EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
We aim to provide teams which represent the communities they serve. We hire from within local areas and put policies in place to ensure all DSS employees have the opportunity to thrive.
EDI
DSS builds incredible teams by recognising the unique strengths of each individual. Personal qualities are given high recognition during the hiring process, and candidates from underrepresented groups in the security industry are directly encouraged to apply.
Officers have the option to gain their SIA licence through sponsorship prior to joining the team, opening the doors for individuals who would not otherwise have considered a career in security.
DSS make reasonable adjustments where possible, including:
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Provision of further training materials in accessible formats
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Shift flexibility during fasting periods and religious holidays
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Consideration given to officers’ strengths and goals when assigning roles.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
DSS teams employ a hierarchical structure to ensure that officers:
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Are able to raise concerns
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Know who to raise concerns to
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Manage concerns quickly and effectively.
Team Leaders work closely with Security Officers, taking on additional responsibilities and management training. Team Leaders make up approximately one third of our teams and we aim to provide one for each shift - meaning all officers have the opportunity to confide in somebody they know and trust.
All Team Leaders must obtain a Level 4 Certificate in Security Management.
Once a concern has been raised, Team Leaders escalate to the site Security Coordinator, who decides the appropriate next steps in consultation with the management team.
We approach concerns with openness and empathy, and give all parties an opportunity to share their perspective.
ESCALATION PROCEDURES
All DSS security personnel must have at least an SIA Door Supervisor licence. This ensures officers have been trained on The Equality Act 2010 and the nine protected characteristics:
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Age
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Gender reassignment
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Marital status/civil partnership
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Pregnancy and maternity
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Disability
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Race including colour, ethnicity, nationality, and national origin
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Religion or belief
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Sex
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Sexual orientation.
With this awareness, DSS officers are equipped to recognise and respond appropriately to prejudice, stereotyping, and victimisation.
Additional training is undertaken consistently at DSS, reinforcing and expanding on the fundamental awareness gained during SIA training. This culminates in an annual training weekend attended by all rostered staff, building professional skills in a supportive team environment.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
