Kestrel Guards is a family-owned security provider operating across the South of England since 1988. The company’s services include Guarding, Mobile Patrols, Key Holding, Alarm Response, Unlock & Lock services and Electronic Security Systems. With successful expansion over the years, it is now one of the largest security companies in the area, with a gross turnover today of over £13 million and offices in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Hampshire.

The company has continually invested in technology to support this growth. As well as being an SIA Approved Contractor and a member of the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), it has achieved many accreditations including ISO 9001, Cyber Essentials Plus and is an Investor in People. 

Technology investment supports growth

Kestrel has worked with SmartTask since 2016, adopting SmartTask workforce management software to support its full range of services. It has deployed features including Employee Scheduling, Check Calls, Alerts, Static Patrol Monitoring and Reporting, and most recently adding SmartTask’s Mobile Operations and Alarm Response solutions.

Since implementing SmartTask’s Mobile Patrols app, Kestrel has benefitted from significant operational efficiencies as well as increased real-time visibility of its services, both factors helping it to win new business.

Detailing the benefits and use of SmartTask software in its tender document recently assisted Kestrel in securing the Security Guarding contract at Tate St Ives, one of the most important and prestigious art galleries in the UK.

Ensuring the safety and welfare of officers

Kestrel is currently using the SmartTask app for around 100 security officers that conduct checks on static customer sites. The Control team has a complete view of where officers are at any time and can send requests to officers for checks on particular areas. This enables inspections to be made, with outstanding issues followed up or flagged to clients immediately. It also ensures the welfare of the officers, particularly at night or at remote or even busy locations.

 

Supporting tenders to win new business

This visibility of staff was a key factor in winning the contract from Hampshire County Council, with mobile patrol officers working across 2000 different sites, including museums, office and leisure facilities.  In addition, for the contract with Tate St Ives, Kestrel’s focus and commitment to ensuring the welfare of the security officers was integral to its service proposal.

“As part of our tender submission and presentation we demonstrated how the use of SmartTask by our Control Room and local Management Team would enhance and ensure effective and efficient service delivery to the Tate,” says Russell Doyle, Head of National Operations at Kestrel Guards.

“The welfare and happiness of the security team is paramount. We demonstrated the kind of reporting visibility customers would have and the safety net that we would provide the security team with who would be transferred to us under TUPE. We could provide assurance to the Tate Directors of staff wellbeing around the clock with our Southampton control team. They can view in real time the security officers conducting a patrol around the Tate in St Ives more than 350 miles away.”

About the Tate St Ives

Tate St Ives is Cornwall’s most popular gallery, welcoming 200,000 visitors each year and playing a vital role in the cultural life of the local community.

Opened in 1993 and expanded in 2017, Tate St Ives presents modern and contemporary art from the Tate collection alongside temporary exhibitions, new commissions, learning and research programmes. Tate St Ives also manages the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, situated just 5 minutes around the corner from the gallery.