From CCTV Operator to Director: Gavin McCartney’s 15 Years In Monitoring Services
As Monitoring Solutions Director Gavin McCartney marks his 15-year anniversary with Corps Monitoring, we caught up with him to reflect on his remarkable journey from CCTV operator to director.
Starting at just 19, Gavin has built his entire security career with us, advancing our solutions for clients across the country.
Did you always plan to go into security?
I started out working at a local butcher’s, right after leaving school. I’d followed in my mum’s footsteps, who still works there today. I wanted to work with my hands, and university didn’t seem like the right fit for me. Honestly, coming across Corps Monitoring was luck – a friend of mine working there told me Corps was hiring, and that conversation changed my career trajectory.
I started as a CCTV operator in the control room. My knowledge of computers from school helped me transition into the role, along with the training Corps provided. It was a busy time, as the team were transitioning multiple CCTV operating systems into one system at the alarm receiving centre (ARC). It was a lot to take in as I learned on the job.
How did you progress?
I knew when I started out that I wanted a job with growth opportunities. At Corps Monitoring, there was always a clear ladder. I had to show I was keen: ask the right questions, show my willingness to work with team members, and ask how to do tasks when I wasn’t sure.
My first move was into a Technical Administrator role in 2012, where I was in more of a management position helping with the day-to-day operation of the ARC, investigating incidents, and engaging in the finance side of the business. That role helped my transition to Business Development Manager in 2019, and since then, I’ve been sales-focused.
At every touch point of my journey, working up to my role now as Monitoring Solutions Director, I have been getting to know our customers, speaking to them daily, understanding their key concerns and needs. That’s a key part of my role, and one of the reasons I like my job so much.
What does being a leader mean to you?
As a leader in sales, supported by my technical background from working in operations, I focus on developing tailored solutions. I see myself as a problem solver: working with ARC teams and guiding customers through installations so their systems work seamlessly.
Having worked in most of my colleagues’ positions, I understand their needs. Rather than viewing the workplace hierarchically, I work alongside my team.
I talk to them daily and maintain transparency, so my colleagues know they can approach me with questions or concerns, and we genuinely enjoy each other’s company. I like to think it’s a winning balance.
What does a tailor-made, integrated security solution look like?
While we’re experts in CCTV and alarm system installation, we understand customers often don’t share this expertise – it’s our job to coach them. Every business and every site is different, so bespoke solutions are key.
Take our work for SIMS Metal, an organisation we have worked with since 2022. We supply and manage dedicated remote monitoring services across its portfolio, conducting health checks, live monitoring, footage requests and investigations. We have also implemented analytic cameras that trigger water hoses and cannons when activated.
Our hands-on consultative approach means we can provide 24/7 safety and assurance, while reducing costs associated with clients developing their own internal systems.
How has monitoring changed, and how will it continue changing?
Honestly, the technological advancements have been huge. We’ve integrated technology that filters out false alarms from real alarms, massively reducing our false alerts and allowing us to focus on the real threats.
We’re looking at a whole suite of new ways of monitoring, too, like our new drone security service. Partnering with aerial surveillance experts Security Drone Group, we can offer real-time aerial insights from our monitoring facility, to streamline threat detection and improve situational awareness on client sites.
Moving forward, organisations must embrace new technology to remain competitive, or they risk falling behind. I also think dedicated lone worker monitoring systems will increase, which means a lot of upfront investment for longer-term return on investment.
Investing in technology, expanding services, and keeping client assets secure remain our top priorities.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the industry?
If you have a vision of what you want to achieve, security can open a lot of doors for you. But you need to put in the work. Be a go-getter; it’s something that Corps certainly rewards. Corps Monitoring always wants to help staff hone their skills wherever possible.
