Breaking Barriers for Women in Security

The security industry has long faced outdated perceptions, often associated with a ‘bouncer culture’ that fails to reflect the professionalism and diverse skill set demanded today. As demand for licensed security officers continues to grow, so too does the need to promote inclusivity within the industry. The challenge is pretty clear! The sector must evolve into a highly trained, inclusive workforce space that is representative of the communities we serve.

At Carlisle Support Services, we see this as an opportunity to reshape the future of the security sector. Our commitment has always been to put people first, and that means breaking down barriers and investing in diverse talent. One of the initiatives we are very proud to lead is the provision of free SIA training and licences for women stewards, marking genuine progress in reshaping the industry and empowering women to join the industry.

Rebecca Chinn, Director of Legal and Procurement and a member of Carlisle’s Women in Security committee, says: 

“It’s fantastic that Carlisle will be offering free SIA courses for women stewards. This is about giving women a chance to step into the industry with professional training, especially those who might not have the funds or the confidence to see security as a career for them.

We have always been known for our people-first approach, and it’s great to see that come through in our Women in Security initiative. We’re opening doors, building confidence, and creating real opportunities for women. It feels like a really positive step towards a more diverse and representative security industry.”

Breaking Down Entry Barriers

While outdated perceptions are beginning to fade, the cost of SIA training and licensing remains a major obstacle. Carlisle is removing this barrier and making the industry more accessible to women who may not otherwise consider security as a career. Through our newly formed Women in Security (WIS) committee, we are funding complimentary licences for our female event stewards, ensuring that new pathways into the profession are accessible and real.

This approach goes beyond recruitment – it is advancing gender diversity across an industry that has historically struggled with representation. We believe that gender diversity enriches the sector and strengthens the services we deliver. As of March 2024, only around 10.89% of SIA licence holders in the UK are women,  thus, our focus is on creating opportunities that recognise and nurture the wide range of skills women bring to security roles, from customer service and empathy to problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Commitment Beyond Training

Our investment in women’s development is part of a broader people-first growth strategy. This approach has already doubled company turnover by 119% over the past five years while maintaining an impressive 98.5% customer retention rate. Training has been at the heart of this success.

Our Regional Training Centres in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and London act as hubs where development goes beyond compliance. Our training is easily accessible and of high-quality, going far beyond successful delivery. From Level 2 Spectator Safety to counter-terrorism awareness, first aid, customer service and more, we are equipping our teams with the full spectrum of skills to deliver at the highest standards, regardless of gender. To support our existing colleagues, we also provide SIA refresher courses at half the industry cost, making licence renewal affordable and accessible.

A More Inclusive Security Future

Working towards providing free SIA training for women is just one example of Carlisle’s commitment to positive change across the security industry. By removing subcontracting, committing to the Real Living Wage, and building clear career development pathways, we’ve built a culture that treats people as our greatest strength.

We believe the future of security is not about clinging on to old stereotypes but about raising standards through professionalism, innovation, and inclusion. By investing in training initiatives that open doors for women, we are doing our bit to shape a stronger, more diverse workforce that benefits our colleagues, our customers, and the communities we serve.