Mental health support programme for officers introduced by Magenta Security

As a long-standing champion of ethical behaviour, Human Rights and social responsibility, Magenta Security takes mental health very seriously. Partnering with a leading care and mental health consultancy, itself an employee assistance solutions provider, the Middlesex-based security business is now offering an array of free services to staff members. These include one-to-one counselling sessions and practical advice sessions on a range of matters from debt and finance through to relationships and general anxiety.

In recent times, mental health issues have been exacerbated by the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. That being so, mental health provisions for staff are vital and particularly so in the security business sector.

“I cannot express how strongly I feel that managers and directors within the security sector have a responsibility and Duty of Care towards the dedicated workforce of professional officers and other team members,” urged Abbey Petkar, managing director at Magenta Security.

“The ethnic diversity of our workforce comes with its own challenges when providing mental health support. Speaking from experience among our team, BAME males, who constitute a large proportion of our workforce, are less likely to open up about their mental health issues due to cultural stigma and more likely to encounter barriers when trying to access support. This is why we’ve launched an internal support programme.”

Further, Petkar noted: “For the BAME males working at Magenta Security, and anyone else reluctant to seek help, we also encourage them to speak to their most direct colleagues with whom they often feel more comfortable. What we never want is for anyone to feel isolated. That being so, we regularly reassure members of staff that we will always respond with kindness and understanding if they come forward about their mental health challenges.”

Stance on fair pay

This isn’t the first time Magenta Security has demonstrated its commitment to staff well-being. Back in 2020, the company made clear its stance on fair pay after speaking out about the prevalence of modern day slavery in the security business sector.

On that note, Petkar commented: “Magenta Security lost tenders against low-cost security providers who charge workers out at less than £10 per hour.” Such a stance, believes Petkar, is commercially unsustainable. As such, Magenta Security uses the London Living Wage as a baseline with additional rewards for long-term or exceptional employees and offers training programmes for career progression. As a result of these policies, the business has presided over a staff turnover of just 11% (the industry average being 30%).

The company also strives to promote a healthy work-life balance. “The security industry is notorious for long shifts and low pay, compounding mental health issues by depriving security officers of the free time they need to recoup and connect with loved ones,” explained Petkar. “We make sure we work closely with individual security officers to fit their shifts around their personal commitments. We also keep commuting times to a minimum by ensuring staff sites are close to home.”

Security Minds Matter

Magenta Security is involved in Security Minds Matter, the industry campaign orchestrated to improve the mental health and well-being of security professionals, and notably so those on the front line. The campaign is supported by the Security Industry Authority and engages with industry stakeholders and mental health professionals alike to deliver projects with tangible outcomes.

On a personal note, Abbey Petkar also uses his position on the UK Advisory Board of the International Foundation for Protection Officers to advocate for greater support and awareness for mental health and well-being in the security industry.

In conclusion, Petkar stated: “We owe it to the people who give their time and energy to look after others to look after them as well. If we don’t, the industry will never attract and retain the talent it needs.” 

*Further information is available online at www.magentasecurity.co.uk