Mitie awarded five-year contract for security guarding solutions at Sellafield

Through time, the scale of Mitie’s operations at Sellafield has grown significantly with almost 400 Civilian Guard Force colleagues delivering a comprehensive suite of security services including access control, pass checking, vehicle and personnel searches, vehicle escorting and patrolling.

Collaboration across the site’s security teams is vital. The creation of a specialist role within Mitie’s Intelligent Security Operations Centre based in Northampton will strengthen security operations between Mitie, Sellafield, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and the wider UK nuclear estate. This will ensure that intelligence on risks and emerging threats is shared swiftly and effectively.

As part of the contract, Mitie will also establish a new Intelligent Nuclear Security Centre of Excellence in West Cumbria. This dedicated facility will deliver Mitie’s intensive Professionalisation Programme, designed to prepare colleagues to operate in one of the UK’s most sensitive environments by strengthening their expertise in counter-terrorism search techniques and providing them with the specialist skills needed for nuclear sector guarding.

Through the Centre of Excellence, Mitie is going to work with local academic partners to develop an accredited qualification, which will then become the national standard for nuclear security professionals.

‘Back into work’ pathways

The renewed partnership will see Mitie continuing to invest in West Cumbria, supporting local employment and creating ‘back into work’ pathways within the community. Last year, nine colleagues who completed the Mitie Foundation’s Ready2Work Programme at Sellafield secured permanent roles with the Civilian Guard Force.

In parallel, Mitie will continue to progress towards carbon-neutral operations at the site, supported in that goal by virtue of a 90% electric fleet of vehicles.

Gary Culloden, managing director for security at  Mitie, said: “This new contract reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership with Sellafield and the vital role that our Civilian Guard Force colleagues play in protecting what is Europe’s most complex nuclear site. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to deliver resilient and high‑performing security services, while also investing in innovation, skills and local employment to support the UK’s nuclear estate going forward.”

Alongside the security contract, Mitie holds an integrated facilities management contract at Sellafield. Colleagues on this contract are responsible for specialist services such as the commissioning, installation, modification and removal of site equipment (including compressor roofing and electrical control panels).

*Further information is available online at www.mitie.com