Bidvest Noonan

Did you know that up to 70% of disabled people in the UK and Ireland have ‘Invisible’ or ‘Hidden’ impairment? Invisible disabilities make up a significant percentage of the disability population and yet they are one of the least represented groups of people in our society.

“Not everyone knows I’ve got anxiety and depression”

In the Republic of Ireland, there is only one known registered organisation that represents Invisible Disabilities, and it was only established in August 2019 known as “Invisible Disability Ireland”. One of the biggest fears stated by individuals with a hidden disability is that they won’t be believed, followed by the inevitable grief of being told “but you look fine”.

“I often feel that living with this condition… people don’t believe me”

The main reason behind the lack of understanding or difficulty in believing that someone may have a hidden disability is that many people think the word “disability” means people who require a wheelchair or a walker. In reality, however, there is much more to disability than meets the eye.
What do Hidden Disabilities have in common?
• One is unable to “see” the disability.
• There are no “visible” supports to indicate a disability such as canes, wheelchairs, use, or sign language used.
• It is a permanent disability that they cope with on a daily basis.
• The disability may be managed through medication or behaviour such as in the case of diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy.

Janice Knight, HR Director for Workplace Solutions offered great insight into hidden disabilities from her personal experience.
“It doesn’t define me, it’s not who I am as a person, but it is something that is part of me and will be for the rest of my life. My condition doesn’t get in my way of day-to-day life. I was unexpectedly extremely ill, it was 10 years ago, and I got through it but I have been left with the scars and the effects for the rest of my life. I had Ulcerative Colitis resulting in extreme surgeries. It has given me great strength, I have become more accepting of the people, I have become more compassionate towards people. People most of the time are ashamed of disclosing their disability and I hate calling it a disability. It’s a condition. We need to change our mindsets; the way we think about those conditions and the way we treat those people with them. For example, let’s not label it a disabled toilet. Let’s call it an accessible toilet, because people need access to it and not every disability is visible.
In response to the question of ways to raise awareness about hidden disabilities, Janice added, “This is actually one great way, by me sharing my story. People may come forward and share their stories. They should not feel that they are alone battling with some condition. They should know that their lives matter and that whatever condition they are facing with does not define them as a person”

It’s never an easy subject for individuals faced with these conditions. In the workplace, disclosing personal issues can be embarrassing and stigmatizing especially if co-workers perceive any additional accommodations provided as unfair, given the invisibility of the illness. The disabled population is the one minority group that any one of us could become part of at any time. If there were ever a time to start treating people the way you want to be treated…this is it. It’s time to rethink disabilities in the workplace.
As an initiative Bidvest Noonan ED&I council is launching an ED&I pack over the coming days.

Paul Considine, Head of Security and Contingency for one of our iconic client sites in London, has an impressive 30-year career with the Metropolitan Police. In an article for ThisWeekinFM, Paul discusses his journey from investigating serious crime to leading a team of over 50 security officers in central London for Bidvest Noonan.

In 2020, Considine was appointed as Head of Security and Contingency for one of Bidvest Noonan’s iconic client sites. He joined after an impressive 30-year career with the Metropolitan police working his way up from PC, to Serious and Organised Crime Command, homicide investigations and Hostage and Crisis Negotiator.

How Did Your Career in the Police Begin?

I joined the Met Police in 1990 and spent five years in uniform as a PC, learning my craft and providing immediate response to critical incidents and managing a range of operational activities. I was then transferred to detective duties having demonstrated an eye for detail and observation. Detective responsibilities included initial investigative planning and strategy setting, pursuing lines of enquiry, completion of case papers, to presenting evidence at Crown Court.

Upon promotion, I led teams of detectives, overseeing a wide range of cases from fraud and acquisitive offences through to violent crime and sexual offences.

You Spent 30 Years in Law Enforcement. Were There Other Positions You Took up During This Time?

I was selected to join the Serious and Organised Crime Command where I held several roles and secured numerous promotions. Responsibilities included leading covert surveillance operations and proactively dismantling firearm-enabled Organised Crime Groups.

For ten years, I led homicide investigations across London and Internationally. Responsibilities included prioritising lines of enquiry and devising analytical and innovative investigative strategies whilst working closely with community stakeholders.

I also volunteered as a Hostage and Crisis Negotiator for several years where I primarily provided crisis intervention for those with mental health issues. This work was incredibly rewarding and often involved my deployment to sites across London to negotiate and support vulnerable individuals who were threatening suicide.

“I have always enjoyed being challenged and was keen to choose an industry that would continue to challenge me and allow me to use the skills honed over 30 years. The security industry seemed an obvious fit on the basis that I would be identifying and mitigating risk, building and maintaining professional relationships and leading a team.”

Why Did You Look to Security as a Possible Career Option?

I saw an opportunity to seek out a second vocation and decided to retire from the police service.

If I am honest, it was not something I was looking forward to with much relish as I joined the police straight from school and a career change seemed daunting. I have always enjoyed being challenged and was keen to choose an industry that would continue to challenge me and allow me to use the skills honed over 30 years. The security industry seemed an obvious fit on the basis that I would be identifying and mitigating risk, building and maintaining professional relationships and leading a team.

Why Bidvest Noonan?

I spoke with several security professionals who were keen to assist me in my career transition. However, it wasn’t until I met with a Bidvest Noonan Director and the wider team that I was ready to fully commit to leaving the Metropolitan Police.

I was impressed from the outset at the Bidvest Noonan setup and ethos, and I was aware that the company provided security to several iconic buildings and estates across London. It was clear to me that the company was both dynamic and ambitious, and I immediately wanted to be part of it.

What is Your Role and Responsibilities at Bidvest Noonan?

I was delighted to secure my position as Head of Security & Contingency in April 2021 at one of London’s most exciting and innovative new destinations.

Since commencing my post, my feet have not touched the ground. I manage a team of over 50 security professionals and together we are responsible for keeping the estate safe whilst making it a welcoming place for all those that use it, and ensuring we meet client and occupiers’ high expectations.”

Is There Anything You Particularly Like About Your Role?

It has been a steep but enjoyable learning curve made easier by the support offered and provided by peers, managers and support staff. I’m most looking forward to developing my team, identifying talent and assisting them as they progress in their security careers.

Have There Been Any Key Learnings From Your Time in the Role so Far?

The client and occupiers of the building have very high expectations, and meeting them all is often challenging. Fire alarm systems and the security response is not something I have dealt with before. I’ve been impressed with the level of detail in correlating standard operating procedures (SOP) and have enjoyed learning something new.

What Would You Say to Someone Thinking of Looking to Start a Career in Security?

Do it! I am still in the infancy of my security career but I am thoroughly enjoying it.

I am very grateful to Bidvest Noonan for the opportunity and look forward to enhancing my reputation as a security professional and the reputation of the company which to date I have been hugely impressed by.

Article written by Ella Tansley from TwinFM