SSAIB named as sponsor for 2021 ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards

The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) has been named as one of the sponsors for this year’s ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards.

The 2021 ceremony will take place on Wednesday 16 June and marks the seventh occasion that the exceptional actions of on-duty front line security personnel have been celebrated at this annual event.

The SSAIB joins other five sponsors – namely Centralus, the First Response Group, Orka Works, Security & Vetting Solutions and TrackTik – in supporting the event. The organisation will also put its name to two Security Officer of Distinction Awards which will be bestowed upon officers who’ve gone ‘above and beyond’ for both their employer and the client to whom they’re contracted.

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SSAIB CEO Alex Carmichael commented: “We’re thrilled to be able to lend our support to the 2021 ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards. We’re one of the UKAS-accredited certification bodies working with the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme. That being so, we see first-hand the outstanding work that security services personnel do on a day-to-day basis. It’s great that an awards event such as this exists in order to give them industry recognition and reward them for their exceptional efforts.”

*Nominations for the 2021 ACS Pacesetters Security Officer of Distinction Awards can be made up until the closing date of Friday 26 March. A copy of the nomination form can be downloaded from the ACS Pacesetters’ website

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.” 

SSAIB praises registered firm PLP Fire Protection for playing vital role at NHS Nightingale Hospital

The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) has been full of praise for one of its registered firms, namely PLP Fire Protection, which has been providing invaluable assistance in the building of the Government’s first emergency field hospital at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London’s Docklands.

The temporary NHS Nightingale Hospital has been established to treat up to 4,000 Coronavirus patients, with Dorset-based PLP Fire Protection helping to transform ExCeL (which was due to host IFSEC International and FIREX International next month before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a reschedule) into a working hospital in just nine days.

BAFE SP203-registered PLP Fire Protection has worked diligently with 160-plus other contractors – as well as 200 British Army engineers – to complete the astonishing transformation.

Company director Rob Beeching has revealed just how hard the work has been for him and the various members of his team, whom he has nothing but praise for in what had been a tough week for them all. Replying to an email from Fire Industry Association CEO Ian Moore, Beeching stated: “Quite honestly, this week has been hell. We were literally brought back to site on Monday morning and had the most unrealistic time to make sure the initial 500-bed section was installed and signed off. The effort from my team and the sub-contractors has been incredible. I’m so proud of them all.”

Beeching added: “We have even had tears from some of our guys, but proud tears. Working conditions have been very tough, both physically and mentally. I have been arriving back home at midnight most days this week. Then I just feel like breaking down. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for sure.”

Intensive care scenario

With the initial 500 beds in place, the NHS Nightingale Hospital will care for patients with the virus in intensive care who have been transferred from other London hospitals. The building work continues in order to make sure the space is sorted for the other 3,500 beds planned, but Beeching insisted that he would not force his committed team to continue to work if they were worried about being in close proximity to the virus.

On that note, Beeching observed: “We were told by a representative from the World Health Organisation that, once patients start arriving, although they will be sectioned off by a wall, we would still be working in adjacent halls. They said we would be completely safe. I wasn’t going to force any of my guys to carry on working if they didn’t feel comfortable with the arrangements but, when I asked for a show of hands in terms of who wanted to continue, 80% raised their hands. They’re all in this until the end and feel they cannot leave the site until the job is completed.”

In conclusion, Beeching said: “Even our suppliers have been personally delivering the equipment that we need to site. We are so grateful. The help being offered from so many people has been amazing.”

SSAIB CEO Alex Carmichael informed Fire Safety Matters and Security Matters: “It’s great to see SSAIB-registered firm PLP Fire Protection assisting with the construction of the NHS Nightingale Hospital and I have to commend the company for its dedicated effort during this difficult time.”

Carmichael continued: “On behalf of everyone here at the SSAIB, I want to thank Rob and the rest of his team for their heroic commitment to helping the NHS in this way and as they continue to assist with the creation of more beds at the facility. I hope they all remain safe while completing this vital work.”

Amthal fires up 20th Anniversary celebrations by launching specialist logo

Amthal Fire & Security is celebrating its 20^th Anniversary with the launch of a new logo, dedicated to showcasing the company’s fast-growing and evolutionary journey towards becoming a fire and security specialist.

Launched in 2000 by close friends John Allam and Paul Rosenthal, Amthal Fire & Security now has over 60 members in the team and operates on a nationwide basis providing design, installation, maintenance and monitoring services across the commercial, public and residential sectors.

Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end user needs for security and safety by offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire and security solutions, including intruder, fire, access and CCTV systems.

In 2008, Jamie Allam joined the management team to become commercial director and created the structure to drive an ambitious growth plan, incorporating all aspects of the business from operations through to sales and on to commercial targets.

Since last year, a dedicated senior management team has been created to manage day-to-day operations, including team members from across the business, some of whom began their Amthal journey as apprentices.

Jamie Allam commented: “Since we opened our doors in 2000, the economy and the challenges our clients face have evolved dramatically and our business has always taken a proactive approach. We’ve continued on our dynamic journey, transforming the way in which we work to operate as a total solutions provider for clients in order to deliver full fire and security services.”

Allam continued: “We’re very excited to reach our 20^th Anniversary and wanted a special way to celebrate our year, which reflected our mission, vision and values, both to our incredible team and our customers. The logo was created by providing keywords we associate with Amthal, such as ‘Strength’, ‘Diversity’, ‘Understanding’ and ‘Trustworthy’ alongside recognising our commitment to smart solutions and the latest technology.”

The logo will now be appearing across all social media channels and marketing material, and marks the start of the celebrations through the year, culminating in a special event on Amthal’s actual birthday, which is 14 November 2020.

Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE).

IFSEC International announces SSAIB as official Installer Partner for 2020 event

Professional security installers are the essential lifeblood of IFSEC International and FIREX International. Long-standing event partners the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) has been named as the official Installer Partner for the 2020 shows, which take place at London’s ExCeL from May 19-21.

SSAIB is a certification body for security and fire alarm installation professionals, security guarding services and monitoring. SSAIB-approved companies are exclusively invited to IFSEC International and FIREX International 2020 in order to meet with trained SSAIB personnel and engage with over 500 leading manufacturers and suppliers of security and fire safety technologies and services.

IFSEC and FIREX are the perfect learning environments for SSAIB companies where they can spend three days totally immersed in state-of-the-art technologies, solutions and discussions all focused around the driving issues in security and fire. It’s where the entire security and fire communities always come together to collaborate, ask the big questions and find the practical answers to their current challenges.

The SSAIB will also use its time at IFSEC and FIREX to host its regional South East meeting, which makes it convenient for approved companies to make full use of their time at IFSEC, mixing SSAIB business with their own fact-finding and discovery missions.

The 2020 events also mark the return of the SSAIB to FIREX International, where representatives will be on hand to discuss various BAFE-approved certification opportunities in fire system design and installation, life safety risk assessment and the correct use and maintenance of portable extinguisher equipment. With the national agenda now firmly fixed on promoting certified life safety schemes and awareness, the SSAIB’s presence at FIREX International will rigorously contribute to the show’s stated aims of promoting expertise and guidance in life safety.

In line with the new decade, the SSAIB will once again host the official Installer Bar in IFSEC that will have a dedicated ‘Roaring 20s’ theme to herald 2020.

SSAIB CEO Alex Carmichael commented: “We’re delighted to be named as the official Installer Partner for IFSEC and FIREX International 2020. They are the premier events for both the fire and security industries and we would very much encourage our registered firms to visit us at ExCeL next May.”

Carmichael added: “We’ve also incorporated our South East regional meeting into IFSEC 2020 because it gives the many firms that attend our events the opportunity to immerse themselves in all the latest developments and technologies on show at IFSEC and FIREX. Not only can they do this and hear all the latest updates we’ll be sharing, but they’ll also be invited to join us at our Installer Bar for an informal catch-up.”

In addition, Carmichael observed: “The SSAIB has enjoyed a lot of success by lending its name to an IFSEC bar over the last two years, so we’ve decided to try and build on that further by making a welcome return to FIREX as well.”

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

SSAIB appoints Dougie Callander as new manned services scheme manager

The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) has named Dougie Callander as the organisation’s new scheme manager for manned services after predecessor David Taylor made the decision to step down from the role over the summer.

With over 19 years of experience in the security industrym having entered the security world straight from school, 37-year-old Callander has spent the last decade working as a regional investigator for the Security Industry Authority (SIA), where he also completed a seven-month stint acting as regional investigations manager for the Regulator’s compliance and investigation department during 2012-2013.

While working for the SIA, the new Scotland-based scheme manager also played an integral part in a multi-agency team co-ordinating the regulation and quality assurance at high-profile events such as the London 2012 Olympic Games, the G8 Summits in Northern Ireland (2013) and Cardiff (2014), the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2014 Ryder Cup tournament.

Dougie Callander: new role at the SSAIB

After building up a wealth of experience in his previous employment at the SIA, Callander is now looking to use what he has learnt so far to “bring a new dynamic to the SSAIB.” He told Risk Xtra: “While working for the SIA and within the security industry over the last ten years, I’ve been aware of the excellent reputation that the SSAIB enjoys within the industry and the work the organisation has done to help raise the performance standards within the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). Most importantly, I also know of the part the SSAIB has played in safeguarding the integrity of the ACS by ensuring that all assessments are fair, proportionate and transparent. For me, it’s essential that the SSAIB continues to perform to the high standards already set.”

Callander added: “I like to think I’m a champion of change. I always promote Best Practice. Therefore, I believe that my unique and diverse background, as well as my knowledge of the SIA and the ACS, will bring a new dynamic to the SSAIB. I’ll be able to offer fresh ideas on ensuring that we continue performing to a consistently high standard.”

Departing manned services scheme manager Taylor – who joined the SSAIB back in June 2014 – will continue as a part-time manned services assessor for the time being. The organisation would like to thank him for all of his hard work during his time as manned services scheme manager.

“2016 Engineers of Tomorrow competition now fully-booked” announces UBM

UBM EMEA, the organiser of IFSEC International, has just announced that all places on this year’s prestigious Engineers of Tomorrow annual competition are now filled. 64 of the fire and security industry’s brightest young engineers will now be at IFSEC International from 21-23 June in order to test their skills against each other in a live installation challenge at Europe’s largest security exhibition.

Engineers of Tomorrow is part of Apprenticeships for Fire and Security, an initiative that places apprentices into careers in the security industry and underpins their development. Supported by IFSEC International, CSL DualCom, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and Skills for Security, the scheme has already helped in launching the careers of more than 3,000 young apprentices.

At the heart of the installation apprentice and young engineer industry, the competition will provide participants with a global stage to compete against their peers and represent their company.

Companies involved in 2016 include Fidelity Integrated Systems, Abel Alarm Co, Highgrade Fire and Security, Chubb Fire and Security, CBRE, Tyco, Red Alert, VocalVale, H+J Martin, Ambush Security, Wessex Alarms, Captstan Security, Secure One, CIA, SES Yeovil, William Hale, Custom Alarms and the defending champions Tel Cam Security Systems and Kings Security.

The apprentice engineers will participate in the 90-minute live challenge that takes place on the lively exhibition floor at IFSEC International. They will then be assessed by a leading panel of judges from the security inspectorates, the NSI and the SSAIB, and points are then allocated based on performance in the various disciplines.

Heat winners and their employers will be invited to attend the prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards, which take place on Wednesday 23 November 2016, where the overall winner will be announced and awarded a £1000 cash prize.

Demand for improved skills

Commenting on the competition, Simon Banks (group managing director at the CSL DualCom Group) said: “The huge take-up for IFSEC International’s Engineers of Tomorrow competition is in line with the industry’s demand for better skills. The fire and security sector is committed to apprenticeships providing results for businesses on a swift basis, while at the same time creating a lasting professional workforce for the future. Importantly, this competition allows employers and apprentices to showcase their skill sets on a world stage.”

This year, IFSEC International will host over 600 leading solution suppliers under one roof across the three days at London’s ExCeL, with the likes of Tyco, Milestone Systems, UTC, Texecom, Salto, Paxton, Hikvision, Dahua, Assa Abloy, Axis Communications, Canon, CAME and Marshalls already confirmed to attend. The show will also welcome more than 65 new exhibitors in 2016.

IFSEC and FIREX International will once again be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection and Management Series, which is the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information.

The Protection and Management Series also incorporates The Facilities Show, Safety and Health Expo and Service Management Expo.

Annually, it attracts more than 40,000 attendees over three days and is the ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the security, fire, safety and facilities business sectors.

*Find out more detail about IFSEC International (and register for your badge to see the Engineers of Tomorrow competition) here:  http://www.ifsec.co.uk/Watch_EoT/

SSAIB’s 2016 Installer Forum at BT Tower sold out in record time

The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), the fire, security and telecare certification body, has taken just eight hours to fill all 70 places available at its upcoming Installer Forum, which powered by IFSEC International and hosted by BT Redcare.

The 2016 Installer Forum is one of many similar seminars being held by SSAIB around the UK and Ireland this year, and the 4 May London event will be SSAIB’s third consecutive annual visit to the prestigious BT Tower.

Kicking off with a wide-ranging and informative update on standards and other topics from SSAIB’s CEO, Alex Carmichael, the half-day seminar will move on to a review of signalling technology presented by BT Redcare. Professional solutions specialist Citation will then provide an overview of Health and Safety issues before handing over to Tony Porter, the Surveillance Camera Commissioner, for his own presentation.

There will also be points of view from both a security manager’s and an insurer’s perspective before the morning closes with a market insight session chaired by United Business Media.

Delegates will then be invited to lunch in the BT Tower’s famous 34^th Floor revolving restaurant, which is over 500 feet above ground level.

“Our third Installer Forum at the BT Tower in May is part of the SSAIB’s rolling programme of regional seminar events and other exhibition attendances being held across Britain and Ireland,” commented the organisation’s sales and marketing manager Andrew Brown. “This year alone we’ve already been to Durham, Bolton, Rotherham, Essex and Canterbury. In early April, we also visited the Titanic Centre in Belfast before moving on to the Redcow Moran Hotel in Dublin.”

Brown continued: “On 13 April we’ll be welcoming delegates at Hampden Park in Glasgow for Expo Scotland, while the month rounds out at our North East Expo which is being held at Kingston Park, the home of Newcastle Falcons. In May, we’ll be at Expo West Midlands at Wolverhampton Racecourse. Just a month later, the SSAIB takes its annual stand at the three-day IFSEC International event being staged again at ExCeL London from 21-23 June.”

Engineers of Tomorrow 2016: Call for Entries

The prestigious Engineers of Tomorrow annual competition is now open for the fire and security industry’s brightest young engineers to register their interest. Successful entrants will then be invited to pit their skills against each other in a live installation challenge at Europe’s largest security exhibition, IFSEC International, which takes place in June.

Each year, more than 50 apprentice engineers participate in pairs to complete a 90-minute live challenge on the busy exhibition floor at IFSEC International, where they are then assessed by a leading panel of judges from the security industry’s inspectorates, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and points allocated based on performance in the various disciplines.

Heat winners and their employers will be invited to the prestigious Security and Fire Excellence Awards where the winner will be announced and awarded a £1000 cash prize.

Simon Banks, group managing director at CSL DualCom Group, commented: “The purpose of the Engineers of Tomorrow competition is to showcase the very best talent the security industry has to offer. It recognises the value of skills in our sector. For any security installer businesses who’ve invested in an apprentice, the competition is a great opportunity to promote their competency on a world stage.”

Apprenticeships for Fire and Security

Engineers of Tomorrow is part of Apprenticeships for Fire and Security, an initiative that places apprentices into careers in the security industry and supports their development.

Sponsored by IFSEC International, CSL DualCom, the NSI, the SSAIB and Skills for Security, the scheme has already helped launch the careers of more than 3,000 young apprentices.

At the heart of the installation apprentice and young engineer industry, the competition will provide participants with a global stage to compete against their peers and represent their company.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three pairs of engineers, with a first prize of £1000 provided by CSL DualCom, the second prize (a £500 Red Letter Day) donated by the NSI  and, finally, a third prize of £300 supported by the SSAIB.

This year, IFSEC International will run from 21-23 June in 2016 at London’s ExCeL and will once again be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection and Management Series, the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information. In addition to IFSEC International, the series incorporates FIREX International, The Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and Service Management Expo.

To nominate yourself or a colleague and to gain more information about the Engineers of Tomorrow competition visit: www.ifsec.co.uk/EOT