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.

Accreditations

What our Customers say

We wanted a smart-looking, contactless approach to access control here at Little Dot. We love the Openpath solution proposed by KST; it’s sleek, simple to use and has excellent reporting features. What’s more, KST’s inhouse commissioning team remotely configured the software to meet our requirements - including who goes where and when, through which doors, the reporting we need and integration to our fire alarm system. Thanks to this we have saved the cost of two days labour on install!

Greg Rochford
IT Manager - Little Dot Studios

KST has once again exceeded all expectations with their outstanding service. Safety is our number one priority for both our Post Masters and customers, therefore we are always on the lookout for new technologies and new ideas. Morphean platforms, along with the installation and maintenance provided by KST, has been the perfect decision for us due to our existing knowledge of their excellent services and competitive prices.

Mark Dinsdale
Security Programme Manager - Post Office Ltd

The mobilisation was smooth with little involvement required from ourselves. Communication, in particular, has been extremely strong with regular meetings. Monthly management information has been circulated and Clipper are using the real time management information that KST have provided with their DYMENSiON software. We also have working action plans on each site focusing on improvements and change management. All in all I would be happy to recommend KST to any company looking at contract award; our experience has been very positive and I am happy to endorse them.

John Welsh
Head of Bonded & Secure Operations - Clipper

The whole process of mobilisation and onboarding to KST was conducted in an exceptional manner, from start to finish. The preparation for the move between City Plumbing Supplies and KST was comprehensive. Collaboration was very good. The days of transfer were event free and smooth - with no major issues. The branches’ onboarding onto the KST system during the 12 weeks following the mobilisation was completed fully with excellent communication sessions conducted on a weekly basis. We are now looking forward to a long and effective partnership with KST.

Steve Kemp
Security, Audit & Loss Prevention Manager - City Plumbing Supplies

We’ve been delighted with the partnership between ISS and KST and the approach to transferring the access control contract. The teams have gelled quickly to understand our estate and we’ve seen significant service improvements.

Andy Southern
Head of Security - Santander Bank

Everything from the initial engagement with Quidvis to meeting the Fire Risk assessor on site, to receiving all the reports back in the SLA timeframe was second to none. The communication throughout the whole process has been so easy and the working relationship does not stop there. We now have one central system where we can view reports, add relevant building certificates and policies. Colleagues can access this incredibly user-friendly system and navigate with ease. I have been informed by several colleagues how easy the portal is to use. Even those less tech savvy have been more than impressed.

Carrie Owen
Fire Safety Officer - Shropshire Towns & Rural Housing
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