Securit-E-News July 2009

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BSIA annual awards ceremony

The BSIA's annual award ceremony has taken place at the BSIA Annual Lunch. The awards were presented by Admiral the Lord West of Spithead, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State responsible for security and counter-terrorism.

To view a gallery of photos from the BSIA Annual Lunch and Award ceremony, click here.

Annual Security Officer Awards
The awards recognise excellence within the security guarding sector of the private security industry, and honour those going beyond the call of duty to make an outstanding contribution to British business. Awards were presented in the following categories: Service to the Customer, Outstanding Act, Best Newcomer, Best Use of Technology and Best Team.

The BSIA would like to thank Camberford Law plc - specialist insurance brokers to the BSIA and the security industry - for sponsoring the awards for the eleventh successive year.

To download a list of winners, click here.

Apprentice Installer Awards
The incredible determination and commitment of the security industry’s apprentices has been recognised by the Annual Apprentice Installer Awards which demonstrate the high standards expected of apprentices in the security industry.

From strong submissions, the following winners were chosen: Liam Roddis of Chubb Electronic Security Ltd (overall winner) and Chris Tinsley of Tensor plc (national winner).

To view more details of the winners' achievements, click here. The BSIA would like to thank Dedicated Micros for their kind sponsorship of the awards.

Special awards for Outstanding Service
Cash-in-transit couriers have been recognised by the BSIA with Special Awards for Outstanding Service, sponsored by the Security Industry Authority. The couriers, whose identities must be protected due to the sensitive nature of their work, have been rewarded for the following outstanding acts:

• One Loomis cash-in-transit courier was rewarded for his actions whilst replenishing an ATM in Stratford, London. When transferring a cash box back to the vehicle, he was approached by a male attacker. The male made a grab for the box, but the courier held on tight and a struggle ensued. Finally the attacker ran off empty-handed. This is the third time the courier has been attacked and each time he has remained unharmed and the offender has failed in their attack.

• A G4S cash-in-transit courier received his award for his actions during an attack in Lancaster where he was ambushed by two men carrying a machete and an axe. Following a struggle, the courier managed to remove one of the attackers' disguises. The attackers then made their escape and the courier managed to note their vehicle registration number and alert the police.

• Another G4S cash-in-transit courier was rewarded for his pursuit of an assailant who had attacked his colleague, running off with a cash box.  After a struggle, the courier managed to retrieve the stolen cash box and the assailant ran away. The courier then returned safely to his colleague who had called the police. His actions have been described as above and beyond the call of duty.

Industry's finest recognised with Chairman's Awards
Many of the security industry's finest have been recognised during the presentation of the BSIA's Chairman's Awards 2009. The awards reward individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to the industry over the past year.

The award for Contribution to Partnership Working went to Charles Farr OBE, Director General of the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism. Charles Farr is responsible for overseeing the review and publication of the UK's counter-terrorist strategy, CONTEST, which recognises the private security industry as a key partner in the development of protective security measures and capabilities.

The Contribution to the Community award went to Nigel Whiskin MBE, who started off his career as a probation officer and went on to create the first Victim Support Scheme in the UK, and then to found Crime Concern, a pioneering community safety charity. Nigel's contribution to securing the UK's communities through this work has been immense.

The Contribution to Standards award went to Nick Sims for his dedication over more than ten years to developing industry standards. Nick is a former BSIA Security Equipment Manufacturers Section Chairman, a current convenor of WG4/TC79 and has played a significant role in many technical working groups over the years. His most recent achievement is as chair of the BSIA working group on Open Interconnection Protocol.

The award for Promoting the Industry went to Pauline Norstrom, Director of Worldwide Marketing for AD Group and Chairman of the BSIA's CCTV Section. An extremely committed advocate of CCTV technology to industry, end-users and the wider public, Pauline is a regular speaker at industry and end-user events and has undertaken a number of national and regional broadcast media interviews on behalf of the BSIA.

An additional Chairman's Award for Services to Exporting was presented to Mohammed Farooq, Commercial Officer to Saudi Arabia for his contribution to fostering relationships between the UK and Saudi. The award was presented during Mohammed Farooq's visit to the UK for IFSEC 2009.

Former BSIA Chief Executive honoured for services to the industry
The BSIA has honoured its former Chief Executive, David Dickinson, for his services to the industry over more than 20 years.

Speaking at the presentation of the BSIA Services to the Industry award, the Association's new President, Sir Keith Povey, said: "David Dickinson made a huge contribution to the security industry over more than 20 years. He joined Group 4 in 1988 where his experience covered marketing, sales, special events operations and finally he became Director & General Manager of Group 4 Immigration Detention Services."

"Joining the BSIA in April 2002 as its Chief Executive, David was determined to push the Association forward as the authoritative voice of the security industry. He forged strong relationships at Government, ACPO and European levels. He was instrumental in the implementation of regulation for the industry and remained committed to ensuring its success. David's tireless efforts to reduce cash-in-transit attacks led to the serious nature of the crime gaining the attention of both the police and the Home Office and his commitment to this issue has been unstinting."

"David's impact on the security industry was evidenced through the many tributes that were paid to him from key players in Government, Police and industry at his retirement at the end of 2008. He has left a lasting legacy of which he should be proud and from which the BSIA and the security industry continue to reap the benefit."

New BSIA appointments

Sir Keith Povey QPM BA has been appointed President of the BSIA succeeding Lord Paul Condon who has held the role for the past six years.

Sir Keith's extensive police career culminated in his role as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary and he has long been a keen supporter of the work of the private security industry and particularly the role of the BSIA.

Commenting on his appointment, Sir Keith Povey said: "As I take on the mantle of Association President, I am looking forward to playing my part in supporting the BSIA in becoming a stronger and even more influential voice in the shaping of policy. Given the current pace of change in regulation, politics and economics, it is even more important that the private security industry is up to speed with current developments and well-positioned to make an effective contribution. I am also a firm believer in the huge contribution the private security industry makes to crime prevention and detection in this country, securing communities across the UK. It is my hope that as President of the BSIA, I can ensure that this contribution receives the recognition it so richly deserves."

Julie Kenny CBE  DL has been appointed as the new vice-chairman of the BSIA.
 
Julie Kenny has been involved in the BSIA for some 17 years including 2 stints as Chairman of the Security Equipment Manufacturers Section. Julie is Managing Director of Pyronix Limited, and Chairman, CEO and major shareholder of its parent company Secure Holdings Limited.
 
John Bates, BSIA Chief Executive, comments: "Julie brings to the role within the BSIA a wealth of experience of the private security industry and extensive knowledge of the workings of the Association. As a champion of small business in the Yorkshire region and nationally as past Chair of the Small Business Council, Julie has made a real difference in advising and supporting Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and I hope that her enthusiasm for this area will bring further benefit for BSIA's membership of which 84% are SMEs."

New section chairmen have been elected for the BSIA's section of membership. To read the press release outlining their appointment, click here.

Inaugural meeting of BSIA Close Protection Section
The BSIA has held the inaugural meeting of its new Close Protection Section.

The section has been formed to provide representation for companies providing close protection services within the UK. During its inaugural meeting, David Allison, Managing Director of Octaga Security Services Ltd was elected as the section's chairman.

David Allison comments: "It is an honour to have been elected as the first chairman of the BSIA's Close Protection Section. The section has brought together quality companies who wish to raise the profile of close protection services in the UK and communicate through a professional trade association to key stakeholders such as the regulator, Government and Police."

"The close protection sector contributes much to the UK economy through the protection of high profile individuals from foreign royalty, to international business people and even celebrities. Increasingly the sector is also being asked to provide highly trained personnel to protect valuable assets. It is my view that the BSIA will become the differentiator within the sector and lead the way in raising standards within the close protection sector still further."

The founding members of the BSIA Close Protection Section are: Clearwater Special Projects Ltd, Greymans Ltd, Octaga Security Services Ltd, Pilgrims Group Ltd and UniTrust Protection Services (UK) Ltd.

Existing BSIA members wishing to join the Close Protection Section should email or call 0845 3893889.

Investment in the future of Scotland's security industry
Pointer Ltd celebrated success at the Scottish Skills for Security Conference at the Auchentoshan Distillery, when they received the award for 'Contribution to Scottish skills development and training’, sponsored by NOCN.

Their entry, chosen by the independent judges, demonstrated the huge commitment that Hugh Lawson and the team have given to developing the security systems apprenticeship programme to improve its effectiveness. As a result they have achieved a 100% apprenticeship completion rate for the past 7 years, seen an increase in the number and calibre of applications for apprenticeships, received a better response from employers and developed a career path for both young people within the industry and more experienced colleagues.

Hugh Lawson, Learning and Develop Manager, Pointer Ltd who collected the award said “We are extremely pleased to receive this award. The organisation has made a huge commitment to the development and delivery of the apprenticeship programme  as it is very rewarding to see these apprentices achieve their qualifications and also to leave a legacy for the next generation of the security industry.”

The conference was also kindly supported by City & Guilds, Edexcel and SMTonline.

National Security Strategy - 2009 update published
The 2009 update of the UK's National Security Strategy has been published alongside the first UK Cyber Security Strategy.

The first National Security Strategy re-thought national security for the modern age and focused on protecting citizens from the full range of risks that can cause harm. It showed that the UK's understanding of national security challenges – and responses to them – must move beyond concepts of the security of the state and focus as well on the security of people, addressing the many challenges of the global world.

The updated National Security Strategy:

• outlines what progress the Government has achieved against the commitments made the last year
• sets out how they have continued to strengthen their approach through an updated national security framework; and
• assesses the challenges ahead, and outlines the Government's response to them – from terrorism and instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan, to nuclear security, to energy security and climate change, to pandemics, to failing states and the challenges of strengthening global security through development.
  

With modern life increasingly dependent on computers and communications technology, cyber space is a new area where hostile states, terrorists, and criminals can all threaten UK security interests. The UK’s first Cyber Security Strategy will help the Government re-shape the way we respond to these challenges swiftly and effectively.

To download the new strategies, visit the  Cabinet Office website.

Legislation

Public safety the priority for Security Industry Authority regulation

Security Minister, Rt Hon Paul Goggins MP, has granted an extension for in-house door supervisors working in the security industry in Northern Ireland to obtain a licence from the SIA.

Giving evidence to the Ad Hoc Assembly Committee, the Minister confirmed to MLAs that individuals in this sector of the industry have until 1 April 2010 to undertake the training and obtain a licence from the SIA. This will allow individuals in this sector time to achieve the necessary qualification and get licensed following the introduction of legislation that will extend the licensing requirement to in-house door supervisors. The date by which every other sector of the private security industry needs to get a licence remains unchanged at 1 December 2009.

For more information, click here to visit the Northern Ireland Office website.

Conflict-related convictions

A new information page is now available on the SIA website which applies to conflict-related convictions that pre-date the Good Friday Agreement (April 1989). Click here for further details.

Consultation on the National Minimum Wage  and apprentice minimum wage

The BSIA will be responding to the Low Pay Commission consultation on the recommendations for rates for 2010 and 2011. This report will also consider detailed arrangements for an 'apprentice minimum wage'.

We would welcome any comments you have on the minimum wage in general i.e. the impact, future rises etc.  We would particularly welcome feedback on the following questions in relation to apprentices together with supporting evidence if available;

• What is an appropriate rate for an apprentice minimum wage?
• At what level(s) of apprenticeship should the apprentice wage apply?
• Should the apprentice minimum wage vary by age, if so how?
• Over what time period should the apprentice wage apply? Should the wage vary over the duration of training (e.g. be staged between years)?
• Should the apprentice wage apply on a weekly or hourly basis?
• How should time spent training (either 'on-the-job' or 'off-the-job') rather than working be treated?

As a reminder the rates from October 2009 will be:

• Hourly rate of the National Minimum Wage = £5.80
• Hourly rate for the Youth Development Rate = £4.83
• Hourly rate for 16-17 year olds = £3.57

Please forward your comments by Friday 31st July for the attention of Chris Pinder

Data protection notification fee increase
Organisations with a turnover of £25.9 million or more and 250 or more staff will be required to pay the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) an annual notification fee of £500 with effect from 1st October. The current fee is just £35.

Notification is a requirement for 'data controllers' under the Data Protection Act. Every organisation that processes personal information must notify the ICO, unless they are exempt. Failure to notify is a criminal offence.The higher rate will also apply to public authorities with 250 or more staff. Charities, small occupational pension schemes, organisations with a turnover below £25.9m and those with a higher turnover but fewer than 250 staff will continue to pay £35.

It is the first time the notification fee has changed since 2000. According to an explanatory memorandum from the Ministry of Justice, the higher fee payable by so-called 'tier two' organisations "reflects the amount of resources invested by the IC in regulating large data controllers."

For more information, click here.

Services

BSIA publishes new guides
The BSIA has published two new guides. The first, 'TUPE regulations – a client’s guide', provides an overview of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 for BSIA members' clients. These are regulations designed to safeguard and protect employees who find themselves transferred to a new employer when a transfer takes place.

 
The second, An Introduction to Video Content Analysis -  industry guide looks at the role of Video Content Analysis (VCA). This developing area of CCTV technology is set to be of increasing use to end-users and the Police as it involves technology in the interpretation of images of, for example, a crowded airport in order to identify an abandoned and suspicious package.

Copies of both publications are available to download by clicking here. 

Members encouraged to join Civil Aviation Section
The BSIA's Civil Aviation Security (CAS) Section is keen to encourage new recruits. CAS is one of the few sections within the BSIA that brings together a cross section of companies. To become a member of the CAS, the member company must be an existing member of another BSIA section and this means that the CAS membership is very diverse. For example, at each section meeting there are security equipment manufacturers, CCTV manufacturers, security consultants and manned guarding companies.

The objectives of the CAS are as follows:

• To promote BSIA member companies within the Civil Aviation Industry sector (i.e. airlines, airport authority’s, airports, governments, etc)
• To participate (as much as possible) and have an influence on any up and coming UK and EU legislation regarding security within the Civil Aviation industry
• To force close working relationships with UK organisations such as Transec, the ODA, Locum, etc to benefit BSIA members
  

The Civil Aviation Security meetings provide a fantastic insight into current legislation, current opportunities and many other important aspects of the Civil Aviation industry.

To view a letter from BSIA Civil Aviation Security Section Chairman, Ashley Smith, giving more details on the section, click here

If you are interested in joining the section contact the BSIA's Chris PInder via email or on 0845 389 0746.

Standards

Standards update
For the very latest information on industry standards, click here to download the standards update.

Publication of two new European Standards

Two new European standards have been published, both of which started life as BSIA codes of practice and then went on to become British Standards before finally being developed into European Standards.

The two new standards are:

• BS EN 50131-8:2009 - the European Standard for security fog devices/systems.
• BS EN 15713:2009 - the European Standard for secure destruction of confidential material.

Thanks goes to the BSIA members that sat on the European technical committees to develop the standards and to all those that commented on the consultations in the run up to the publication of the standards.

BSIA will be working to promote the standards to end-users. Members wishing to order copies of the standards should contact the BSIA helpline on 0845 389 3889.

Export

BSIA member wins the Queen’s Award for Enterprise
BSIA member, Integrated Design Ltd, has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2009.

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the UK's most prestigious Awards for business performance. They recognise and reward outstanding achievement by UK companies.  The Awards are made each year by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.

Integrated Design was awarded the International Trade category for demonstrating a substantial growth in export trade over a 3 year period, by expanding their network of overseas distributors and partners all over the world, to Korea, Russia, Australia and New Zealand, and building upon their existing dealer bases in North America, Japan, Middle East and Europe.  As such between April 2006 and April 2008 IDL has increased overseas revenue by almost 170%.

“Winning the Queen’s Award for International Trade is a great honour that we gladly share with our hard working partners in North America, Japan, Middle East and Europe.  The award recognises the team effort from our staff and suppliers that has earned Fastlane Entrance Control a place on an international stage.” Said Derek Huff, Managing Director at IDL.

BSIA overseas events schedule 2009/10
The BSIA runs a comprehensive schedule of missions to overseas exhibitions and events. Theschedule of overseas events for 2009/10 can be found below:

Overseas events 2009
Sept 30th - Oct 2 - Security & Safety Asia 2009 (Security, Fire and Safety), Singapore
Oct 21-31 - IFSEC India 2009 ( Security & Fire), New Delhi, India

Overseas events 2010
Jan 17-19 - INTERSEC 2010 (Security, Fire, Safety & Police), Dubai, U.A.E
Feb 23-26 - SICUR 2010 (Security, Fire& Safety) Madrid, Spain
March (tbc) - BSIA Outward Mission to Saudi Arabia
April 13-16 - MIPS (Security & Fire) 2010, Moscow, Russia

For more information regarding the 2009/10 overseas events please contact Peter Nicholls on 01707 377868 or via email.

Appeal for IFSEC success stories
The importance of passing on details of any successes achieved at IFSEC in securing contracts overseas is vital in securing future UKTI DSO support. The details will be used by the BSIA to promote the work of the Association and the capabilities of its members to UKTI DSO.

Please email any such success stories to Caroline Strickley.

Events

Industry involvement in Olympic & Paralympics safety & security planning
London 2012 security planners in the Home Office are inviting members of the security industry to an innovative workshop on national co-ordination.
The event, held by the Government's Olympic and Paralympic Security Directorate (OSD), is aimed at raising awareness of Games security planning, and drawing on the widespread experience and expertise in the private
sector.
 
Organisers want to harness industry expertise to highlight any issues that they will face in terms of timescales, procurement, capacity and capability around national co-ordination, to help refine the specification for the project and provide confidence around the planning process.

The methodology for the event will follow that used by other Government projects. This process has been developed by Intellect, and is know as 'Concept Viability'. It encourages early engagement by Government with industry and allows suppliers to demonstrate how the market can meet the need, provide early visibility of key risks and issues and gives suppliers the opportunity to manage expectations of what the market can and cannot contribute to the proposed programme.

The event, taking place on July 16 at the Metropolitan Police Service training centre at Hendon, is being staged with the help of the UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers' Community (RISC)- but the invitation to take part extends to any private sector company or organisation with a relevant interest. Anyone attending the workshop must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement reflecting the sensitive nature of this work.

RISC, which brings together the UK industrial community to support the  Government in creating a more secure and safe environment for UK citizens, has helped the OSD work with the family of trade associations and think tanks that support it. These include the BSIA, the Defence Manufacturers Association (DMA), Intellect and the Society of British Aerospace Companies.

For further details or to register your interest please email Steve Kemsley.

Security Week: Safety, Sustainability and Crowd Management

From 21st to 25th September, Bucks New University is hosting the inaugural Security Week at Missenden Abbey in Buckinghamshire. The week will cover a range of issues on each day, including planning for an armed intruder in an educational setting and counter terrorism in crowded places.

As the BSIA is supporting the event, members can benefit from a £25 reduction on the booking fee, meaning a saving of £100 if all 4 events are booked.

For more information on what the week will cover, click here. 

New BSIA exhibition and conference - Wednesday 11th November 2009
An exhibition and conference to focus on business crime reduction, counter terrorism initiatives and business continuity in the event of a major incident will be held in partnership with Thames Valley Police at Unipart Conference Centre, Unipart House, Cowley, Oxford.

Exhibition space is available. If you are interested in exhibiting please contact the Events Department on 0845 389 0747.

BSIA Breakfast Club
The BSIA will shortly be launching a breakfast club to provide members with the opportunity to attend short seminar sessions on key topics, new initiatives and legislation whilst enjoying breakfast.

If you have any topics you would like featured please get in touch with the Events Department (0845 389 0747) or email e.hercombe@bsia.co.uk.

BSIA golf days
The BSIA’s annual golf days return again this summer with lots of first class championship venues on offer.

The golf days allow you to enjoy an all-inclusive day, offering an informative atmosphere to reward and entertain staff, customers and guests. All golf days offer a challenge no matter whether you are a beginner or a low handicap player. At just £95+VAT per person to include coffee and bacon rolls, 18 holes of golf, putting competition, three course evening dinner and prizes, this represents excellent value for money.

North West
Wednesday 5th August – Carden Park, Nr Cheshire, CH3 9DQ

South East
Wednesday 12th August – Selsdon Park, Addington Road, Sanderstead, Surrey, CR2 8YA

Midlands
Wednesday 19th August – Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Warwickshire, CV7 7HR

Yorkshire/North East
Thursday 10th September – Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club, Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD17 7QW

Scotland
Thursday 17th September – Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, Kirknewton, Nr Edinburgh, EH27 8EB

For a booking form, click here, or  for further information, please contact the Events department on 0845 389 0743 or email e.hercombe@bsia.co.uk.

And finally....

Meeting with ID fraud MP for BSIA Information Destruction Section
The British Security Industry Association's Information Destruction Section had a meeting with Nigel Evans MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Identity Fraud, at the House of Commons on Tuesday.

The section was able to ask questions on the impact of the Data Protection Act and the role of the Information Commissioner, and to voice concerns about the need for businesses to take the disposal of their confidential information very seriously.

Russell Harris, BSIA Information Destruction Section Chairman, comments: "Protecting confidential information is an essential practice for any business or public sector organisation. With an existing interest in identity fraud, Nigel Evans MP acknowledged this and was sympathetic to the need to destroy confidential information effectively and securely."

"The BSIA Information Destruction Section wishes to raise awareness at a Government level of the need to shred confidential information securely and for the Data Protection Act to be actively enforced. The visit to the House of Commons was a step forward in this and we intend to further engage with MPs and the business community to take these aims forward."

For more information on the work of the BSIA Information Destruction Section, click here.