Comprehensive analysis of campus specific risks with recommendations and tools for mitigating themHelp staff prevent prepare for and respond to incidentsFormalised Risk Management processes and plans help meet Ofsted requirements
Creating safe and secure environments where learners thrive
About Watchword.
Mark Thomson worked in online education for two and a half years before joining the Army, where he spent seven years as an officer in the Royal Artillery – deploying to Afghanistan in 2013.
Mark left the Army in 2017 and started Watchword in 2018 whilst working as Director of Student Services for a University College in Reading.
Watchword become involved in providing security services for the Education sector after being asked for help, then they supported colleges and businesses (including FTSE 250 company Meggitt) with Covid testing support; this led to a rapid growth phase for the company.
Demand for on-site Safety Warden (security) services in education was growing too, and Mark has focused on this aspect of the business as he is passionate about supporting learners and staff in the education sector.
Why use Watchword
We are campus security specialists. We recruit and train only those who aspire to work with young people, and we integrate with your team to support everyone on campus.
We provide a high quality, responsive and fully accredited team that complies with relevant law as well as Security Industry Authority (SIA) and government standards.
Our 24-hour support service includes holding keys and responding to alarm activations. A dedicated point of contact is always available for anything requiring escalation. We support the Ofsted framework, leading to improved learner attitudes and behaviour.
Safety Wardens complete Safeguarding and Mental Health Awareness training, and they practice active listening and conflict avoidance techniques; every Safety Warden has strong interpersonal skills, and actively enjoys talking to people.
From our experience, we have seen a noticeable improvement in behaviour on campus, greater confidence amongst staff to challenge disruptive behaviour and greater awareness and observation of risks to learners beyond campus.
Watchword Accreditation & Standards
Security Industry Authority: Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
The ACS is a voluntary quality assurance scheme for private security companies. Fewer than 20% of the more than 4,000 security companies in the UK are SIA ACS accredited.
National Security Inspectorate: Silver Award (NSI Silver)
This accreditation is achieved and maintained through regular audits by the NSI, validating that Watchword operates to the following British Standards: BS 7858 – For the screening of security personnel and employees operating in the security industry, and BS 7499 – Static manned guarding and security.
Alcumus Safe Contractor
Safe Contractor is the market-leading health & safety accreditation system, helping contractors and organisations become healthier and safer.
Questions we always get asked
FAQs
What makes Watchword people focused?
As the business has grown one thing has become clear – we are good at building teams that add value, with members who enjoy working together. We reduce stress for your organisation by listening to your challenges and identifying practical and deliverable solutions. We work tirelessly to meet our clients’ expectations.
Why do companies outsource customer service?
Outsourcing Customer Service is a great way to absorb a team that is going to ensure a great user experience and will provide top-notch care without you having to set up and train the team yourself. After our initial consultation and test period, we will do that all for you.
Why Security, Administration and Customer Services?
These three services all have one thing in common – people. People are both your greatest asset and occasional liability. Yet they are at the core of every business, college, charity and school. Many organisations focus on strategy and processes, ignoring the operational side of the business – we can do that for you, taking away the worry.
What are the benefits of outsourcing?
Outsourcing helps you focus on what you are good at without having to worry about support services. Staff shortages are currently a huge problem in the UK, so partnering with us is one step toward adding resilience to your operation. We are completely motivated to deliver an outstanding service.
Who have we worked with?
