Tribute from Linda Sharpe, former Group 4 HR Manager and Manager of the International Resource Centre at Broadway, now Non-Executive Director of the Security Industry Authority.
One of JPS’ greatest legacies was his belief that his security personnel should be well trained and made to feel valued. His training school at Broadway was a testament to this. Over more than three decades thousands of security personnel, from humble security guards starting out in their new job to experienced security managers and professionals, spent days, sometimes weeks learning their trade on the Broadway estate. What they were taught, whether security specific subjects or general management training, became affectionately known as the ‘Group 4 Way’.
As Group 4 expanded its businesses during the 1990’s JPS realised that his ’Group 4 Way’ of doing business was exportable across national boundaries and different cultures. He loved visiting his companies always insisting that he should meet and chat to the security officers. He was genuinely interested in what they did and how well they had been trained.
In 1993 JPS established his International Resource Centre (IRC) at Broadway, a security library and learning centre, which was to provide information and business know-how to his UK and international companies world-wide. It was a unique facility at that time, enjoyed by many and particularly those studying for security qualifications or carrying out research. JPS took at active interest, visiting regularly, reviewing the information being sent out and, most importantly, checking that the library books were maintained in straight, tidy rows on the shelves!
JPS’ commitment to the personal development of his people was further demonstrated by his sponsorship of a yacht in the Challenge Series of round the world yacht races. This gave members of his international companies who were lucky enough to be selected, the opportunity of an unique experience in personal development and team building.
JPS had the foresight to see that those who deliver private security activities would need to become the trained and qualified professionals that they are today. He campaigned tirelessly for regulation in the UK and it is no surprise that the current requirements for training for a security guard licence are based on the original Group 4 training programmes. Three years ago he was a major contributor to setting up of the Sørensen Centre at Skills for Security in Worcester, once more ensuring that those who want to make a career in security have access to learning and information.
As an HR professional I feel very privileged to have worked for JPS and to have played a part in his vision for the professionalisation of our industry.