Alison Raybould

Briefly explain your role

I am an Operations Manager, so I look after a number of clients and officers on site completing KPI, AI and RAs, conducting site visits and improving the standards at each site/venue to maintain and sustain the customer contracts.

What do you love about your job?

I love visiting sites and interacting with all members of staff and our company’s clients.

How does KST empower you in your role?

KST empowers me to do my job autonomously, but I know the whole team are always there to support. They let me run the operation with my previous career knowledge, but it’s great to know that my team at KST can provide me with guidance if I need that extra assistance.

What made you move in to the security sector?

I have been in the security sector for 27 years. It was initially a stop gap but, as you can see, it became my career!

Has there been any significant barriers to progression in your career within the security profession?

Yes, when I worked for a different company, I was stopped from progressing with no explanation. So, I applied for a higher role and did not inform my boss at the time. I was given the promotion and, you can imagine, my boss was not happy!

What’s your most memorable moment in your career so far?

Being the first female Area Manager within the company, also being the first person outside a big organisation to get a reward that was for their internal staff only and receiving a call from the main manager because of it. The staff at the time said to me it was like getting a call from GOD!

What opportunities does the security profession offer?

As time has changed, a lot more opportunities have come along for female staff in the security sector, and within this company, females are seen as equal alongside the men. You are not treated any differently. In other companies, I have found that females must prove that they are better than male staff – I know this isn’t the case here.

What would you say to any women who have reservations about how male-dominated the industry is, in order to put their minds at ease?

We need more females in the industry to change the way that the industry is seen. With more female staff, we can change the culture/stereotype as it stands now – aka ‘big burly men that are aggressive’. Sometimes, the security role needs a softer side that people can visually see. It takes all sorts of people to deal with different people; females can calm down a situation that sometimes men cannot.

How does KST help support your sense of purpose in your career?

They give me the tools to do my job. They let me do my job without pressurising me so that I can do what is required. KST is an environment where people can really flourish!

How do you balance work and home responsibilities?

I work around what I need to do and when – I try to balance my time appropriately. If I am meant to be working late, I will start later the next day, which gives me the time at home that I need for myself.

Sign off your employee story with anything else you would like to add:

Since working for KST, I have seen a different side to working in this industry, with the additional support and balanced/flexible working arrangements in place. It is without doubt the best move I have made in 27 years, and I would like to thank the company for giving me this opportunity.