Sodexo’s new head of security is first female trade association chair

The new head of security at Sodexo has become the first female chair of the International Professional Security Association (IPSA) in its 59-year history.

Jane Farrell was unanimously elected chair at a meeting of the IPSA International Council in London on Friday (27 July). Jane has been deputy chair since 2014.

Jane has also been appointed Sodexo head of security, promoted from her previous role of FM development manager.

As head of security, Jane is responsible for Sodexo’s £45m of security business in the UK & Ireland. This is made up of 2,000 security personnel across 280 client sites in the UK & Ireland, and Sodexo’s central security control room in Salford.

Jane founded and drives the Sodexo Women in Security group to promote greater gender diversity in the role. Currently 17 per cent of Sodexo’s security employees are women.

Earlier this year, Jane won the transformational leader category at the Northern Power Women Awards for her work in promoting gender balance in the industry.

Jane also celebrates 35 years with Sodexo today.

Justin Bentley, IPSA CEO said: “I am delighted that Jane has been elected as chair of the Association. She has been steadily increasing her involvement in the Association since joining, and her familiarity with both the Association and the security industry make her the perfect person to keep the Association moving forward. Her vast experience in training and quality fit perfectly with the ethos of the Association.”

Jane Farrell said: "Following two years as deputy chair of IPSA, I am delighted to accept the post of chair of the Association, a position that I will fulfil to the best of my ability. I am proud to be the first woman to lead the Association in its 59-year history and look forward to working with the management board, International Council and other industry bodies to expand the benefits of belonging to IPSA to our members.”