BSIA launches regional security personnel rounds of British Security Awards

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has launched its 2022 celebration of the industry’s finest, specifically the British Security Awards, and started the ball rolling with the regional rounds of the security personnel-focused categories.

Scheduled to take place on Wednesday 29 June at the Marriott Hotel on London’s Grosvenor Square, the British Security Awards will celebrate the achievements realised by security officers and teams across the UK’s private security industry, as well as acknowledging innovations in technology and business and the career contributions made by long-serving industry stalwarts.

The first phase of the awards will be to identify the regional winners and national finalists of the five security personnel categories: Best Newcomer, Best Team, Security Manager of the Year, Outstanding Act and Service to the Customer.

Regional winners will be announced at the beginning of April and then automatically go forward to the national stage on Wednesday 29 June. They will also be recognised prior to the ceremony at events around the country.

In total, there are 18 categories in 2022, including Innovative Security Project, National Partnership, Environmental Project of the Year, Business of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Contribution to the Industry and the Bravery Award. Two new categories, namely the Corporate Social Responsibility Award and the BSIA’s Special Recognition Award have also been added to the role of honour.

The entry process for these national categories will open on Tuesday 11 January.

Talent and commitment

Mike Reddington, CEO at the BSIA, commented: “The British Security Awards continues to be the professional security industry’s national event that celebrates the talent and commitment of our industry’s finest. The scale of achievement we see every year from across each sector is remarkable. Our awards enable us to recognise acts of untold bravery, ingenuity in the application of new technology and the successful delivery of projects by forward-thinking self-starters who work so diligently in our sector.”

Reddington continued: “After two incredibly challenging years for the industry, we’re looking forward to recognising and rewarding individuals and teams for the dedication they’ve shown to their chosen profession. We’re confident that, by June, we will be able to welcome members, stakeholders and colleagues from across the industry and celebrate excellence in security.”

After holding the event online for the past two years due to COVID-19, the Trade Association anticipates that the event will go ahead in the physical setting this year.

2022, in fact, marks 25 years of the BSIA’s awards scheme and also five years under its current guise as the British Security Awards.

*To enter one of the categories, visit the British Security Awards website at www.britishsecurityawards.co.uk

**The security personnel categories of the British Security Awards are sponsored by Camberford Underwriting

Reliance Protect wins prestigious award for ID Ultra personal safety device

Reliance Protect, the provider of lone worker solutions, is still celebrating after winning the prestigious Best Use of Technology Award at the British Security Awards 2021. This hotly contested category celebrates the most effective use of technology in protecting people, property and assets.

After assessing all of the entries, the 2021 Judges agreed that Reliance Protect’s ID Ultra personal safety device sets a new benchmark in lone worker protection.

Organised by the British Security Industry Association, each year the British Security Awards celebrate the achievements, acts of bravery and innovations realised by members of the UK’s security industry. This year’s online event was hosted by Sue Hill, star of Sky TV’s The Heist and a former chief superintendent in the Metropolitan Police Service.

“Technology is an increasingly integral part of any security strategy and plays a key role in keeping people safe as they go about their activities,” explained Reliance Protect’s lone worker services director Chris Allcard, “Whether it’s a community-based NHS nurse, a social worker, an enforcement officer or anyone else who works on their own, when an alarm is sent location verification needs to happen quickly. Therefore, when we decided to develop our ID Ultra personal safety device, being able to pinpoint the exact location of the wearer was a primary objective.”

Reliance Protect’s finance director David Watson with the BSIA Award for Best Use of Technology

Although Global Positioning System (GPS) technology has exerted a positive impact on the effectiveness of personal safety devices, it needs to have line of sight to a minimum of four satellites in order to provide an accurate location. Built-up areas can cause problems and, when a wearer is indoors, GPS can become either inaccurate or not work at all.

ID Ultra has been developed with advanced GPS technologies that work alongside Wi-Fi technology to provide location positions indoors.

Location tracking

The more Wi-Fi networks and access points ID Ultra can see, the better its location tracking. In urban environments, it’s far more effective than GPS. ID Ultra does this very quickly, sending a Wi-Fi position within 15 to 20 seconds of an alarm. By way of comparison, some lone worker devices can take upwards of 120 seconds to try to find a GPS location before timing out. 

To illustrate its effectiveness, back in March, Reliance Protect received 1,900 lone worker alarms at its BS 5979 Category II Alarm Receiving Centre. Wi-Fi technology generated locations in 352 of those alarms. That’s 352 incidents where devices relying solely on GPS would have not provided a location.

“Reliance Protect has been protecting lone workers and safeguarding organisations since 2006, making us one of the most established and trusted solution providers in the UK,” concluded Allcard. “Given the record-breaking number of entries this year, we’re incredibly proud to have received the Best Use of Technology Award at the British Security Awards 2021, and equally delighted that our dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology has been recognised by our industry peers.”

*For further information visit https://www.relianceprotect.co.uk/

Tavcom Training celebrates 25 years of professionalising global security industry

Tavcom Training, the Linx International Group company providing accredited security systems training courses, is celebrating its 25-year anniversary. Since 1995, the company has trained and certified upwards of 50,000 learners in over 100 countries by way of its extensive portfolio of more than 100 classroom and online courses.

With the mid-to-late 1990s growth in the number of manufacturers producing security technology including CCTV, access control, intruder alarms and IP networking, there was a burgeoning demand for expert vendor agnostic training regarding the design, installation, management and use of these increasingly complex safeguarding systems.

As a result, Tavcom Training was founded by Mike Tennent to meet this need. Tennent rapidly established the company’s international reputation as being the benchmark for training excellence. Today, the pace of technical innovation is faster than ever and Tennent’s commitment to delivering relevant and high-quality training continues to be a significant factor in Tavcom’s ongoing success some 25 years later.

Kevin Matthew, operations director at Tavcom Training, recalled: “In 1995 there were training courses accredited by a variety of industry bodies, but no standardised vocational qualifications universally recognised by employers in the UK and overseas.”

A key milestone came in 2001 when Tavcom’s BTEC courses were accredited by the Edexcel Foundation. Matthew added: “This proved to be a game-changer for the security industry, with quantifiable and accredited qualifications available for the first time.”

Forging strong ties

The commitment to professionalising the industry and improving standards through recognised and accredited training has continued for 25 years, with Tavcom Training forging strong ties with the British Security Industry Association, the Security System and Alarms Inspection Board, the CCTV User Group/NASCAM, the National Security Inspectorate, Skills for Security and the Career Transition Partnership, as well as other certification bodies including City & Guilds.

The company has also taken the lead in other industry-defining initiatives, notably so the Register of Certified Technical Security Professionals. Launched in 2017 and managed by Tavcom, this professional public register recognises the competency of individuals fulfilling technical roles in the electronic security and fire sectors.

Tavcom continues to make significant long-term investments in its training provision, seeking out world-renowned subject matter experts and trainers, developing new courses in response to the changing requirements of security professionals and also the rapidly evolving technology accessible to them.

The business has also made significant upgrades to its state-of-the-art and future-proofed Training Centre in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, as well as opening a new facility in Shipley, West Yorkshire and delivering courses at a purpose-built Training Centre in Singapore.

Matthew observed: “One of the biggest transformations in terms of how we deliver training has taken place in the past few years, with demand for online courses growing exponentially. Our portfolio of accredited online security training courses, bite-size training and interactive courses enables practising security professionals to access the training and qualifications they need from anywhere in the world.”

Online education programme

Tavcom’s established online training programme has proven invaluable for many security professionals this year given restrictions on travel and national lockdowns imposed as a result of COVID-19. This has allowed many industry professionals to improve upon their knowledge and skills. Matthew concluded: “We’re immensely proud of our rich 25-year heritage. As the security market and technology continues to evolve and grow, Tavcom is committed to being a trusted and respected training partner for learners at every stage of their career, whatever their training needs, circumstances and requirements may be at any given moment.” 

BSIA appoints Pauline Norstrom as Honorary Member of Trade Association

Pauline Norstrom has been appointed by the Board of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) as an Honorary Member of the Trade Association. Norstrom’s involvement with the BSIA stretches back over 20 years, with the dedicated security professional having served as chair of the Association from 2014-2016 as well as serving for six years as chair of the Video Surveillance Systems Section.

During her tenure as chair of the Trade Association, Norstrom championed the BSIA’s strategy, part of which was to promote the value of member services over and above price in what is a highly competitive marketplace, duly resulting in the development of the White Paper entitled ‘The (Real) Price of Security Solutions’.

As chair of the Video Surveillance Systems Section, Norstrom ensured that the BSIA was represented on the National CCTV Strategy Board and speaking for the whole industry, in turn leading to the development of BS 8495 focused on the extraction of digital evidence, the BSIA’s Privacy Masking Guide, the Chip and PIN Guide and the Code of Practice for the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Video Surveillance Systems.

Pauline Norstrom

Norstrom was also a key driver behind the development of the leading research project entitled ‘The Picture Is Not Clear: How Many CCTV Surveillance Cameras in the UK?’, the most extensive study of the number of CCTV cameras in the UK in the last 20 years. This particular project positioned the BSIA in the mainstream media in the UK and globally.

In 2016, Norstrom founded Anekanta Ltd, which from 2019 has provided expertise for converging new and legacy technology, examining ethical considerations and the potential impact of the use of Artificial Intelligence.

Prior to this, Norstrom headed up the global marketing function of Dedicated Micros, followed by senior Board and leadership roles in related UK and US technology businesses.

Norstrom is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a member of the IoT Security Foundation and the Security Industry Association’s Cyber Security Advisory Board and also a member of British Mensa.

Norstrom is a regular public speaker and writer providing thought leadership and ideas to the industry and its stakeholders.

Mike Reddington, CEO at the BSIA, said: “The BSIA is delighted to appoint Pauline Norstrom as an Honorary Member of the Association. Pauline’s contribution to the industry and our Association will play an essential role in clarifying the industry’s position on facial recognition, and will go some way towards helping to explain the benefits of this technology, recommending ethical uses and building the trust of the public. We can then move forward the next iteration of research on CCTV cameras.”

Daniel Sanzeri joins team at BSIA-led intelligence initiative SaferCash

British Security Industry Association (BSIA)-led intelligence initiative SaferCash has appointed Daniel Sanzeri as its new national higher police analyst.

Sanzeri has worked in various intelligence-driven roles for over a decade and joins the SaferCash team from the West Midlands Police. Having worked for Staffordshire Police as a senior force intelligence analyst, Sanzeri managed both strategic and tactical intelligence as well as the delivery of detailed analysis for business change.

Daniel Sanzeri: joining the team at SaferCash

Sanzeri’s intelligence career began in Training Standards. He was one of the first analysts assigned to the Claims Management Regulator – a unit in the Ministry of Justice and now part of the Financial Conduct Authority –  and rose through the ranks to senior roles within major UK law firms as legal director for intelligence focusing in particular on counter fraud.

Sarah Staff, head of SaferCash, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Daniel as he joins SaferCash. His experience of working directly to disrupt several serious and organised criminal networks which cause harm to communities and businesses alike is going to be vital for SaferCash as we focus on disrupting what many perceive to be ‘victimless’ crimes. I wish Daniel every success in his new role and very much look forward to working with him.”

TDSi appearing with BSIA and ONVIF at IFSEC International 2019

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi will be appearing on both the BSIA and ONVIF stands at IFSEC International 2019, which runs from 18-20 June at London’s ExCeL. TDSi’s team will be available to discuss its latest products with customers and partners on the BSIA Stand (IF2755) and ONVIF Booth (2525) throughout the event.

John Davies, managing director of TDSi, commented: “We’re delighted to be appearing with the BSIA and ONVIF at IFSEC International. At this year’s event, we’ll be highlighting our new GARDiS security software and upcoming hardware range. The new GARDiS controller will be fully ONVIF compliant (Profile A and Profile C) and perfect for integrating with a variety of security and access control systems.”

John Davies

The GARDiS range was launched at the end of last year with the first version of the access management software and was recently updated by GARDiS Version 1.1, which provides extra functionality and support for installers and end users. A prototype of the new GARDiS Controller (the first hardware in the range) was also unveiled in April this year and will shortly be available to order.

Davies added: “IFSEC International will provide the perfect opportunity for visitors across the UK and internationally to learn more about the benefits of the TDSi GARDiS range and to discuss specific requirements or project needs with our team. The event is a must-attend for anyone in the security industry, providing access to world-renowned industry leaders and networking with security directors and managers, installers, system integrators and distributors from across the globe.”

Certified Technical Security Professionals Register shortlisted for prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards 2018

Tavcom Training, a subsidiary of the Linx International Group, has announced that the Certified Technical Security Professionals (CTSP) Register is one of the shortlisted finalists for the prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards 2018 in the Contribution to Standards in the Security Sector category.

Currently celebrating its first anniversary, and with more than 500 professionals either registered or going through the application process, the CTSP Register aims to raise standards in the security and fire industry.

Operated by Tavcom Training, the Register has the support of the British Security Industry Association, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board and Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency.

Paul Tennent, Group sales director at Tavcom Training, commented: “The CTSP Register was established to recognise the competency of professionals working in the security and fire systems sectors. As the most respected awards scheme in our industry, the Security & Fire Excellence Awards is the perfect platform to raise awareness among security professionals that there’s now an opportunity to have their technical expertise publicly recognised.”

Now in its nineteenth year, the Security & Fire Excellence Awards has consistently broken new ground in highlighting the very best people, projects and processes that the security and fire sectors have to offer. The 2018 winners will be announced on Wednesday 21 November at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

*For more information about the Certified Technical Security Professional register visit http://www.ctsp.org.uk

Fly-tipping costing UK’s security industry “thousands of pounds” in clean-up and insurance claims

According to the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the illegal dumping of waste by criminal gangs is costing the UK’s security industry thousands of pounds in clean-up costs and insurance claims.

The costs, which might be borne by the landlords of fly-tipping ‘hotspots’ if they’re not covered by insurance, can routinely reach hundreds of thousands of pounds. Indeed, claims have been known to regularly exceed this figure.

Companies who fail to adequately protect their assets, or have been victims of fly-tipping in the past, could find their insurance cost rising. Some of these costs are met by taxpayers. According to the Local Government Association, the cost to taxpayers of clearing up fly-tipping rose to £57 million in the past year. That’s up 13% on the previous 12 months.

Restrictions on the tipping of waste and the inevitable dumping to avoid paying for waste processing are key factors underpinning this unlawful behaviour. In recent times, a far larger and more costly crime is occurring on an almost daily basis. This involves the unlawful occupation of land followed by large-scale collection and disposal of waste. There have also been many cases of industrial units rented on short leases which have then been filled with illegal waste and left for the landlord to clear up.

The recent surge in fly-tipping is put down to an influx of organised gangs offering cheap disposal services to businesses and then simply fly-tipping the waste to avoid the payment of landfill tax which is currently set at £88.95 per tonne*. More sophisticated fly-tippers have also been setting up dummy companies advertising cheap skip rentals. They take out short term leases on warehouses then fill them from floor to ceiling with waste before moving on ahead of the landlord realising that rent hasn’t been paid.

Focus on serious crime and terrorism

Tony Cockcroft, chair of the Security Guarding Section at the BSIA, said: “This activity is being conducted on an enormous scale and involves the tipping of hundreds of tonnes of waste. The waste is collected from building sites and garden and house clearances. It’s a criminal activity netting large amounts of money for those involved in the process.”

Cockroft continued: “In most cases of land tipping, the perpetrators are evicted from the site only to move on to another close by and repeat the same activity again and again. The police and other agencies seldom make arrests, prosecute individuals or confiscate vehicles largely due to their already overstretched resources having to be focused on serious crime and terrorist threats.”

Gideon Reichental, chair of the Vacant Property Protection Section at the BSIA, told Risk Xtra: “Fly-tipping isn’t just an unnecessarily expensive eyesore. It can also be dangerous. Tipped rubbish has been known to include specialist and clinical waste which may be hazardous. Mixed waste can spontaneously combust. This harms the environment through airborne pollution and contaminated fire-water run-off, which is why it has never been more important to tackle the problem head on.”

Reichental added: “The BSIA’s Vacant Property Protection Section has had a keen interest in this problem as it affects many of our clients in the public and private sectors on a day-to-day basis. They’re working closely with the Association’s lobbying team to see what additional Government support or legislation might be provided in order to help address this issue.”

Protecting large areas of land

Protecting large areas of land can prove difficult, but there are a number of fairly simple and inexpensive measures that should be considered as it’s far better, and ultimately cheaper, to deter a person from entering land rather than having to subsequently evict them and restore the site.

As a minimum, the BSIA recommends the installation of strong metal gates with toughened steel padlocks and anti-lift hinges. If the site is vacant, block all vulnerable access points with concrete barriers. Secure the perimeter with strong fencing, posts, earth mounds or trenches and frequently check the site and the perimeter.

The BSIA also advises landlords of industrial units to put in place robust procedures to identify if the persons looking to rent a property are fit and proper to do so.

It’s also worth contacting the police on 101 if there’s a suspicion that land is being illegally occupied, though police officers harbour only restricted powers to deal with people who breach civil law by trespassing. In certain circumstances, a direction to leave may be made and, in the event of non-compliance, arrests may follow.

However, the powers to remove trespassers are discretionary and will not be used by the police unless considered absolutely necessary. If trespassers don’t leave a site when requested to do so then landowners should go through the normal channels of civil recovery as quickly as possible to mitigate the potential damage and resulting costs.

*All figures quoted in this release have been provided by Dougie Barnett, head of mid-market and customer risk management at AXA Insurance

Securitas celebrates success in regional stages of BSIA’s Security Personnel Awards 2018

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has announced the regional winners of its Security Personnel Awards for 2018, and Securitas is delighted to have winners in three categories. The awards recognise the talent, dedication, skill and bravery exhibited by security personnel in their roles.

Security personnel are recognised in five categories: Service to the Customer, Outstanding Act, Best Use of Technology, Best Team and Best Newcomer.

Securitas officers Ramraj Sooknanan and Matt Bolger have been successful in the Service to the Customer category. Sooknanan has worked at his client site for 24 years, demonstrating true dedication to his role and responsibilities. Bolger started work on his client site in 2014, and his professionalism has seen him progress quickly and establish himself as a key part of the security team.

Ramraj Sooknanan

Samantha Golding, service delivery manager, has received the Best Newcomer Award. Starting as a relief officer in 2017, Golding’s integrity and commitment has seen her promoted from officer to service delivery manager in a short space of time.

Alison Ridge and David Prosser have been recognised in the category of Outstanding Act. The pair administered life-saving CPR, including by using a defibrillator, to an individual who had collapsed on-site. Their timely actions proved vital as they waited for the Emergency Services to attend the scene.

James Kelly, CEO of the BSIA, said: “It’s important that we recognise the true value of security personnel. They are often the first responders in times of emergency and play a vital role in keeping the public safe. This year’s Security Personnel Awards regional winners are testament to the truly high calibre of personnel we have working within our industry.”

Grainne Kelly, Human Resources director and also Operations Centre director at Securitas, commented: “At Securitas, people are at the heart of our protective services. Our officers in particular are the backbone of the security we deliver. They face a more challenging security environment than ever before. It’s fantastic to see Ramraj, Matt, Samantha, Alison and David recognised by the BSIA for their vigilance and dedication.”

All regional winners now progress to the national finals stage of the British Security Awards, to be held in London on 11 July in conjunction with the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon.

Next Generation Networks is focus of Euralarm Task Group Forum

The Europe-wide transition of traditional (ie PSTN) telecom networks towards all-IP communications networks that’s in different stages is having a significant impact on alarm signalling systems across countries. With this in mind, Euralarm’s Task Group on Next Generation Networks is now focusing on that transition.

Euralarm members the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the Fire Industry Association are hosting a high-profile forum on how changes to the UK telecommunications network may affect the fire and security industry. The event will be held on Thursday 15 March at the offices of UBM in central London and offers the opportunity to hear from the experts about what the impact of the transition will be.

Euralarm’s Task Group is also running a Workshop prior to the conference. To be held the day before, the Workshop is centred on developing an understanding of progress around Next Generation Networks across Europe. Members of the Task Group will consider what guidance and direction is of value to industry members and their customers going forward.

Euralarm members and other stakeholders and interested parties are invited to participate in the open forum, while the Workshop is for Euralarm members only.

More details about the Workshop can soon be found on the Euralarm website. Further information on the forum is available on the BSIA’s website.