brought together inspiring speakers, hosted thought-provoking events at Securitas Milton Keynes Head Office and customer premises in London, and represented Securitas UK at Milton Keynes and London Pride, with another Pride just around the corner. These moments have not only celebrated diversity but have also strengthened a sense of unity and purpose, embodying the theme Threads of Connection – Woven with PRIDE.
“In the past year, this work has taken on an even deeper meaning for me. My 16-year-old daughter recently came out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, Sarah reflects. A personal moment that was filled with love, pride, and a renewed sense of purpose for the transformative work we have delivered on behalf of Securitas UK. It has deepened my understanding, empathy, and commitment to LGBTQIA+ advocacy.”
"Now, when I speak about inclusion, I do so not only as an HR leader but as a mother. I want my daughter, and every LGBTQIA+ person at Securitas UK, to know they are seen, supported, and celebrated. I want them to know they belong," she emphasises.
Being an Ally means showing up, speaking out, and standing alongside our LGBTQIA+ colleagues every day. It means listening, learning, and leading with empathy. Our leadership exemplifies these values, continuing to build a workplace where everyone- regardless of who they are, can thrive.
Jack Timmins – Recruitment, Marketing & Communications Lead: Reflections on Pride Month
This Pride Month, Jack Timmins, Chair of Pride@Securitas UK, reflects on the journey of inclusion and the path ahead. "I have witnessed a journey. What began as passionate conversations has evolved into a real cultural momentum," Jack shares. The initiative has reframed how Securitas UK works, leads, recruits, and communicates, fostering a deeper sense of community.
A standout moment this year was the first large-scale in-person Pride@Securitas UK event. "It wasn’t just a celebration, LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies came together to listen, share, and build connections across regions and roles,” Jack recalls. This event marked a shift in perspective—a turning point in the journey toward inclusion.
"We have made allyship more than a value; it’s an action. It’s learning, showing up and speaking out," Jack emphasises. The impact is evident as more colleagues engage, ask questions, and step forward as allies, driving real, impactful, and lasting change.
In Recruitment, Jack sees this impact day-to-day: "Inclusion is central to how we show up as an employer," he notes. Securitas UK aims to be seen as more than a security company—a place where everyone, regardless of identity, feels safe to be themselves and grow.
Every conversation, act of allyship, and story shared moves the organisation forward. We are creating a culture where everyone belongs, where everyone is seen, and where everyone can thrive," Jack reflects. "I am keen to keep the momentum going, and allyship is just the start," he concludes.
Alex Davis – Chief Commercial Officer: Leadership and Equity
This Pride Month, Alex, Exec sponsor for the Pride network, reflects on the unique role and responsibility leaders have in championing equity for all. "We are accountable as leaders for ensuring the policies, procedures, and systems at work facilitate equity," Alex notes. To achieve this, engaging and listening to diverse voices is crucial, helping to amplify them and work together to identify necessary changes for progress.
"Openness, transparency, and humility are important. We have to own our missteps, acknowledge them, and address them, even when it's uncomfortable," Alex emphasises. Above all, being responsive, constantly engaging, listening, and learning makes the difference.
Alex has always been proud to be an ally for those who feel invisible barriers hold them back from bringing their authentic selves to work. "With the energy of our network colleague members and all colleagues across the business, I believe we’re making great strides to address that and to celebrate and embrace diversity," Alex shares. This effort brings colleagues together across the Securitas family in the UK.
Shaun Cullen - Regional Trainer: Championing Allyship and Inclusion
As a Regional Trainer and the newly appointed Secretary of our Pride network, Shaun Cullen has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of real allyship. "We have built a space where LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies feel heard, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work," Shaun shares. This journey has not always been easy, but every open conversation, event, and shared experience has helped break down stigma and challenge outdated thinking around identity and expression.
"Allyship is about showing up, speaking up, and doing the work to create environments where people feel safe, seen, and supported," Shaun emphasises. This commitment is vital, especially considering research from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) showing that 46% of LGBTQIA+ workers remain closeted at work due to fear of discrimination or bias. Such statistics underscore the importance of visible allyship.
As part of the network leadership team, Shaun is proud of the progress made and is committed to changing these statistics. "Our commitment to inclusion does not stop at Pride Month. It’s something we live by every day," he asserts. At Securitas UK, the belief is clear: when inclusion leads, everyone thrives.
