Keeping people safe with GSTS Director Gareth Conlon

GSTS Director Gareth Conlon recently sat down with broadcaster Roy Basnett to talk about security, leadership and what it really takes to keep people safe in complex environments.

Across the conversation Gareth covers his own route into the industry, our work across sectors including healthcare, aviation and other public and private settings, how GSTS uses training, data and AI, and why standards and accreditation matter.

From the Army to leading GSTS

Gareth’s career in security started when he joined the Army at 16 and later served in Afghanistan. After leaving the military he moved into private security and worked his way up through a wide range of roles.

Those experiences shaped how he now leads GSTS – with clear standards, discipline and a strong focus on looking after the people doing the job. Today, veterans are represented across the business, from frontline officers to senior management, bringing valuable skills and experience to our operations.

Specialist security in healthcare and other critical settings

A large part of the interview looks at what it means to work in live, operational environments – from hospitals and transport hubs to large public venues and busy public-facing sites. Gareth explains what it is like to work in healthcare in particular, where violence and aggression are sadly common and where patients, visitors and staff all need to feel safe.

He talks about how GSTS designs security around the needs of each client – taking on risk so clinicians can focus on care, airport teams can focus on passengers, and frontline staff in other sectors can concentrate on their roles without carrying the extra burden of safety and security.

To support that, GSTS invests heavily in training. Officers in healthcare and other complex environments receive enhanced development, including Restraint Reduction Network–aligned training, counter-terrorism and awareness courses, leadership development and site-specific control room training. The aim is to give people the confidence and tools they need to work safely and professionally, whatever the setting.

Training, data and AI

Gareth and Roy also look at how the industry is changing. Rather than relying on a single annual refresher, GSTS uses a model of continual development: on-shift learning, toolbox talks, mentoring and accredited trainers working alongside teams.

Data and AI now play an increasing role across our operations. Through CCTV and monitoring, GSTS uses data to spot trends and hotspots, and to put extra measures in place before incidents happen. It is about staying ahead of risk, not simply reacting to it.

Standards, Martyn’s Law and constant improvement

The conversation touches on sector standards such as the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) and ISO accreditations, and how they help to benchmark performance.

Gareth also shares his interest in the development of Martyn’s Law (the Protect Duty) and his hope that it will strengthen safety in public spaces. He stresses that learning can never stop – whether that is through personal study, professional development or listening to voices like campaigner Figen Murray.

Giving back and supporting communities

Finally, Gareth talks about the importance of social value. GSTS teams regularly support charity events and community initiatives, from taking part in fundraising challenges at Liverpool John Lennon Airport to collecting clothing and essentials for people experiencing homelessness in Manchester and across the North West.

For Gareth, employing hundreds of people across local communities comes with a responsibility to give something back and support others, including veterans who may be facing difficult times.

Watch the full interview

The full interview runs for around 20 minutes and gives a real insight into what drives Gareth and the wider GSTS leadership team.

Watch “Keeping people safe: an in-depth interview with GSTS Director Gareth Conlon”.

If you would like to talk to us about security support for your organisation, please get in touch with our team.