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This month Simon Banks talks to Arevika Stepanian, Director of Customer Experience for STM Group (UK) Ltd and newly appointed as Director of Corporate Relations (Non-Executive) at Skills for Security.
What is the focus of your new role at Skills for Security?
In my role as a Director of Corporate Relations, my focus will be on working with channel partners and media affiliates to increase the support of, and sponsorship for, a robust skills pipeline for the UK electrotechnical sector, concentrating on fire and security. We are making a commitment to professionalising our sector with training, apprenticeships, upskilling opportunities and so much more. There are really exciting times ahead!
It’s vital that all companies are encouraged to support the goal of Skills for Security to provide a sustainable supply of skilled engineers across the sector so that businesses can prosper and compete, not only in the UK market but strive for world-class competency and quality.
Can you tell us about your role at STM Group?
I oversee all STM Group marketing, bids and communication, as well as developing effective strategies for all our customers, using data, insights, and best practices, to better understand diverse customer profiles. I work alongside the Main Board as we aspire to have a customer-centric approach in everything we do, whilst helping bring new opportunities to the Group. Our hard work was recently rewarded as we were announced as Security or Fire Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year at the 2022 Security & Fire Excellence Awards. I also represent STM Group as a Board Member of ASIS International – UK and as a member of the EDI Charter’s working group by the Women in Rail and Railway Industry Association.
How important are the values of Diversity and Inclusion for the Security Industry?
Ensuring that everyone can succeed in our sector, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, or religion, will enable us to appeal to a wider audience of talented professionals. We want the best people in our sector, as we are the ones protecting the most important aspects of our society – lives, properties, businesses and critical infrastructure. Not only that, but we are protecting everyone and every community in our country. Therefore, it is only right that our workforces reflect the society they serve. We’ve made great strides in recent years and our industry is increasingly appealing to people from all walks of life, but there is still a long way to go. In my role as Board Member for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at ASIS UK, I am working with stakeholders to ensure that all our members are working to apply these principles to their company’s ethos.
Moving towards genuine diversity and inclusivity is by no means a quick process. Instead, it should be seen as an ongoing journey. It means practising a diverse and inclusive mindset where different perspectives in the workplace are sought, whilst providing an environment where each person is valued for his/her/their distinctive skills, experiences, and viewpoints.
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James Sanders – Google Review – 20 October
