“Security is a tough job… you need a good management team behind you”

Jamie Hammond CMgr MCMI’s experience has certainly been varied over his decade-plus career in security. He has done everything from monitoring CCTV at a local shopping centre to apprehending the perpetrator of a hammer attack on the priceless Rokeby Venus while working as security manager at the National Gallery. 

The role of the security professional is expanding significantly, he explains. “It used to be about just being an intimidating presence, but now it’s much more about balancing security with customer service and people skills.” 

He now leads the security team at Hounslow House, which is the HQ of Hounslow London Borough Council and also contains a public library. It is the base for various council functions, such as housing, social services and child support. 

• “I’d like to serve as a board member in Nigeria… CMI can help me achieve this”

Jamie’s is a nuanced role that involves ensuring the safety of staff, councillors, MPs and visiting VIPs, as well as dealing with disgruntled members of the public. 

“It’s fair to say that most people don’t come to the centre to tell the council what a good job they’re doing,” he says. 

Hounslow House also has a lot of vulnerable visitors, some of whom have mental health or substance abuse problems. “You need to be able to defuse situations and build a rapport with people, and not make it seem like you’re trying to get rid of them,” Jamie says.

“A community I wanted to be part of”

Jamie has always been keen on self-development, which is what led him to CMI. He wanted to demonstrate that he was qualified to step up into a management role. “When I came across CMI, I knew it was the kind of community I wanted to be part of,” he says.  

Jamie has now gained a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management and a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. He achieved Chartered Manager status in May 2023. 

One of his biggest challenges was developing the skills to delegate effectively.