The Locksmith Journal 118 March 2026 | Page 14

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Following many conversations with colleagues in access control, Global Director of Marketing at Codelocks International Ltd, Ros Bayliss, shares her reflections on underrepresentation, diversity, the skills gap and inclusive design in the sector.

» ACCESS CONTROL HAS LONG BEEN A male-dominated sector, with not enough representation from women and minority groups. But quietly, over the years, things have been changing. We’ re seeing a welcome mix of new voices, fresh perspectives, and different kinds of expertise coming into the sector.

And that shift matters. To stay relevant in today’ s world, the industry needs to evolve. Change is a driver for new behaviours, products and ways of thinking. If companies don’ t keep up, they risk being outpaced by their competition.

Codelocks is a microcosm, reflecting the industry and society as a whole. Talking with team members across the company we’ ve discussed the challenges and progress happening in access control right now. Everyone’ s insights bring something new to the table, helping paint a clearer picture of where we’ ve been and where we’ re headed.

The picture of the past and the need for change

Years ago, many women in access control were treated dismissively. As was the case in many sectors, it was implicitly assumed that because they were women, they wouldn’ t have the skills needed for technical roles.“ In the past I’ ve had numerous occasions where I’ ve arrived at a site only to be greeted by surprised faces,” says Michelle Saunders, Sales Manager at Codelocks UK.“ These moments could have been disheartening, but I saw them as opportunities to challenge stereotypes.”

For some women in access control, these attitudes have made us work harder, driving us to achieve more. But this isn’ t something everyone feels. Ultimately, pre-judging people’ s capabilities can make people leave the sector, or not join in the first place.

The skills gap and risk of brain drain

The potential of people leaving isn’ t something that any business can afford to shy away from. Speaking with Codelocks’ leadership team, it’ s clear that this could be a make-or-break issue for many companies when it comes to the future of their business.

“ We’ re not going to have a choice [ but to change ],” said Managing Director of Codelocks International Ltd, Joanne Milne-Rowe.“ Diversity is an asset to any company, and with an ageing workforce, there’ s a critical need to bring more people into the sector while training and upskilling them as they enter. There’ s a wealth of people out there who are hungry for learning and opportunities, and those businesses that take them in will move ahead of their competition.”

That’ s an especially important point, when 54 % of UK businesses say they’ re struggling to hire the right skills. The talent gap is making it harder for companies to hit goals and grow. Drawing on a diverse workforce can address these skills gaps, as can increased training.

Trade bodies such as the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery( GAI) can help people with their skills.“ The focus on CPD and regional hub events provide a fantastic opportunity to network, exchange experiences, and learn new skills,” says Michelle Saunders, who was recently appointed Vice Chair to the GAI Community Hubs.

“ The support I’ ve gained from being part of the GAI has been incredibly helpful, allowing me to expand my knowledge and grow professionally. I’ d encourage everyone to start engaging with trade bodies like the GAI, as training helps employers build teams with the right skills, while giving employees the opportunity to advance their careers and future-proof themselves.”

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MARCH 2026

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