First-ever Cyber Outstanding Security Performance Awards winners announced

The winners of the first-ever Cyber Outstanding Security Performance Awards (Cyber OSPAs) were announced on Tuesday 14 December. During a virtual awards ceremony, representatives from across the cyber security sector tuned in live from around the world to celebrate the outstanding achievements of all this year’s finalists and winners.

Professor Martin Gill CSyP FSyI, founder of the Cyber OSPAs. hosted the online awards ceremony with assistance from this year’s Judges and sponsors.

In his opening address, Professor Gill highlighted the amazingly high level of response received for the awards, especially given that 2021 is their first year, and thanked all those who had made the inaugural awards such a huge success.

The panel of Judges was nominated by the leading cyber security associations from around the world and marked submissions in accordance with a published ethics policy. Indeed, the had no easy task in reviewing the many nominations and selecting the eventual winners. 

Entries were received from countries as diverse as Australia, Belgium, Egypt, Germany, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Romania, the US, the UAE and, of course, the UK.

Full list of 2021 winners

The Cyber OSPAs were presented in eleven categories to a deserving array of organisations and individuals. The 2021 winners of the Cyber OSPAs are as follows:

*Outstanding Chief Information Security Officer: Glen Hymers (Save The Children International)

*Outstanding Cyber Security Professional: Anna B (AWE)

*Outstanding Cyber Security Team: Marken Information Security Team

*Outstanding Cyber Security Consultant: Peter Yapp (Schillings International)

*Outstanding Customer Service Initiative: iSTORM Privacy (Security Pentesting)

*Outstanding Cyber Security Training/Awareness Initiative: NPCC National Cyber Crime Programme

*Outstanding Cyber Security Partnership: North East Business Resilience Centre

*Outstanding Police/Law Enforcement Initiative: NPCC National Cyber Crime Programme (Police CyberAlarm)

*Outstanding Young Cyber Security Professional: Sarah Norman-Clarke (Department for Transport)

*Outstanding New Cyber Security Product: Deduce Customer Alerts (Deduce)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr Robert (Bob) Nowill

2021 supporters

The event organiser would like to thank all those who helped to make the 2021 Cyber OSPAs such a success, including global industry associations and their representative Judges, the Nineteen Group and also this year’s Media Partners (Digital Forensics Magazine, The Investigator, My Security Media, International Cyber Expo and the National Cyber Security Show).

*Summaries of all the 2021 winners can be viewed on the Cyber OSPAs website, while the awards ceremony live stream can be viewed on demand here

Ten-plus NSI-approved companies shortlisted for 2020 OSPAs

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI), a sponsor of the 2020 UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), has congratulated the 13 NSI-approved companies shortlisted by the Judging Panel for their achievements within the security industry. The OSPAs are part of a global awards scheme currently running in eight countries and designed to recognise and reward outstanding performance.

In total, the 13 NSI-approved companies have over 50 shortlisted nominations across multiple categories including Outstanding Contract Security Company, Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator and Outstanding Security Officer.

 

The judging is a rigorous and transparent process designed to recognise exceptional company and individual performance in the private security sector.

This year, the NSI’s involvement has extended to the OSPAs Thought Leadership Summit. This takes place on the afternoon of the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 26 February in central London. It’s a further opportunity to hear the thoughts of high-profile speakers and debate key challenges in the private security sector, such as supply chain integrity and ways in which to address the rate of improvement in false alarms.

Richard Jenkins: CEO at the NSI

Richard Jenkins, CEO at the NSI, commented: “The UK OSPAs highlight Best Practice and recognise the achievements of companies and individuals alike within the private security industry. We’re delighted to see so many NSI-approved companies recognised for their outstanding performance and in so many categories. Our congratulations go to all of the finalists whose achievements have been recognised this year. We wish them every success tomorrow. The NSI’s sponsorship of events and awards reinforces our commitment to recognising outstanding performance and raising standards across the security business sector.”

*Only limited places are now available for the Thought Leadership Summit which begins at 11.15 am. Places can be booked for only £45 +VAT including luncheon, entrance to the conference and exhibition and all refreshments. Visit https://uk.theospas.com/summit2020/

IDIS ranked among top security equipment manufacturers for 2020 OSPAs

Confirming IDIS as one of the most trusted suppliers of surveillance tech in the UK, the company has been named as a finalist in the 2020 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). Indeed, IDIS is the only video manufacturer to have been selected as a finalist in this year’s awards scheme.

Now Korea’s largest in-country video surveillance equipment manufacturer, IDIS has established a committed customer base in the UK by offering end-to-end video solutions that combine plug-and-play simplicity with advanced functions. It’s an approach that has seen its sales grow consistently every year since its 2013 UK launch. In 2018, year-on-year sales were up by 78%, with 22% consolidated growth across Europe.

UK OSPAs founder Professor Martin Gill CSyP FSyI informed Risk Xtra that IDIS and the other 2020 finalists had been identified by an independent panel of experts scoring against impartial and ethical judging criteria.

“All those who are finalists have reached a score threshold and those with low scores, or ranked lower than tenth equal, have been eliminated. This ensures our finalists represent the very best in the industry.”

From the early days of IP, IDIS took a different approach to its competitors. When many were talking about the advantages of open architecture IP surveillance and solutions on corporate networks, IDIS understood that there were drawbacks in that approach. Today, it’s almost universally accepted that, for many SME video surveillance applications, dedicated networks are better.

IDIS identified this reality correctly from the outset because the business wasn’t led by what new technology could do, but rather by what customers actually needed.

As a result, IDIS DirectIP was the first genuine, one-click plug-and-play solution which, at a stroke, removed a major burden on professional installers. IDIS believed there should be no need for engineers to learn how to handle networks and routers, or to manage passwords for each individual device. Supporting installers who don’t have an in-depth knowledge of networking, IDIS’ ‘For Every Network’ peer-to-peer technology allows engineers to deploy secure, multi-site surveillance solutions on a rapid basis.

IDIS has also led the way with other important innovations, including reducing the video storage and transmission burden for end users with its Intelligent Codec, a powerful compression technology that cuts bandwidth requirements by up to 90% when combined with motion adaptive transmission.

To make the migration to H.265 easier and more affordable for end users, IDIS developed a dual codec solution allowing simultaneous H.264 live viewing and H.265 high resolution recording. Another example of technical innovation being fitted to customer realities, not the other way around.

IDIS has also focused on improving value for end users, with its totally cost- and license- free IDIS Center VMS being powerful yet easy enough for non-specialist staff to use.

“IDIS innovations have a proven track record of providing targeted and original answers to specific problems faced by end users and installers,” explained James Min, managing director for IDIS Europe. “We’re delighted that our approach has been recognised in the 2020 OSPAs and look forward to the awards ceremony on 26 February.”

Axis Security and The Axis Academy nominated for 2020 OSPAs

Integrated security, Front of House and cleaning services business the Axis Group starts 2020 as a finalist in the UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) with nominations in two categories: Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) for Axis Security and Outstanding Security Training Initiative for The Axis Academy, Axis Group’s learning and development division.

The OSPAs recognise and reward companies and individuals across the security sector. Axis Security has been recognised as an outstanding security business which is making a positive difference, successfully motivating and up-skilling staff, making the most of technologies and forging new approaches and thinking around security guarding.

This nomination comes off the back of Axis Security’s most successful year of organic growth, turning over £24 million in new business alone, which represents a 140% increase on last year’s business results.

The Axis Academy, the training division for Axis Group, has been nominated for the Outstanding Security Training Initiative for its Mental Health First Aid course, which was launched in the summer of 2019 and has already trained 220 people across three levels including mental health awareness, mental health First Aid and supervising mental health.

The course supports Axis’ aim to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace, with specific training to equip people with the required knowledge and skills to act as workplace mental health First Aiders. It has been designed to help participants understand why people develop mental health conditions, and how a First Aider for mental health can provide advice and practical support for an individual presenting with a suspected mental health condition.

David Mundell, managing director of Axis Security, believes that the company’s dedication to customer service continues to underpin its success. “We see ourselves as one of the outstanding performers in the security sector, doing our utmost to support our talented people and deliver top quality customer service to our clients.”

Mundell added: “Giving the right kind of support to employees remains key to everybody’s success so we’re especially pleased to see the response to our new training initiatives, notably so around the area of mental health. The course also helps people to recognise and manage their own stress, and how to implement a positive mental health culture in the workplace, so it’s a really beneficial addition to our learning offer.”

The 2020 OSPAs Ceremony takes place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in central London on 26 February.

Stand-up comedian and ‘Chaser’ Paul Sinha to host 2020 UK OSPAs

Television presenter and stand-up comedian Paul Sinha is set to host the UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) taking place on 26 February 2020 in central London.

Sinha, who’s also known as ‘The Sinnerman’, has one of the finest quiz brains in the country and regularly appears on ITV1’s The Chase as a ‘Chaser’.

As well as performing as the awards host, Sinha will deliver a stand-up comedy set to an expected audience of 500-plus security business sector professionals.

Winners of the 2020 OSPAs will be honoured at the event. Anyone who can demonstrate that they’ve made a significant and outstanding contribution to the security industry is being urged to enter to be in with a chance of formal recognition.

Entry to the UK OSPAs is open until midnight on 1 October. There are 16 categories to choose from, the entry process is free and completed entirely online. Submissions may be put forward for as many categories that are applicable.

*Information on nomination criteria and how to enter can be found online at www.uk.theospas.com

**The UK OSPAs are now in their fourth year. Innovise Software is sponsoring the awards for the second consecutive year

Tackling Economic Crime Awards 2019: Call for Nominations

Entries are now open for the inaugural Tackling Economic Crime Awards (TECAs) organised by the World Excellence Awards team who also run the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs).

The TECAs are independent and designed to acknowledge companies, initiatives, individuals and teams who have made an outstanding contribution to tackling economic crime, including any area of fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption.

The awards are free to enter and open to anyone working in the UK and operating in the public, private or third sectors. 

 

Commenting on the TECAs, founder Professor Martin Gill CSyP said: “These awards are different. Judges are nominated by fraud specialist associations and groups and all of the leading ones are involved. The Judges mark to an ethics policy and there’s an ethical sponsorship policy in place, too.”   

The entry process is open until 1 August 2019. Nominations are now invited in the following categories:

* Outstanding Manager or Director

* Outstanding Team

* Outstanding Customer Service Initiative

* Outstanding Training Initiative

* Outstanding New Product

* Outstanding Training Initiative

* Outstanding Partnership

* Outstanding Investigator

* Outstanding Policing Initiative

* Outstanding Young Professional

* Outstanding Cyber Company

* Outstanding Female Professional

* Outstanding Prevention Initiative

* Lifetime Achievement Award 

Winners of the TECAs will be announced at a prestigious Awards Ceremony to be held on Monday 9 December at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on London’s Park Lane.

*Information on the nomination criteria and how to enter can be accessed online at www.thetecas.com

National Security Inspectorate appoints new auditor in Northern Ireland

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the UK’s independent certification body specialising in the security, guarding and fire sectors, has appointed Clare McIntyre as security and fire systems auditor and lead auditor for ISO 9001 in Northern Ireland.

Having spent over 20 years in the sector within quality and operations management and system design, McIntyre brings a wealth of experience to the NSI’s expert auditing team. She previously worked for NSI approved companies, transitioning from one of the few female-nominated fire alarm designers to become a fully-integrated security and fire design engineer.

Clare McIntyre

Having realised her passion for developing and improving standards within the industry, becoming an auditor for NSI was a natural progression in McIntyre’s career.

Richard Jenkins, the NSI’s CEO, commented: “We’re committed to recruiting auditors with practical experience, knowledge and understanding of our sector. Currently, the UK has the lowest percentage of females on the engineering register in the EU at only 7%. Therefore, Clare’s appointment may also serve to embed some change in what has, traditionally, been a male-dominated sector in the UK. ”

NSI to sponsor ‘Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator’ category at 2019 OSPAs

The NSI is proud to sponsor the ‘Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator’ category at next year’s Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), which take place in London on 28 February.

The UK OSPAs is part of a global awards scheme currently running in eight countries and designed to recognise outstanding contributions and achievements within their respective security sectors. Following extensive research in 2014 by Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International on what constitutes outstanding performance, the OSPA categories and criteria were then standardised, providing an opportunity for countries to run their own evidence-based OSPAs, while also maintaining the ability to compete on an international level.

Professor Martin Gill CSyP FSyI, founder of the OSPAs and director of Perpetuity Research, commented: “I’m delighted that the NSI is continuing its Installer/Integrator category sponsorship of the UK OSPAs. Since its formation nearly five decades ago, the NSI’s focus has been to raise standards in the UK security sector and those companies securing its approval, across all disciplines of security, are instrumental in helping to achieve this goal. The OSPAs provides a global stage for security excellence so it’s fitting that the NSI is a key player in these awards.”

Richard Jenkins added: “We’re committed to supporting initiatives that celebrate excellence and innovation in the UK’s security sector. The OSPAs are highly respected among the security and buyer communities for their core values and ethics. Gaining recognition with an OSPA is a significant achievement and we’re delighted to be associated with this prestigious event.”

Professor Martin Gill CSyP wins 2016 Imbert Prize bestowed by ASC

Professor Martin Gill CSyP, director of Perpetuity Research and founder of the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), has won the prestigious Imbert Prize bestowed by the Association of Security Consultants (ASC). The winner of the Associations segment of the annual Imbert Prize was announced at CONSEC 2016, which took place at the London Heathrow Marriott Hotel.

The Associations Prize is awarded to an individual in recognition of his or her demonstrably significant contribution to the security business sector across the previous year, with nominations made by ASIS UK, the British Security Industry Association, the International Professional Security Association and The Security Institute and adjudged by the ASC’s own Awards Panel.

The Imbert Prize itself highlights the ASC’s mission to encourage the advancement and professional development of the disciplines of risk and security management within the UK. The prize is named in honour of Lord Peter Imbert, former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service and Lord Lieutenant of Greater London, who has been a prominent figure in security and policing for many years now.

This award comes hot on the heels of Professor Gill receiving The ASIS President’s Award for Merit. This was awarded to Gill at ASIS International’s 62nd Annual Seminar and Exhibits (otherwise known as ‘ASIS 2016’), which ran in Orlando from 12–15 September. Gill received this particular award for his demonstrated dedication to the field of security and his assistance in advancing the profession as a whole, highlighted through his work in the field of security education, his service on the Board of the ASIS Foundation and the development and implementation of the aforementioned OSPAs.

Referencing this duo of prestigious honours, Gill told Risk UK: “To me, it’s the ultimate accolade to be recognised by your peers, and I’m both extremely grateful and humbled by the honour. I’m acutely aware of how many deserving people there are out there in security undertaking excellent work which is often unheralded. It’s ironic that I receive two prestigious awards when one of my main commitments is to recognise the truly deserving security people around the world via the OSPAs (www.theospas.com). I would like to thank all those people who continue to support me and my work.”