Managing Security
We believe that by dealing proactively with security we can create a safer and more secure environment for our customers and staff.
Security is important to our passengers, our staff and our business and has become an integral part of our operations. We continue to evolve our security management to meet the needs of our growing and changing organisation and marketplace.
An overarching Security Policy at Group level identifies our requirements and aspirations. The individual operating companies design their own approach to meet the Group's standards and their own specific needs. We believe this best satisfies the requirements of our various stakeholders.
Our security programme covers customers, staff, premises, vehicles and other physical assets. We have assessed the range of security issues that may impact upon our business and structured our work accordingly.
Our Security Strategy
There are three main strands to our security strategy:
- creating a culture and climate within the organisation which recognises the value and importance of security;
- designing and implementing systems and processes which mitigate or address security threats; and
- achieving the participation of our staff and passengers in promoting our security culture and reporting their concerns.
Our specially commissioned Security DVD, 'It's obvious isn't it?', designed specifically to reflect the UK Bus operating environment is used to train operational staff. We believe this DVD is the only one of its kind being used by a bus operator in the United Kingdom. The training covers a range of security issues including the threat from terrorism.
Key Developments in 2007/08
Our systems for delivering greater security are now well established. We continue to develop and refine them in a number of ways, including:
- regular security briefings and structured security training for staff;
- technology, such as CCTV;
- a 'Security' section on the company intranet offering security advice, guidance and contacts for key security personnel;
- proactive visits to key sites by members of the security team;
- the introduction of security tours by managers as part of their work; and
- the 'Your Call' confidential employee hotline.
We have reviewed our confidential hotline to make sure staff fully understand what it provides for them and to make it even more user-friendly.
To improve security at our stations we continue to work towards Secure Station status in our First TransPennine Express, First Capital Connect and First Great Western franchises. This scheme is managed by the Department for Transport in partnership with the British Transport Police and the crime prevention charity Crime Concern. It requires stations to meet stringent standards in their design, management, security and passenger safety.
Further information on how we are managing security can be found by following the links below: