The UK’s biggest independent security guarding company, SSGC, is accelerating its support for ex-services personnel with the appointment of a veteran engagement director and its latest charity drive.

Swindon-based SSGC has appointed Major (Retd) Pat Ralph MM to lead its work with service leavers, helping them to access to training and careers in civilian life.

The veteran engagement role is the first of its kind in the security industry and underlines the company’s commitment to veterans, for which it has recently earned a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme.

The appointment comes as the company prepares to take part in the annual Race of Remembrance, a 12-hour endurance race at the Trac Mon circuit in Anglesey, to raise money for veterans’ recovery charity Mission Motorsport.

SSGC CEO, David Stubbs, will be racing alongside his son Kyle Harmon, from MW Graphics, who designed and fitted the car’s livery, and Porsche Cup racer, Nigel Rice, as part of the combined SSGC and Mission Motorsport team in an endurance prepared Ford KA.

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In addition, SSGC has supplied a second vehicle – a Citroen C1 – which will be driven by David’s business partner, Guy Dungworth, and three Mission Motorsport beneficiaries.

The event is split over the two days of remembrance weekend (November 12-13), with competitors racing for six hours on each day, pausing in the pitlane at 11am on Remembrance Sunday for a service of remembrance.

David Stubbs said: “Our work with veterans is really at the forefront of who we are as a business so we are delighted to be taking part in the Race of Remembrance once again to raise money for such worthwhile causes.

“We are also pleased to welcome Maj Pat Ralph to the team and are proud to be leading the industry with this unique appointment.

“His work will help us to provide the veteran community with new opportunities and fulfilling careers.
“Pat will also be working closely with our charity partner, Mission Motorsport, to encourage other companies to provide financial support for this vital cause, which provides such a great output for veterans living with physical injuries or PTSD from their service or simply needing a little hand along the way to adjust to civilian life.”

Maj Ralph, who retired from the military following 55 years of service, will ensure SSGC builds on its commitment to the gold standard, while also spearheading its work with Mission Motorsport.

Maj Ralph said: “Looking after service leavers is the thing that really drives me, because it is not an easy transition, and I want to support veterans and their families, both from a working and benevolent point of view.

“On the recruitment side of the role, I will be developing our relationships nationally by talking to the veteran community and alerting service leavers to available jobs and training opportunities with SSGC.
“I will also ensure we operate to the standards of the gold badge and lead by example through guaranteed job interviews and treating veterans with equal parity to the civilian community.

“Ex-service personnel are ideally suited to security roles as they require similar skillsets, such as confidence and communication, as well as the ability to empathise and adapt to changing situations.”
For more information about SSGC, visit www.ssgc-net.com or search for SSGC on social media.
Visit www.raceofremembrance.com to learn more about the Race of Remembrance and Mission Motorsport.

SSGC is one of the UK’s most advanced security guarding companies.
Holding SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status, the business, formed from an MBO in 2014, has also become one of the fastest growing security businesses in the UK based upon its niche capabilities and the development of a suite of technologies which make the management of a manned security service easier.
SSGC has signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) as a commitment to the Armed Forces community and employs several veterans as part of its highly-skilled team.

Automated vetting capability allows the rapid scaling of personnel, while SSGC is fully industry compliant and holds all the relevant industry accreditation under the Security Industry Act and will not schedule an officer without having the correct documentation for BS7858.

It is also fully aligned with lone worker protection regulations, GDPR and HSE legislation.
As a result of its rigorous vetting, work ethic and capabilities, SSGC is now ranked in the top 30 of security companies in the UK.