Shaping the Future of Security – Sustainably
Uncovering Wilson Security's 2023/24 Sustainability Report and how an ongoing commitment, underpinned by our core values, will build a more sustainable and responsible future.
By Nick Frangoulis, CEO, Wilson Security
At Wilson Security, safeguarding goes beyond protecting people and property. It's about securing a sustainable future for generations to come. Our inaugural Sustainability Report reflects this commitment, weaving environmental responsibility, social impact, and ethical governance into the fabric of our operations.
We're incredibly proud to launch our inaugural Sustainability Report to share how and what we've achieved and committed to. Today, embracing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is no longer an option for businesses, it's a strategic imperative.
Our green charge
Climate change demands action, and Wilson Security isn't waiting on the sidelines. We've partnered with sustainability experts to chart a course towards a greener future.
Our National Mobile Patrols are transforming significantly, transitioning to hybrid and electric vehicles. This shift will see reductions in fuel use and carbon emissions, setting a powerful example for the security industry.
Reducing our environmental footprint doesn't stop there. We're empowering our employees to be environmental champions with comprehensive online sustainability training.
Additionally, we're actively developing a Net Zero Emissions target and ramping up efforts to source renewable energy – further solidifying our commitment to a greener tomorrow.
Building a more equitable future
Building a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture and workforce is fundamental to our vision for a sustainable future.
Our workforce in Australia represents a rich tapestry of backgrounds, with a significant representation of different nationalities, including 3% representation of Indigenous people. Nearly half of our employees speak a language other than English at home. This diversity is a strength, and we're committed to growing and leveraging it.
We also understand that our success is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the communities we serve. Reconciliation with Indigenous people is a cornerstone of our social responsibility efforts, strengthening the well-being of the communities we work in. We have invested in and implemented multiple initiatives to increase the representation of Indigenous employees at Wilson Security.
We’re proud to report that Wilson Security has exceeded 3% Indigenous employment, which is very close to parity with the Australian population*, and is progressing well towards our 5% target.
In 2023, we launched our second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), focusing on four key areas:
- Creating a safe and inclusive workplace: We're committed to fostering a welcoming environment for Indigenous employees.
- Increasing cultural competency: Ongoing training is crucial. We've provided face-to-face cultural awareness training to 190 leaders. We have committed to rolling out refreshed training programs across the entire organisation to increase our cultural competency.
- Building strong relationships: We've developed multiple partnerships with Traditional Owner groups, Indigenous businesses, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, fostering trust and collaboration within those communities.
- Providing economic opportunities: We implemented an Indigenous Procurement Strategy in 2020 that offered a pathway for Indigenous businesses to enter our supply chain and thrive within the security industry. 3% of our current procurement spend is with Indigenous businesses.
We take our RAP incredibly seriously. We will ensure that our RAP commitments are executed, that we maintain accountability, and that we report to Reconciliation Australia through our RAP Executive Steering Committee.
Our Making Tracks program is a prime example of our commitment to reconciliation through our RAP, which ensures that we have a real impact on the communities we work in. Making Tracks is designed to change the perception of the Security industry in Indigenous communities by offering a holistic training program and sustainable employment opportunities for those interested.
Making Tracks offers comprehensive pre-employment, accredited security, and customer service excellence training. Coupled with valuable work experience placements and the wraparound service provided by our dedicated Aboriginal mentors and community employment partners, participants are offered job placement opportunities.
Since 2019, we've run 21 programs, with more than 230 participants completing Making Tracks. Wilson has facilitated 5 programs since November 2023. Of the 65 participants, 24 are employed, and a further 32 are waiting on their security license—the impact of this program does not begin and end in the training room: we're contributing to changing futures.
Investing in safer communities
Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy focuses on Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Family Support, and Local Communities.
A key CSR partnership is with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation (AMF). We've proudly contributed over $1 million since 2020, supporting their work protecting children from violence and trauma. Initiatives like sponsoring essential-filled Buddy Bags help ensure vulnerable children feel safe and cared for.
Furthermore, we honour veterans' service and sacrifices with our dedicated Veteran Employment Program, which is in partnership with Soldier On and the Bravery Trust. This program provides training and career pathways, with over 55 successful placements for transitioning veterans and expanded support for ADF spouses and families.
We partnered with the Kari Foundation in 2021 to run the Aboriginal Women’s Wellbeing Conference in NSW. Now in it’s 3rd year, the conference is an opportunity for women to be empowered through cultural, spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing programs. The aim is to provide women with the skills and knowledge to become advocates for change in their community.
We didn't stop there! In 2023, Wilson Security also raised over $370,000 for various charities, donated over 180kg of food and saved 342 lives through 114 donations to the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.
You can learn more about our CSR initiatives here.
Setting the standard for ethical conduct
There are many factors that can create uncertainty in the security sector, which makes robust governance based on transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct even more critical and the foundation of our sustainability journey.
We stand as the sole signatory to the United Workers Union (UWU) Sub-Contracting Code of Practice. This commitment translates into higher industry standards, promoting fair wages and safer workplaces for security officers throughout our network.
We're also particularly proud that in 2023, we were awarded the prestigious Department of Defence Base Services Contractor of the Year Award, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and creating enduring value.
A more sustainable future makes good business sense
The release of our inaugural Sustainability Report marks a significant milestone, but it's just the beginning of our journey.
At Wilson Security, we strive to be a positive social force, advocating for diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation. By leading the way in environmental responsibility within the Security Industry, we not only fulfil our responsibility to do the right thing but also add value to our employees, customers, and partners.
We invite you to explore our achievements and future goals by requesting a copy of the Wilson Security 2023/24 Sustainability Report.
Together, we can continue to make a positive impact and build a better future for all.
*As of 30 June 2021, preliminary Australian Bureau of Statistics' (ABS) estimates indicate that 984,000 First Nations people were living in Australia, representing 3.8% of the total Australian population. - https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/profile-of-indigenous-australians