Ray Grace
Leigh,Lancashire
Summary
A highly experienced and dependable professional with 28 years of service within the prisoner escorting contracts. Bringing extensive expertise in people management, logistics, and operational delivery at mid to senior levels. Known for a strong sense of loyalty, professionalism, and integrity, with a proven track record of leading teams, managing complex operations, and maintaining high standards in demanding environments. A committed and adaptable individual who consistently delivers results while fostering positive working relationships and supporting organisational objectives.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Counter Corruption and Security Manager
GEOAmey
Manchester, Greater Manchester
2025.01 - Current
- Drafted detailed monthly reports on all security-related incidents for stakeholder review.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies, ensured swift resolution of incidents.
- Conducted routine security checks across the premises, ensured optimal vigilance.
- Evaluated existing protocols and suggested improvements, leading to fortified safety measures.
- Identified potential security risks, enhanced overall company protection.
- Provided strategic guidance on matters of risk management to reduce vulnerabilities.
Head of Safer Custody
GEOAmey
Manchester , Greater Manchester
2022.10 - 2025.01
- Managed a department compromising investigations, safeguarding, security, children and young people in custody and corruption.
- Developed a suite of internal KPI’s to measure performance around investigation processes, staff assaults and serious self harm incidents.
- Applied critical thinking to analyse problems, evaluate solutions and select best decisions.
- Managed a team of 6 middle managers.
- Provided guidance and support to circa 2000 employees.
- Directed team efforts, leading to more effective resource utilisation.
- Provided mentorship and guidance for junior team members, encouraging professional development.
- Facilitated regular team meetings, fostering a cooperative work environment.
Security and Investigations Manager
GEOAmey
Manchester, Greater Manchester
2021.09 - 2022.10
- Devised strategic investigation plans to achieve timely closure of cases.
- Maintained strict confidentiality whilst handling sensitive information during investigations.
- Monitored investigative process compliance, ensuring legal standards were met at all times.
- Handled escalated customer complaints, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
- Established strong relationships with external stakeholders for successful collaborations on complex cases.
- Ensured complete case documentation with thorough report writing.
- Prioritised high-risk cases to expedite resolutions and mitigate potential damage.
Area business manager
GEOAmey
Manchester , Greater Manchester
2011.08 - 2021.09
- Led multiple teams across different areas, fostering collaboration and communication.
- Supervised daily operations, ensuring optimal customer service delivery.
- Implemented cost-effective measures, resulting in significant savings for the company.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, leading to increased staff satisfaction.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders to enhance business reputation.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation.
- Liaised regularly with senior management to discuss operational updates and improvements.
- Handled crisis situations promptly and efficiently, minimising potential risk or damage.
- Approached new tasks and projects with enthusiasm and passion, increasing employee motivation and morale.
- Addressed customer issues with compassion and professionalism, ensuring swift, successful resolution.
- Planned and managed resources and budget to support and deliver objectives.
- Conducted audits and risk assessments to achieve regulatory compliance.
- Brought in exceptional candidates to boost team productivity and operational efficiency.
- Managed fleet operations for optimal efficiency.
- Ensured compliance with transport regulations, avoiding penalties and fines.
- Improved the turnaround time of repairs and maintenance tasks to increase vehicle availability.
- Earnt respect from team members through clear, fair leadership practices.
Regional manager
G4S
Manchester , Greater Manchester
2010.01 - 2011.09
- Multi site management of 3 vehicle bases delivering inter prison transfers.
- Achieved 99% service delivery throughout tenure.
- Built strong relationships with stakeholders, improving customer satisfaction rates.
- Enhanced team's performance with regular coaching and feedback.
- Maintained constant communication with staff, fostering transparency and trust within the team.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures across all sites in the region.
- Drove company mission and values, representing organisation at meetings and industry events.
- Assisted with employee relations issues, using emotional intelligence and diplomatic communication to resolve grievances.
Custody Team Leader
G4S
Preston, Lancashire
2005.08 - 2010.01
- Multi site management of 7 sites across Lancashire and Cumbria.
- Handled employee grievances professionally, minimising potential workplace disputes.
- Conducted disciplinary hearings up to and including dismissal along with appeal hearings.
- Fostered a high-performing environment to drive productivity and quality.
- Conducted risk assessments to ensure safety measures were adhered to in all operations.
- Provided a safe environment for prisoners through constant supervision and control.
- Implemented robust security protocols, ensuring safety for both staff and prisoners alike.
- Stayed calm and poised during heated, difficult or stressful situations, alleviating conflicts.
- Performed thorough searches of prisoners and cells to reduce contraband items.
- Anticipated misconduct and misbehaviour of prisoners to maintain control, discipline and security within court locations.
Senior Custody Officer
G4S
Accrington, Lancashire
2000.02 - 2005.08
- Managed a team of 4 prisoner custody officers.
- Managed care and welfare of prisoners awaiting court appearances whilst in custody.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
Prison custody officer
G4S
Accrington, Lancashire
1998.01 - 2000.02
- Facilitated communication between prisoners and their legal representation to ensure fair legal proceedings.
- Safeguarded prisoner welfare by conducting frequent welfare checks and providing necessary assistance when required.
- Managed administrative tasks such as report writing and record keeping, ensuring accurate documentation of all incidents within the facility.
- Participated in escort duties during off-site hospital visits ensuring prisoner's medical needs were met without compromising security principles.
- Performed thorough searches of prisoners and cells to reduce contraband items.
- Kept accurate and timely data in prisoner records and carried out other administrative duties.
- Built respectful but assertive relationships with prisoners, utilising innate negotiation abilities to maintain peace and promote positive environments.
- Assisted in prisoner transport duties, guaranteeing safe passage between facilities or courts whilst maintaining public safety.
Shop floor supervisor
Booker cash and carry
Burnley, Lancashire
1991.05 - 1998.01
- Handled customer queries and complaints promptly, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
- Maintained security measures, minimised incidents of theft or loss within the store.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation on the shop floor for easy navigation by customers.
- Managed cash registers, preventing any discrepancies or errors in transactions.
- Ensured high standards of customer service by effectively supervising shop floor activities.
- Delegated tasks and activities to provide good customer coverage across shop floor areas.
- Coordinated stocktake activity to assess store performance and enable loss evaluations.
- Opened, closed and cashed up tills to maintain daily banking operations.
- Retained accurate product knowledge to provide helpful, informative customer advice.
- Performed various store operations including opening and closing procedures, product display management and budget control.
- Reconciled cash takings, card statements and receipts after each shift, noting and rectifying discrepancies.
Education
GCSEs - English, maths, English literature, business studies.
Barden High School
Burnley, Lancashire 09/1985 - 05/1991
Skills
- Policy implementation oversight
- Vulnerability identification
- Vulnerability testing
- Risk assessment techniques
- Incident Management
- Calm under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Compliance oversight
- Profit and loss understanding
- Performance monitoring
- Continuous Improvement implementation
- Customer relationship management
- Initiative taking
- Creative thinking
- Safety consciousness
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Customer Service
- Cultural awareness
- Leadership skills
- Interpersonal communication
Affiliations
- Rugby league
- Attending gigs and festivals
- Travel/Holidays
Certification
Trained Family Liaison Officer
CPC passenger - National and International
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Counter Corruption and Security Manager
GEOAmey
2025.01 - Current
Head of Safer Custody
GEOAmey
2022.10 - 2025.01
Security and Investigations Manager
GEOAmey
2021.09 - 2022.10
Area business manager
GEOAmey
2011.08 - 2021.09
Regional manager
G4S
2010.01 - 2011.09
Custody Team Leader
G4S
2005.08 - 2010.01
Senior Custody Officer
G4S
2000.02 - 2005.08
Prison custody officer
G4S
1998.01 - 2000.02
Shop floor supervisor
Booker cash and carry
1991.05 - 1998.01
GCSEs - English, maths, English literature, business studies.
Barden High School
09/1985 - 05/1991