Celebrating inspirational women building careers in security

The security and stewarding industry is calling out for more women to work on the frontline to help prepare the sector for the future. 

Women are currently significantly underrepresented within the sector, making up just 10% of licensed security professionals nationally.  

But as attendance at events becomes ever broader and more diverse, there’s an increased demand for women to join the industry to provide reassurance and help keep people safe. 

Recognising this gap, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has commissioned training provider Pilot IMS to run a new Security and Stewarding Academy. The initiative, administered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) on behalf of the Mayor, provides women with the skills and qualifications they need to gain roles in the security industry. 

Anita Meek and Chloe Lycett are proof that women can successfully build careers in security and stewarding and have shared their stories ahead of International Women’s Day (IWD) to encourage others to consider similar roles. 

IWD (March 8) is a global annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women and gives a call to action for accelerating gender equality.  

Anita, aged 55, from Birmingham, landed a job as a security officer working for OCS at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) after completing a training course through the Stewarding and Security Academy. 

Anita said: “I came across this training course at the job centre while looking for work. The team at Pilot IMS and OCS were really supportive, and I went on to pass all of the courses I took part in to qualify as an SIA (Security Industry Authority) approved door supervisor. I have also completed First Aid training – all while working and earning at the NEC. 

“Without Pilot IMS, OCS and the funding from WMCA, I couldn't have done it as I wouldn't have been able to afford to pay for training. And as well as ongoing assessment, our team is given the opportunity to take part in additional training to make sure that we are up to date and keep us on our toes! 

“In the past I’ve felt that security work wasn't an industry for women – everywhere you go there are male security and it’s very rare you see women in this type of work. 

“But now I know different and feel it's definitely a career that women should consider. I also find that other women who are attending the events I’m stewarding at feel reassured by having a female security guard around. 

“My confidence has soared and I’m now a happy, outgoing person who loves coming to work. I’m planning to complete a Spectator Safety Level 3 qualification to hopefully secure a team leader position in the future.” 

Watch Anita’s story about working in security  

Chloe Lycett, looking to update her skills and find her long-term career pathway, recently joined Pilot IMS, and after completing her level 2 SIA qualification, has gone on to secure a stewarding role at Walsall Football Club. 

Chloe, aged 22, from Walsall, said, “I’ve previously worked in retail and hospitality, but I wasn’t really clear about my future direction until I found out about the Stewarding and Security Academy and now it has the potential to be my career in the long term. 

“Completing the training has given me new skills and confidence and even my friends and family have noticed that I’m better motivated and more willing to take on challenges. 

“I’m a massive Walsall FC fan, so being able to work here at the club means so much to me and a great opportunity to meet the other fans and help them to feel safe.  

“In a generally male-dominated industry it good to see that more women are getting trained up and involved and I have found that I’m treated with equal respect. 

“My advice to any women looking to get a job in security is not to be scared – you can do it!” 

Watch Chloe's Story

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I want everyone in the region to have access to the skills and training they need to secure a job and thrive – regardless of factors such as their gender.  

“Anita and Chloe have not let the misconception that jobs in the security industry are traditionally seen as roles for men, stop them from pursuing the careers of their dreams and thriving. 

“It’s encouraging to see them both share their stories and be an inspiration to women across the region.” 

Shirley Griffiths, head of commercial training at Pilot IMS, said: “Pilot is committed to increasing female representation in the security sector through supported pathways into sustainable careers. In 2024/25, women accounted for 12% of new starters on our security programmes, which is slight increase for previous year, with 69% going into work and 94% sustaining employment.  

“Working closely with the WMCA and employer partners such as Walsall FC, Birmingham Football Club, and OCS, we are delivering lasting change and building a more inclusive security workforce across the West Midlands. 

“Our focus goes beyond recruitment. We prioritise confidence, skills development, and career progression, ensuring women feel empowered at every stage of their journey. By working with employers who genuinely share our commitment to inclusion, we are driving lasting change and building a more representative, resilient security workforce that reflects the communities it serves. 

 “Whenever I visit the NEC and other venues, I see females we’ve trained now stepping into supervisory roles and building real careers - that’s when you know the model works" 

The first International Women's Day was held in March 1911 and is an opportunity for organisations, groups, and individuals to celebrate the achievements of women across the world. 

It’s also an opportunity to unite in a commitment to forge gender equality and fight for women’s rights and tackle violence against women and girls. 

The WMCA is actively working to prevent harassment, abuse, and violence against women and girls and in recognition was awarded White Ribbon accreditation in 2025. 

The WMCA continues to work with employers and skills providers in the region to support and empower women into jobs and careers as part of the Mayor’s West Midlands Works Plan.