Tesco has awarded a new security contract to support approximately 300 stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland to OCS, strengthening a relationship built on 19 years of collaboration in delivering visible, customer-service-led security across its large and diverse retail estate.
The agreement brings around 300 security officers into OCS through a structured TUPE process. Colleagues will provide visible reassurance in stores, adopt a customer-service-focused approach to safety, and coordinate mobile patrols across a broad and diverse retail estate. The model is built around resilience, consistency, and people-centred service, ensuring colleagues and customers across each location feel supported and secure.
Safety and service are at the heart of our stores, and OCS has been a reliable partner in helping us deliver this for over 19 years.
Tesco selected OCS on the strength of its scalable delivery model, its experience in managing large multi-site operations, and its commitment to community-based crime prevention. The service aims to deliver clear outcomes: safeguarding people, enhancing store experience, and fostering constructive relationships with local authorities where crime and anti-social behaviour present challenges.
To support these objectives, the integrated facilities services provider will implement a dedicated estate ambassador model. These roles will connect individual stores with local networks, supporting community intelligence and helping tailor activities to local needs. They will also work closely with the OCS social value team to coordinate programmes that make a tangible difference across local communities.
OCS has put into action a tailored welcome journey with enhanced benefits, role-specific induction, and training in customer-service-led guarding, incident response, and vulnerability awareness. Modern uniforms, designed for comfort and safety, will support colleagues during long shifts, giving them confidence to care for customers and respond effectively when needed.
Technology will be employed in a measured and practical manner. Data-driven scheduling guarantees the right presence at the appropriate time, especially for mobile teams operating across extensive regions. Incident management tools will offer improved visibility of trends and facilitate engagement with local authorities. Technology is utilised as a facilitator for colleagues, not a catalyst, supporting people to deliver the best service.
Social value is a key aspect of OCS's approach. Programmes include People into Work, local recruitment, volunteering, soup kitchens, and school and youth engagement. The community-focused roles will help coordinate activities and strengthen links between stores, local groups, and authorities. These initiatives demonstrate OCS's dedication to improving lives and supporting communities through everyday service.
OCS will also continue to engage with local communities through participation in Business Improvement Districts, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, charities and voluntary organisations. These relationships support broader efforts to address concerns around theft, organised crime, anti-social behaviour, and homelessness. The goal is to help create safer, more inclusive environments for colleagues, customers, and local residents.
The partnership encompasses clear sustainability measures. These include alternative mobile solutions that reduce vehicle use, carbon-impact assessments, and tree-planting commitments through the use of the OCS Live system. Each initiative underscores Tesco's and OCS's shared dedication to responsible, transparent environmental action.
Commenting on the award of the contract, Steven Moore, Managing Director for Security UK at OCS, said: "Tesco is a longstanding and valued partner. This contract reflects the trust built over 19 years and our shared commitment to creating safe, welcoming, and resilient environments. Our colleagues will bring experience, care, and professionalism to every store they support. We look forward to deepening our partnership and helping Tesco, its colleagues, and its communities stay safe."
Brogan Lowe, UK Guarding and External Partnerships Manager at Tesco, added: "Safety and service are at the heart of our stores, and OCS has been a reliable partner in helping us deliver this for over 19 years. Their experience, structured approach and dedication to colleagues truly make a difference in our daily operations. We look forward to continuing our partnership for the benefit of our customers and communities."
