Lorette Smith
HR Manager
My role at Lingwood Security is HR & Payroll Manager. I deal with all issues/disciplinaries/investigations in accordance with our Disciplinary procedures. I prep and authorise monthly payroll for all staff/workers and deal with any queries which may come in. On a day-to-day basis, I am here to assist with issues such as portal problems, missing hours, renewing licences and ensuring the welfare of our staff is priority.
My day to day duties include welfare calls, answering emails, assisting generally and I’m responsible for all personnel files and keeping records up to date. I’m also responsible for purchasing for the company, liaising with our MD for approval on expenditure and ensuring our PO system is up to date.
My role is important as it helps the business keep in line with employment law and ensures payroll is run.
How did you first get involved with Lingwood Security Management?
I saw a job vacancy and applied.
What was your first impression of Lingwood Security Management?
Friendly family run business. Very professional.
What’s your first memory of working at Lingwood Security Management?
I got my pants caught on a plug-in air freshener on my first day.
What has surprised you most about working at Lingwood Security Management?
How fast the day goes. It feels like some days we are in a time warp and no sooner have we walked into the office, its time to leave.
What do you find most challenging about your work?
There is an element within the payroll process which is long and can take a full day which I dread each month.
What’s the best/worst thing to happen since you started working at Lingwood Security Management?
Best thing. Payroll & HR Role. Worse thing. Covid!
If you could change one thing about Lingwood Security Management, what would it be?
A freezer in the kitchen..
What interesting characters have you worked with at Lingwood Security Management?
So many. Due to my role I get to interact with so many of the guards and workers and have built up a good rapport and got to know them on a personal level.
What do you think will change at Lingwood Security Management over the next five years, or in the industry as a whole?
We aim to grow and increase our presence and knowledge within the industry working hard to attain accreditations to assist us in taking the company to winning bigger tenders across the UK. There will always be a need for security. As technology evolves, so does crime and the presence of an officer on the premises is always a strong deterrent.
If you weren’t working at Lingwood Security Management, what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
I would be doing HR for Disney surrounded by giant mice.
How would someone describe you?
A very loud personality with a heart of gold and a touch of dragons blood.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I have an addiction for games on my phone! I also like walking and spending my man.s money.