As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 with the theme “Accelerate Action,” we take a moment to recognise inspiring women who are not just making strides in their careers but also breaking barriers in the security industry. One such woman is Georgia Copeland, a passionate, dedicated professional who is a Duty Security Manager at First Response Group.
Georgia, 32, lives in Kings Cross, Central London, where she oversees security operations at an integrated leisure, retail, and hospitality venue. The venue, which includes a range of attractions such as restaurants, music venues, bars, and a hotel, is situated in the bustling heart of London, offering Georgia a dynamic, fast-paced environment to manage on a day-to-day basis. Her role demands a balance of leadership, management, and hands-on security work, ensuring that the public remains safe while supporting her team of security officers.
Georgia’s journey into security began long before her current role. She previously worked as a Close Protection Officer but despite her success in this field, she knew that she wanted a more structured, career-oriented path and transitioned to corporate security with FRG in October 2023.
Day-to-day, her job involves overseeing security personnel, managing rotas, HR issues, and ensuring smooth operations while keeping both staff and the public safe. For Georgia, it’s the people side of the job that truly stands out. “I really enjoy being with people, helping the public, dealing with lots of questions, and being a reassuring presence,” she says. She finds immense reward in being a face of support in the heart of Central London, where the energy of the city never sleeps.
However, Georgia’s path to success hasn’t been without challenges. Working in a male-dominated industry, particularly in a high-risk, high-stakes environment, comes with its own set of obstacles. As a woman in security, she faces heightened expectations and occasionally even scepticism from the public, who may question her authority. Despite this, Georgia demonstrates remarkable resilience. “Female security is tougher. You must show that little bit more work ethic to be taken seriously, especially from some of the tougher members of the public,” she explains.
Her ability to deescalate tense situations with calm and empathy, coupled with her natural leadership abilities, has helped her earn the respect of her peers and the public alike. “It takes courage to confront situations that others won’t. I’ve never felt threatened because I’m a woman. In fact, my gender often plays to my advantage in diffusing tension,” she adds.
Georgia’s ambition isn’t just limited to her current role. Her long-term goal is to continue to progress in the security industry, and beyond her personal ambitions, Georgia believes in the power of diversity in security. “Every team should have at least one female. We bring empathy and a personal touch to the role,” she says. Her approach is one of support, understanding, and leadership—a role she plays as much for her team as for the people she protects.
Throughout her career, Georgia has accumulated a wide range of qualifications, including anti-terrorism training, advanced first aid, and close protection courses. Her continuous learning and development underscore her dedication to excellence in her field. “I’m always looking to grow and challenge myself,” she reflects.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Georgia’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to break through barriers and “accelerate action.” Her work ethic, resilience, and unwavering dedication make her not only a role model for women in security but also a symbol of the strength and perseverance needed to make a lasting impact in any industry.
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