Birmingham 2022 appoints OCS Group UK as Official Provider of Security Personnel for the Commonwealth Games

OCS Group UK has been selected to provide security services for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Named as the Official Security Personnel Provider, OCS will provide services including screening, vehicle search, patrols and response teams at Alexander Stadium, Sandwell Aquatics Centre, NEC campus hotels and the Games Family Hotel Accommodation. Over 1,100 OCS colleagues - all SIA licenced and extensively trained - will help to keep Birmingham 2022 safe.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will see around 4,500 athletes from 72 nations and territories compete in 19 sports across 14 competition venues from 28 July until 8 August 2022. As the biggest event ever to be held in the West Midlands, it is expected to attract more than one million spectators to the city and have a global TV audience of 1.5 billion.

A big part of Birmingham 2022 is to ensure it is a Games for everyone. During the build up to the games next year, OCS will be visiting over 100 schools and will be working closely with Birchfield Harriers Athletics club to promote sport and to support athletes of the future.

Jeremy Dicks, Director of Venues and Events at OCS said: "We're delighted to provide security services for this high-profile multi-sport event, working in partnership with Birmingham 2022 to deliver a safe and secure Games for everyone. We'll be recruiting locally and using our experience at Premier League stadiums and the NEC Group to provide expert training and the latest support systems. We're also excited to provide 400 volunteering hours to support school visits as part of the Commonwealth Games' volunteering programme."

Nick Knight, Security Director at Birmingham 2022, said: "It's great to have OCS on board as they join us as our Official Security Personnel Provider for Birmingham 2022. They are well known for their sports and entertainment experience, in particular for the NEC, which is hosting a number of our sports including boxing and para-powerlifting. This pedigree makes them an ideal partner to help us deliver not only a safe and successful Games, but an enjoyable experience for all.

"In addition to providing security services at competition venues, we're delighted to work together with OCS on our community engagement activities, using an exciting and engaging approach to educate and inform young people."

Darren Hall, Chief Operating Officer at the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: "We're pleased to welcome OCS to the sponsor family. Their talented workforce and established experience in many local Games venues will benefit Games organisers but, most importantly, ensure a safe, welcoming, family-friendly Games for everyone."