Sodexo security skills development manager wins industry women’s award

A Sodexo skills development manager has won a top award for her work to bring more women into the security industry.

Jane Farrell, Centre of Excellence development manager, scooped the Women in Security Industry Award at the International Fire and Security Exhibition Conference (IFSEC) event held in Birmingham on 13 May.

Jane, who is responsible for security training and compliance across the UK and Ireland, spearheads the Sodexo Women in Security Group and ensures that all reports, findings, recommendations and advice are directly communicated to the Sodexo executive management team, remaining a priority for all her senior colleagues.

As part of Secure, Sodexo’s on-site security service, Jane has worked to increase the percentage of female security officers in the organisation from nine per cent to 14 per cent over the last three years.

Jane, who has worked for Sodexo for 30 years, said: “It’s great to be recognised for my contribution to the security industry. I’ve always found that some women have a fear about a career in security as it’s seen as a male-dominated industry. What we’ve tried to do is take that fear away and open up more opportunities for women.

“I’ve always seen my role as one of helping people, men and women, to develop their careers. It was never viewed like that before, but the security industry is about having a professional career path, and developing their skills.”