Talk:G4S

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Article Improvements

Hi. As many of you are already aware, this article can be greatly improved and expanded. There are also a small number of factual inaccuracies that should be reviewed and corrected.
In the interest of transparency I am declaring that G4S is my client. I hope to work with other editors to ensure that this Wikipedia article is accurate. Please contact me on my Talk Page if you have any questions.Vivj2012 (talk) 15:37, 27 June 2013 (UTC)

I don't know if I'm writing this in the right place, but the page says G4s is the 3rd largest private employer in the world - which is incorrect and does not equate with the relevant wiki page for largest employers in the world. (26/06/2019) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Bobalobblobblob (talk • contribs) 11:07, 26 June 2019 (UTC)

Information Box

A few details included in the article information box need to be updated. I've included a list of these below with relevant references for verification:

• Key People - Replace Nick Buckles (CEO) with Ashley Almanza
• Services - These now include 'Manned security services, cash handling services, justice services, and outsourced business processes related to security and safety risks'
• Revenue - Change to £7,297 million (2013) NASDAQ GlobeNewsWire
• Operating income - Change to £516 million (2013) NASDAQ GlobeNewsWire
• Employees - Figure is now 620,000 (2013)

Thanks Vivj2012 (talk) 15:19, 28 June 2013 (UTC)

Hi - I have updated key people, services and employees. I have not changed the revenue; the figures you quoted excluded the Olympics which I am sure the company would rather forget but should obviously be included. Likewise the figure you quoted for operating profit is before the Olympics and before amortisation. Dormskirk (talk) 23:08, 28 June 2013 (UTC)

Introduction

The introduction to the article would benefit from the inclusion of references that are currently missing. I've included suggested references below, if someone could review and add these to the article if suitable:

• G4S plc (formerly Group 4 Securicor) is a British multinational security services company headquartered in Crawley, United Kingdom.Yahoo! Finance
• G4S has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.London Stock Exchange

Thanks Vivj2012 (talk) 14:14, 3 July 2013 (UTC)

done. Dormskirk (talk) 21:58, 3 July 2013 (UTC)

Many thanks Vivj2012 (talk) 08:01, 4 July 2013 (UTC)

History

I've pulled together a G4S timeline that details significant dates in the company's history all the way back to 1901. The timeline can be found in my sandbox if someone could review it and let me know their thoughts. Thanks Vivj2012 (talk) 10:24, 4 July 2013 (UTC)

Hi - This should not be added. It does not comply with WP:PROSE which requires text to be in flowing prose rather than timeline format; nor does it have in-line references as required by WP:SOURCE. It also looks similar to the history section on the company website and wiki material should always be independently sourced. Sorry! Dormskirk (talk) 20:11, 4 July 2013 (UTC)

Thanks for getting back to me Dormskirk. Would it be better to have a written section focusing on the company history instead? There's so much information missing with regards to key events. Thanks Vivj2012 (talk) 16:08, 5 July 2013 (UTC)

The history section is already quite long and G4S was only established in 2004. It would be better to expand the articles on Group 4 and Securicor if you are referring to history before 2004. Best wishes. Dormskirk (talk) 21:06, 5 July 2013 (UTC)

Hi Dormskirk. Included below are a number of points with supporting references that should be included under the History section of the article. These points are regarding events that took place between 2004 and 2012. Let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks Vivj2012 (talk) 10:30, 7 August 2013 (UTC)

G4S was formed in July 2004, when Group 4 Falck’s security business merged with Securicor to create Group 4 Securicor and began trading on both the London and Copenhagen Stock Exchanges.Digital Look

agreed and added in. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

In 2005, Lars Nørby Johansen was succeeded as Chief Executive by Nick Buckles and, in 2006, the new G4S brand identity was rolled out across its business worldwide.Bloomberg In the same year, Alf Duch-Pedersen succeeded Jorgen Philip-Sorensen to become the non-executive Chairman of the business.FE Investegate

agreed and added in. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

G4S won the Human Resources Excellence award for “Best Executive Development Programme in 2005.[http://www.trainingzone.co.uk/topic/strategy/case-study-e-learning-elite Training Zone]

Does not sound historic and is a bit like advertising. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

In 2007, G4S officially entered the FTSE 100 index of leading companies on the London Stock Exchange. It also launched its ‘G4S 4teen’ programme, an innovative global sports development project.The Telegraph India In 2007 the company also began providing electronic monitoring equipment and services in New Zealand.Professional Security

We do not normally regard companies entering the FTSE 100 as historic - it happens all the time. The provision of products to New Zealand sounds like advertsing. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

In 2008 G4S acquired GSL, a leading provider of critical primary and support services and outsourced justice services; Armorgroup, a leading provider of defensive and protective services to national governments and international peace and security agencies; RONCO Consulting Corporation, one of the world's premier humanitarian and commercial mine action, ordinance disposal and security companies; and Scottish Rock Steady Group – who steward at major sporting and music events mostly in the UK.Daily Telegraph IFSEC Global IFSEC Global

GSL, Armorgroup, Ronco and Scottish Rock Steady Group are already mentioned. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

G4S also reached a landmark agreement with UNI, the global union federation, on an Ethical Employment Partnership, driving improvements in employment standards across the security industry.Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

the relationship with Uni is already mentioned. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

In 2009, G4S acquired Secura Monde International Limited and Shiremoor International Engineering Limited, together, the UK’s leading specialist banknote and high security technical and commercial advisory companies; All Star International, one of the premier facilities management and base operations support companies providing services to the US Government; Adesta, US-based provider of integrated security systems and communication systems; and Hill & Associates Consultants Limited, Asia’s leading provider of specialist risk mitigation consulting services.FE Investegate Proactive Investors Security Info Watch Interactive Investor

Secura Monde International Limited, Shiremoor International Engineering Limited, Adesta and Hill & Associates are all already mentioned. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

G4S appoints Clare Spottiswoode and Winnie Kin Wah Fok to the G4S Board as non-executive directors in 2010, whilst entering the Brazilian security market with acquisitions of Plantech and Instalarme. G4S also acquired Skycom, a market leader in the African systems market.Reuters Invest in Brazil ADVFN

the appointment of non-execs is clearly not historic. Nor is entering the Brazilian market. I have now referred to Skycom. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

In 2011, G4S was appointed official security services provider for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, awarded two prison contracts and three work programme regions in the UK.Major Events International

London Olympics is already mentioned extensively. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

In 2011 G4S also acquired The Cotswold Group in the UK providing surveillance, fraud analytics, intelligence and investigation services and Munt Centrale Holand B.V. in The Netherlands, providing coin management services.IFSEC Global Infologue

Now mentioned. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

In the same year G4S acquired Guidance Monitoring, an international designer and manufacturer of electronic monitoring technologies, including hardware and software used for offender monitoring and tracking.Growth Business

Guidance Monitoring already mentioned. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

In 2012, G4S acquired Chubb Emergency Response in the UK, providing key holding and response services and announced in late August that it would be selling its Pakistan division, Wackenhut Pakistan Limited, to its chairman Ikram Sehgal.FM World China Post In 2012, the Lincolnshire Police Authority award G4S the first contract in the UK to build, design and staff a police station.BBC News

Chubb acquisition and sale of Wackenhut Pakistan already mentioned. Award of a contract is hardly historic. Dormskirk (talk) 10:43, 8 August 2013 (UTC)

Operations

The accuracy of the Operations section could do with updating to ensure that it's accurate. I've written content which I think could replace the current Operations section, and should most probably be titled Services and Operations. Feedback welcome:

Services and Operations

G4S PLC specialises in outsourced business processes & facilities in sectors where security & safety risks are considered a strategic threat, with expertise in the assessment & management of security & safety risks for infrastructure, valuables. Morning Star

Board

• John Connolly – Chairman, G4S plc
• Ashley Almanza - Chief executive officer, G4S plc
• Stuart Curl – Acting chief financial officer, G4S plc
• Grahame Gibson - Regional chief executive officer, G4S plc
• Mark Seligman – Non executive director
• Paul Condon - Non executive director
• Mark Elliott – Non executive director
• Bo Lerenius CBE – Non executive director
• Clare Spottiswoode CBE – Non executive director
• Wah Fok Kin – Non executive director
• Adam Crozier – Non executive director
• Paul Spence – Non executive director

Bloomberg Businessweek

Core services

G4S’ core services include ‘Manned security services’ – where it provides trained and screened security officers. People's Post

The company provides ‘Security systems’ such as access control, CCTV, intruder alarms, fire detection, video analytics and security and building systems integration technology. Wall Street Journal Live Mint

‘Monitoring and response services’ is another core service, where G4S provides key holding, mobile security patrol and response services and alarm receiving and monitoring facilities. Pro Security Zone

G4S provides ‘Secure facilities services’ which includes integrated facilities services for entire sites or estates for commercial customers and governments.Info Logue

The business has ‘Risk management and consultancy services’ which also includes mine detection and clearance services.E-Mine

G4S also provides electronic tagging and monitoring of offenders at home or in the community.Security Oracle

The company provides back office support functions for police forces, support for front line policing including the provision of custody suite services and forensic medical services.BBC News

It also manages juvenile and adult custody centres. This includes the management of all aspects of a facility and those held within the facility – similar centres are also used for the detention of asylum applicants.Prisoner escorting is another core service. G4S transports prisoners and asylum applicants between courts, police stations and custody centres.G4S Annual Report 2012

Operating Structure

G4S segments its business into two areas; secure solutions and cash solutions.

Secure Solutions includes services for commercial and government organisations in areas such as risk consulting, manned security, and security systems. Commercial contracts make up 59% of G4S turnover, and government contracts amount to 23% of G4S’ turnover.

Cash Solutions is the outsourcing of cash cycle management for banks, financial institutions and retailers - making up 18% of G4S' turnover.G4S Annual Report 2012

In 2011, the company reviewed its operations and developed a sector-based approach to its business activities. As a result of the change, G4S’ mining division grew its business by more than 50% in 2012.Mining Technology

Thanks Vivj2012 (talk) 14:41, 9 July 2013 (UTC)

I have updated the operations section but the material on the board etc is all information that could be obtained from the Group's website. Dormskirk (talk) 19:18, 9 July 2013 (UTC)

Activities

A paragraph has recently been added, under the heading “Operations, Activities”, detailing certain contracts that G4S Forensic and Medical Services operate with the UK's National Health Service. It is inappropriate to include this, as it focusses on too narrow an area. These particular contracts operate in one region of one country, out of the 120 countries in which the group operates, and make up less than 0.1% of Group revenue. I would suggest this particular paragraph be removed from the page.

In the interests of transparency, I am declaring that G4S is my client. I am hoping to work with the Wikipedia Editors to ensure this article is accurate. Feel free to contact me on my talk page if you have any questions.

WikiUser8714 (talk) 08:04, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

It seems to me that this edit was validly made and does not breach an wiki policy however immaterial the activity. Dormskirk (talk) 19:06, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

Controversies

Three additional points regarding Israel, the Wackenhut Subsidiary and London 2012 are missing from the existing Controversies section. If someone could please review these points and let me know their feedback. Many thanks, Vivj2012 (talk) 14:48, 28 August 2013 (UTC)

Israel

In April 2012, G4S released a statement detailing its activities in Israel. The company provides maintenance for some electronic security systems at a prison, a police station and a small number of checkpoints in the West Bank.Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

Wackenhut Subsidiary

In 2013, G4S announced its intention to divest its US Government services business, citing difficulties faced by non US business in accessing appropriate data.Yahoo! Finance

London 2012 Security Contract

Following the Olympics games, G4S provided a donation of £2.5m to military charities as a goodwill gesture.The Guardian

All three points seem fair enough: I have added them to the text. Dormskirk (talk) 20:18, 28 August 2013 (UTC)

Immigrant-detainee labour

I note that a sub-section has been added titled 'Immigrant detainee labour' stating that G4S was this year criticised for using immigrant detainees as cheap labour. The source cited is an article in the Guardian newspaper. Since the initial accusation is clearly stated, in the interests of a balanced and more informative entry, I believe the statement made by the Home Office refuting the allegations should also be included. This statement was in fact also in the Guardian article, and reads: "The long-standing practice of offering paid work to detainees has been praised by Her Majesty's inspectorate of prisons as it helps to keep them occupied whilst their removal is being arranged. Whether or not they wish to participate is entirely up to the detainees themselves. This practice is not intended to substitute the work of trained staff".

In the interests of transparency, I am declaring that G4S is my client. I am hoping to work with the Wikipedia Editors to ensure this article is accurate. Feel free to contact me on my talk page if you have any questions

WikiUser8714 (talk) 07:58, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

Agreed and added. Dormskirk (talk) 19:10, 23 October 2014 (UTC)