New co-chairs announced for The Security Institute’s Young Members Group

The Security Institute has announced that Camilla Scrimgeour ASyI and Anastasia Spiridonova will co-chair the organisation’s Young Members Group, which exists to serve security professionals under the age of 35.

In essence, the Young Members Group aims to represent the views of young professionals within the sector, as well as foster more opportunities for such professionals to access and thrive within the world of security. Scrimgeour and Spiridonova now plan on arranging regular speaker-focused and networking events to ‘spread the message’.

Both Scrimgeour and Spiridonova have already gained a wealth of experience and begun to establish themselves as young professionals within the security field. Camilla Scrimgeour is currently an associate at S-RM, the global risk and intelligence consultancy. In this role, she works within the crisis response team, actively preventing and responding to kidnap, ransom and extortion incidents as well as wider crises. She boasts experience of working in the crisis management and intelligence space for both corporate companies and Government organisations including the Mayor of London’s Office.

Scrimgeour holds an MA in International Relations and French gained at the University of St Andrews and is qualified in the fields of business continuity and intelligence analysis.

Anastasia Spiridonova is currently a student member of the Institute. Outside of the Institute, she’s an investigator and soon-to-be co-director at the Lost Boys Detective Agency. The latter is a security, risk management and investigations company that provides bespoke services to private, corporate and legal clients.

Spiridonova holds a BA degree in French and Iberian and Latin American Cultures from Stanford University, as well as having studied criminal justice in partnership with the University of Oxford. She speaks Russian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and English, with her professional background encompassing art sales through to roles in corporate finance.

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Camilla Scrimgeour

Increased innovation

Under the leadership and direction of Scrimgeour and Spiridonova, the Young Members Group will continue to support the Institute’s advocacy for the inclusion and celebration of young people within the security business sector. The Institute strongly believes that embracing young people and their unique perspectives is key to increasing innovation within the field, which will also help to enhance professional practices and, ultimately, ensure that the sector is best equipped to tackle the threats of tomorrow.

In a joint statement concerning their new roles at the Institute, Scrimgeour and Spiridonova explained: “We are excited to be co-chairing the Young Members Group and look forward to supporting other young professionals within the Institute. Through the Young Members Group, we hope to better understand the challenges faced by young professionals like ourselves and ascertain how the Institute can further support their professional development as well as provide opportunities for them to become more engaged with the security community.”

Further, Scrimgeour and Spiridonova stated: “We strongly encourage all those under the age of 35 to become involved with the Young Members Group. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, seek peer-to-peer advice and help create positive change for the entire sector.”

The Security Institute’s CEO Rick Mounfield CSyP FSyI added: “I’m grateful to Camilla and Ana for coming forward to co-chair the Young Members Group. The group has been a long-standing safe space that provides young professionals with all of the opportunities and support they need to succeed, and I’m sure it will go from strength to strength under their leadership.”

In addition, Mounfield observed: “It’s imperative that, as a sector, we embrace the next generation of security professionals. This is a ‘must’ if we are to remain innovative and forward-thinking. The Institute’s Young Members Group will lead the industry’s efforts in this area.”

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Anastasia Spiridonova

2021 Annual General Meeting

As stated, the intention is for the Young Members Group to arrange regular speaker and networking events, the first of which will be held on 5 May. Members of the Institute can access further details on this by accessing the Institute’s Community Platform.

Institute members can also here Scrimgeour and Spiridonova speak about their plans for the Young Members Group at this year’s Annual General Meeting, which is being held online on Wednesday 21 April.

NSI launches e-Learning course on BS 7858:2019 for security screening

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced the launch of a new eLearning course designed to help NSI-approved companies understand and apply the requirements of the revised Code of Practice BS 7858:2019 which focuses on the Screening of Individuals Working in a Secure Environment.

This introductory course is available to all who wish to enrol, but is particularly useful for screening administrators and controllers. Accredited by The Security Institute’s Continuing Professional Development scheme, the course includes guidance on information and documentation requirements, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, the difference between personal opinion and fact and, importantly, the implications of non-compliance.

Upon completion of the course, learners will understand the reasons for screening, be able to assist in developing an effective screening process and also understand how to apply the requirements in practice. Each learner will receive a personalised Certificate of Completion.

Split into four parts, the eLearning course takes approximately two hours to complete. Learners may log in and out as many times as they wish, saving their progress to date each time.

Max Linnemann

Max Linnemann, head of certification services at the NSI, said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer this new eLearning course to our approved companies. The NSI is committed to helping companies keep on top of standards developments and widening their access to training. Our new eLearning course provides a cost-effective and convenient way of understanding the latest requirements of BS 7858:2019, which NSI-approved companies in the security systems and guarding services sectors need to be aware of.”

*Those who would like to find out more information about the course, pricing and how to enrol should contact Maxine Dent (training, facilities and events co-ordinator) by e-mail at maxine.dent@nsi.org.uk

Inspiration in HR Award organiser SSR Personnel unveils shortlist for 2018 trophy

The Inspiration in HR Award recognises the work of Human Resources (HR) professionals. Now in its 12^th year, the award is open to either individuals or organisations. Judges are looking for Best Practice in HR management where an organisation recognises that HR is a business enabler. 

This year’s finalists are Axis Communications, Axis Security, CIS Security, Gratte Brothers, Helen Corbett (of The Security Institute) and Wilson James.

To reach the shortlist, the above organisations demonstrated that they are wholly focused on quality and have a pride in looking after and developing their workforce.  There’s a partnership in HR and operations management.

Peter French MBE FSyI CPP: CEO at SSR Personnel and Founder of the Inspiration in HR Award

Shortlisted companies consider that their HR function gives them a competitive edge. They clearly demonstrate going above and beyond any current standards. The Inspiration in HR Award is one that recognises a critical differentiator in business application.

David Clark CPP PCI PSP, chairman of ASIS International’s UK Chapter 208, commented: “This award is increasingly hard to judge, and this year has been even more challenging, I’m enormously pleased to see three organisations from outside of the security guarding sector, which usually comprises the majority of entries, making the shortlist. This is surely testimony to the prestige and expansiveness of this particular award.”

*The winning submission will be announced at the UBM-organised Security and Fire Excellence Awards Ceremony to be held at the London Hilton Hotel, Park Lane on Wednesday 21 November

Advent IM outlines detail for ‘Cyber for the C-Suite’ Breakfast Seminar

A breakfast seminar created exclusively for business leaders and senior Board members seeking guidance on the present cyber security threat is to be run by security consultancy Advent IM at the company’s Training Centre near the M5, Birmingham on 7 December.

With many years’ experience in senior level consulting, training and mentoring, the seminar will be delivered by Advent IM’s managing director Mike Gillespie, who’s also director of cyber strategy and research for The Security Institute. As a director, Gillespie understands the place of senior leadership in cyber resilience and risk management.

The seminar is designed to promote and enhance understanding of the organisational threats that Boardrooms need to factor into resilience strategies. Attendees will also have first access to places on the forthcoming training course, again exclusively for senior leaders and the C-Suite, which will start in March 2017.

Gillespie informed Risk UK: “The cyber threat landscape is high on the agenda of all Boardrooms. Many businesses have felt the impact of cyber attack, either directly or through supply chain partners. No size of business is immune and no kind of service spared the attackers’ attentions, with even hospitals being struck by ransomware.”

He added: “Recent research suggests that 82% of businesses say security is a CEO or Board-level concern, with two-thirds suggesting that they’re increasing cyber security spend. The additional spend is great, but without leadership and solid strategy it may not achieve anything near its potential, and cyber risk may not be reduced. We absolutely have to make sure Boardrooms are well briefed and understand how to go about effective cyber risk management.”

*Details of the seminar and how to book can be found at: http://www.advent-im.co.uk/breakfast-seminar-7th-december-cyber-security-awareness-for-business-leaders/. Alternatively, telephone 0121 559 6699 or 0207 100 1124 or send an e-mail to: bestpractice@advent-im.co.uk

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.”

Gallagher Security Europe joins The Security Institute as first corporate partner

Gallagher Security (Europe) Ltd has become The Security Institute’s first corporate partner.

Officially ratified at The Security Institute’s 2016 Annual Conference, held at The Amba Hotel, Marble Arch in central London on 22 September, the partnership signifies the commitment Gallagher has to the Institute and, indeed, the security industry as a whole.

Left to Right: Baroness Ruth Henig CBE (president, The Security Institute), Gary Evanson CSyP FSyI (chairman, The Security Institute) and Gordon Swallow, strategic business development manager at Gallagher Security (Europe) Ltd

On receiving the company’s Certificate of Membership, Gallagher’s strategic business development manager Gordon Swallow said: “Gallagher has supported The Security Institute for a number of years through the affiliate membership scheme. By becoming a corporate partner, this allows us to support the work the Institute does on a higher level.”

Garry Evanson CSyP FSyI, chairman at The Security Institute, responded: “Corporate partnership offers businesses within the security industry an opportunity to support the work we do around promoting the highest possible standards of integrity and professional competence in the business of security. Having Gallagher as our first corporate partner is a great start for the initiative. We’re looking forward to working together.”

Baroness Ruth Henig and Sue Fish join speaker line-up for The Security Institute’s Annual Conference

The Security Institute’s new president Baroness Ruth Henig CBE DL and Sue Fish (deputy chief constable for Nottinghamshire Police and national policing lead for business crime reduction) have been announced as speakers for this year’s Annual Conference.

Baroness Henig and Fish join previously announced speakers Professor Martin Gill CSyP FSyI (director of PRCI), Sir David Veness CBE QPM, Major General Chip Chapman CB, Brett Lovegrove MSyI (CEO of CSARN) and Sean Cunningham (operations manager for the Inkerman Group) at the event, which takes place on 22 September at the Amba Hotel, Marble Arch in central London.

Baroness Henig is former chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). While at the SIA, the Baroness was instrumental in overseeing a regulatory overhaul and the introduction of a new and modern, fit-for-purpose regulatory regime.

Baroness Ruth Henig CBE DL

Previous high profile roles Baroness Henig has held within the security sector include chair of the Association of Police Authorities (from 1997 to 2005), after which she became the Association’s president. The Baroness was also a member of the National Criminal Justice Board from 2003 to 2005, having been awarded a CBE in 2000 for her tremendous services to policing.

Garry Evanson CSyP, The Security Institute’s chairman, said: “It’s a real pleasure for me to be able to announce that our new president is taking an active role in the life of The Security institute. With her vast insight and considerable experience of the regulatory regime within the UK, Baroness Henig will be a significant addition to this new-style conference for 2016.”

During her career with the Nottinghamshire Police, Sue Fish has had specific responsibilities for the force’s Crime Directorate, the Intelligence Directorate, scientific support, operational support and serious and organised crime. Fish is also a Gold Firearms, Public Order and CBRN commander.

“Sue is one of the most senior police officers in the country,” outlined Evanson, “and has amassed fantastic experience of all aspects of policing. We’re delighted that she will be able to join us at our conference and for the insights Sue will be able to offer us all into initiatives for reducing business crime.”

Nominations open for George van Schalkwyk Award

The George van Schalkwyk Trophy is awarded annually to The Security Institute member making a significant contribution to security professionalism. Nominations are now open for members who made a significant contribution in 2015.

The Security Institute looking for names of members who have ‘made a difference’. It could be for inspirational leadership, someone who has introduced something new and beneficial or just sheer hard work and commitment to a cause which has made a difference to others in the security business sector.

George van Schalkwyk was an Institute member who was tragically killed in a helicopter accident in Afghanistan back in 2006. The George van Schalkwyk Award is bestowed in his memory and generously sponsored by Bruce Braes of SSSI in Australia. Recipients receive a special trophy along with a commemorative certificate.

Previous winners of the George van Schalkwyk Award have been Di Thomas MSyI, Mike Bluestone CSyP FSyI, David Gill CSyP FSyI (in the year that Risk UK’s Editor Brian Sims Hon FSyI was a runner-up), Ken Livingstone FSyI, Bill Wyllie CSyP FSyI, John Allan FSyI and Stewart Kidd CSyP FSyI. 

How to nominate

Send an e-mail to Carol Douthwaite (office and administration manager at The Security Institute (carol@security-institute.org) including the name of the person you believe deserves recognition, along with 50-70 words describing what they have contributed to the security world in 2015.

Closing date for entries is Tuesday 15 March 2016

There will then be an online vote by the membership the following week, and the George van Schalkwyk Award will be presented at The Security Institute’s 2016 AGM to be held in central London on Tuesday 12 April.

All grades of membership are eligible for the George van Schalkwyk Award.

The Security Institute announces endorsement relationship with iSMTA

The Security Institute has unveiled the detail of a new endorsement relationship with iSMTA, the International Secure Minds Training Academy.

Speaking at The Security Institute’s recent Annual Conference, the organisation’s managing director David Thorp announced that, in furtherance of its ambition to become a byword for educational quality within the security sector, the Institute has now reached its first endorsement agreement with a training organisation.

“We want to work with education and training providers who share our vision of an apprenticeship-to-Boardroom, full career education model for this profession and the International Secure Minds Training Academy meets that criterion,” asserted Thorp.

“In addition, iSMTA has been a strong supporter of our Manifesto for Professional Security and its championing of life-long learning, the promotion of standards of excellence at all levels within the profession and the promulgation of career pathways that help people entering the profession see clearly the pathways, options and opportunities that are open to them as they develop their careers.”

Tony Maher, the head of iSMTA, supports these comments. Maher added: “We’re excited about this new relationship. Education is crucial when it comes to climbing the professional career ladder, and we’ve developed an e-learning based model that offers people with limited time and who may be geographically remote to study for a qualification featuring state-of-the-art learning materials using the most up-to-date learning platform.”

Maher concluded: “The Institute could see the value of this in helping to develop the next generation of security professionals. In other words, future members of The Security Institute”

Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude visits cyber security specialist Advent IM

The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP has visited West Midlands-based cyber security consultancy Advent IM as part of the MPs’ remit as the Minister for Cyber Security. 

Maude met with Mike Gillespie and Julia McCarron, the co-founders of Advent IM, to find out more about the cyber security work the company delivers as one of the UK’s leading independent information security consultancies, the company’s history, its ethos and the business challenges faced by the organisation as an SME.

Topics for discussion on the day were both wide and varied. Mike Gillespie explained the principles of a holistic and risk-based approach to security and the MP was particularly interested in how this translates into solid governance in business.

Maude was also keen to find out more about threat convergence, how cyber threats can now impact our physical environments and steps that can be taken to mitigate those threats.

The team expanded on Advent IM’s development of cyber security training courses specifically for the police in the areas of SIRO and IAO responsibilities and accountability, general cyber security awareness training opportunities currently being developed and Advent IM’s mentoring approach to consultancy delivery, ensuring the company is seen by those involved as a business enabler.

The Advent IM team members meet Francis Maude MP

The G-Cloud procurement process

Maude and the team discussed the merits of the G-Cloud procurement process and how there’s room to improve the perception that it’s more for technology purchases than consultancy, and how Government is starting to drive the requirement for Best Practice information security and ISO 27001 (more of which anon) through its outsourced service providers.

Changes to the Government Security Classification Scheme and the lack of understanding around its application were touched upon, as were the issues being confronted by local authorities in connecting to PSN and how the latest changes would impact on those either connecting or acting as a provider.

The Cabinet Office Minister also took the time to discuss areas of work with Advent IM staff from the consultancy, marketing and sales teams and the challenges they face when it comes to implementing and promoting cyber security across the UK.

“We greatly appreciate the time Francis Maude has taken to visit us,” said Advent IM’s operations director Julia McCarron. “As cyber security specialists, a number of us have attended events where Mr Maude has been present but we’ve rarely had the opportunity to discuss with him what’s happening in the market or air our views fact-to-face. To be singled out and given the chance to discuss our company, the industry and involve all of our staff in that forum was an honour for the team.”

Advent IM’s Mike Gillespie talks cyber security with Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude

Holistic security management solutions

Advent IM focuses on holistic security management solutions for information, people and physical assets across both the public and private sectors.

Established in 2002, Advent IM is a Centre of Excellence for security services, promoting the benefits of Best Practice guidelines and standards and the ongoing need to address risk management in order to protect against potential threats.

From offices in the Midlands and London, the company’s consultants work on a nationwide basis and are members of the CESG Listed Advisor Scheme, the Institute of Information Security Professionals, The Security Institute, the Business Continuity Institute and the British Computer Society.

Advent IM consultants are also lead auditors for the international standards on Information Security Management (ISO 27001) and Business Continuity Management (ISO 22301), practitioners of PRINCE2 (a recognised project management methodology widely used within the public sector), CISSP-qualified and also Home Office-trained physical security assessors.