Security Industry Federation Trade Union

I'm celebrating working my first full year at the Security Industry Federation Trade Union 🎉 This past year at the Security Industry Federation (SIF) has been a game-changer for me. When I first joined, I was excited but also nervous. It was Daniel Garnham who convinced me to go for it, saying I’d be a great fit. I wasn’t worried about the work itself, but stepping into a completely new industry felt like a big unknown. One of the first things that really opened my eyes was attending The Security Event at the Birmingham NEC. After months of working from home, seeing the industry up close gave me a whole new perspective. The energy was incredible - event staff were lively, welcoming, and full of ideas on how we could work together. And the visitors? Thousands of passionate, hardworking people exploring everything their industry has to offer. What stood out most was meeting SIF members in person and hearing their stories. Whether it was mental health support, help with workplace disputes, or just being there for them when things got tough, the impact of our work was crystal clear. Each story was a reminder of why we do what we do. Every event since has been another chance to connect with more members, put faces to names, and see just how much our union makes a difference. These moments make all the hard work worth it. But it’s not always easy. A big part of my job is listening to some really tough stories, about how the security industry sometimes fails its workers, and about frontline staff dealing with unfair treatment from massive corporations. It’s heartbreaking to see how much some people have to endure. I find it hard to believe some of the incidents I read about, when I have always looked to the workers within this industry as heroes, working bravely and putting themselves at risk most days. On top of that, I spend a lot of time keeping an eye on the news for anything that might impact our members. It’s an important part of what I do, but it also means I’m constantly reading about violent incidents - shootings, stabbings, and other tragedies. Some stick with me more than others, especially as a mum to two young girls. The Southport stabbings of seven children, the shooting of an eight-year-old and his dad, and the stabbing of an eleven-year-old girl in London are just a few that I can’t forget. Even with the heavy stuff, I love what I do. The fast pace, the connections I’ve made, and knowing that my work helps improve someone’s life, no matter how small the impact, makes it all worth it. 365 days down, and I’m ready for whatever’s next. Here’s to the next 365 🥂.

What a way to start the week 💥💪 from a very excited girl this Monday morning We have only gone and done it, we petitioned the government and after all these years, spiking will be a specific offence Keir Starmer Labour Party (UK) UK Home Office UK Hospitality Union