NSI unveils “extensive programme” for IFSEC and FIREX International 2022

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced an extensive programme of activity at IFSEC and FIREX International to ensure that installers/integrators and those interested in gaining third party certification have plenty of reasons to attend and visit Stand IF4050 at London’s ExCeL.

The UKAS-accredited certification body for the security and fire safety sectors will once again have a significant presence at IFSEC International and is encouraging those attending to take full advantage of the expertise on offer to visitors.

On the first two days of IFSEC International (ie 17 and 18 May) at 2.00 pm, the NSI will host an informal 30-minute session on-stand for security system and/or fire detection and alarm installers interested in becoming NSI approved such that they can find out about the application process.

Max Linnemann, the NSI’s director of certification services, will give an insight into key things you need to know when you apply, the due diligence process and eligibility criteria and how to ensure your application progresses as quickly as possible by avoiding the common mistakes.

Installers are invited to attend these sessions. No pre-booking is required.

‘Boardroom Talks’

For companies already holding approval with the Inspectorate, the NSI is joining forces with IFSEC International to host ‘Boardroom Talks’, an hour-long session taking place on Tuesday 17May at 11.30 am. This runs on the South Gallery in Room S13. Refreshments and luncheon is being provided for attendees. With an agenda curated specifically for senior leaders, the session will cover two specific topical business issues:

Changes in Procurement Rules, Outsourcing Services and Social Value

(Presenter: Jo Kenny, commercial lead at the Crown Commercial Service)

Meet the Sustainability Challenge: How to Embed Social Value and Net Zero

(Presenter: Sunil Shah, founder of Acclaro Advisory)

NSI-approved companies wishing to attend the ‘Boardroom Talks’ are requested to register in advance by sending an e-mail to marketing@nsi.org.uk Places will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

FIREX International 2022

Visitors attending FIREX International on Wednesday 18May are invited to join John Davidson, the NSI’s approval schemes manager (systems), who will present on the subject of ‘Fire Safety in Your Building: The Most Common and Serious Issues Facing Fire Risk Assessors’. This conference session runs at 11.15 am in the Fire Protection Association’s InfoZone Theatre.

The highly-respected Engineers of Tomorrow Competition for security and fire installer apprentices will once again be a key feature at this year’s event. Now part of WorldSkills (with the final taking place in November), apprentices will compete to demonstrate their technical abilities and understanding in front of their peers and industry colleagues in order to secure a place in the final.

NSI auditors will again be part of the adjudicating team, providing independent appraisal of those competing. The NSI encourages all visitors to ExCeL to support the industry’s future engineers and watch them in action.

‘Cash’, the NSI’s very much loved Turkmenian Eagle Owl, will be at IFSEC on Tuesday 17and Wednesday 18May. The NSI is encouraging visitors to ‘Swoop in for a Snap’ with ‘Cash’. Those who share their photos on social media and tag the NSI on Twitter or LinkedIn will receive a free gift on the day.

Compelling programme

Richard Jenkins, CEO at the NSI, stated: “IFSEC’s presence in the industry calendar is always greatly anticipated. Despite the pandemic forcing a break since the last in-person IFSEC back in 2019, we’re delighted to see the show return with such a compelling programme that brings the industry together.”

Jenkins added: “We look forward to welcoming industry colleagues old and new to our stand and to partnering with IFSEC in the ‘Boardroom Talks’, which we are jointly hosting for NSI approved companies.”

Visitors attending IFSEC International are invited to a Reunion Drinks Party taking place at Indigo at The 02 from 6.30 pm on Tuesday 17May. Complimentary drinks will be served on entry. Access is via the Emirates Air Line cable car.

*Register here to attend IFSEC International and its co-located events FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo, The Facilities Show and Intelligent Building Europe

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).

Chubb Systems accredited to new ISO 45001 International Health and Safety Standard

Chubb Systems has achieved accreditation to ISO 45001, the new global standard for occupational Health and Safety designed to prevent work-related injuries and improve employee health and well-being in the working environment.

After an extensive audit conducted by Alcumus Isoquar, which itself is governed by UKAS, Chubb Systems duly received its official certification.

To qualify for the standard, Chubb Systems worked extensively to improve all areas of Health and Safety, including updating its management systems, culture and behaviours and focusing on the physical health and well-being of its people.

Graeme Heanan, managing director at Chubb Systems, said: “Employee and customer safety is the business’ foremost priority: We have a world-class Health and Safety track record. Meeting ISO 45001 demonstrates our commitment to proactive risk prevention, innovation and continual improvement. This enables us to grow as a business.”

The new accreditation further recognises Chubb Systems’ ability – as a leading security systems integrator in the Critical National Infrastructure space – to safely deliver leading-edge technology solutions in high-risk environments.

Nichola Maher, EH&S manager at Chubb Systems, added: “Implementing ISO 45001 has been challenging, but extremely worthwhile. We must never become complacent about safety and the environment or lose sight of ensuring our customers’ safety.”

JB Corrie accreditation sees fourth company approved to install ArmaWeave

A fourth company has now been accredited to install ArmaWeave, the approved high-security perimeter fencing system manufactured by Zaun. Specialist fencing installer JB Corrie has committed to training its site operatives in the installation methods for ArmaWeave developed by Zaun over time to make best use of the solution’s high-security woven fabric.

Impressed with the versatility of the system, JB Corrie is now installing the Zaun mesh on several security sites.

The company joins expert installer Allen Fencing Limited, systems integrator Crime & Fire Defence Systems and premier prison fencing installer Binns Fencing, a Zaun subsidiary, as an approved installer.

Contracts director Norton Welch said: “We’re delighted to have received this accreditation and look forward to working closely with Zaun to install its security products in the future.”

JB Corrie’s contracts director Norton Welch (centre) and senior sales and estimating manager Luke Ryan (left) receive their accreditation to install ArmaWeave from Zaun’s sales and marketing director Chris Plimley

The company – which has been in business for over 100 years and is now in the ownership of the fourth generation Corrie family – installs integrated perimeter protection systems for high security applications and boasts military bases, utilities, power stations and airports among its clients.

Zaun established the installer scheme after increasing requests from customers to recommend contractors with suitable installation, quality and safety standards.

Panels can be raked

ArmaWeave is produced on the world’s largest steel loom at Zaun’s West Midlands manufacturing base. It boasts properties that give it distinct advantages against more traditional welded mesh systems, such as panels that can be raked to accommodate slopes. Therefore, installers require the necessary skill sets to set this up.

The wire of the panels has a tensile strength typically more than double that of welded panels so special methods are needed for cutting the panels during installation.

Zaun trained JB Corrie’s installation teams on the properties and tolerances of ArmaWeave and how it’s manufactured. The training is for ‘fencers’ with proven experience in high-security fencing work who are sponsored by a company that can demonstrate its professionalism through membership of a relevant trade organisation and valid UKAS-accredited ISO 9001 certification.

The certificate of training is only valid while the individual is working for the host company. This ensures that trained individuals are working properly under quality management to install the product.

With its partners, Zaun hopes to increase the adoption of ArmaWeave as the standard for secure sites of Critical National Infrastructure – such as the utilities, Data Centres and nuclear sites – while ensuring consistent installation quality.

Zaun accredits installers to roll out “unique” ArmaWeave security solution

High security perimeter systems manufacturer Zaun is bolstering the ranks of approved installers for its “unique” intruder-resistant fencing.

ArmaWeave fencing is produced on the world’s largest steel loom at the company’s West Midlands manufacturing base. Crime & Fire Defence Systems engineers were trained in the installation of the product and, over the last two years, have installed kilometres of the high-security woven fencing at utilities sites right across the country.

Now Zaun has formally accredited Crime & Fire Defence Systems as an approved installer of the product, along with Zaun Group subsidiary Binns Fencing.

Zaun has established the new installer scheme because of increasing requests from customers to recommend contractors with suitable installation, quality and safety standards.

ArmaWeave boasts some unique properties which give it distinct advantages, but require some fresh skills and techniques to install. For example, unlike welded mesh, the panels can rake up and down hills such that installers require new skills to square up or rake the panels.

The wire of the panels has a tensile strength typically more than double that for welded panels so special methods are required for cutting the panels during installation.

Zaun’s Chris Plimley (left) celebrates the accreditation with Crime & Fire Defence Systems team members (from left to right) Craig Watts, Pete Rushforth, Chris Singer and Stuart Fletcher

Training for installation teams

Zaun will be training installation teams on the properties and tolerances of ArmaWeave and how it’s manufactured. Instruction is aimed exclusively at ‘fencers’ with proven skills and experience in high-security fencing works and deals only with the specific new skills and techniques required to install ArmaWeave.

Trainers will share the secrets of installation methods Zaun has developed over time for ArmaWeave to make best use of the properties of the high-security fabric.

The training will be for experienced individuals sponsored by a company which can demonstrate its professionalism through membership of a relevant trade organisation and valid UKAS-accredited ISO 9001 certification. The certificate of training will only be valid while the individual is working for the host company. This will ensure that properly trained individuals working under proper quality management install the product.

The plan is to increase the adoption of ArmaWeave as the standard for secure sites of Critical National Infrastructure – such as utilities, Data Centres and nuclear sites – while ensuring consistent installation quality.

Zaun’s sales and marketing director Chris Plimley said: “We invested in the steel loom ahead of the sales in the belief we could produce an innovative product that installers, specifiers and high-security facility managers would want. That has proven to be so true that we need to expand the number of contractors trained in installing it correctly.”

Resistance to attacks

ArmaWeave’s properties add substantial resistance to cutting attacks perpetrated with hand, powered and non-contact tools. The tight mesh pattern provides no climbing aids, again limiting the potential for intrusion.

ArmaWeave CPNI enhanced is tested to the very highest standards and can be combined with other intruder systems, electronics and access control to create the optimum in integrated fencing solutions. The product has also been approved for use with a range of microphonic PID cable systems after testing for many months at a Ministry of Defence facility.

Adams Rite and Kestrel Aluminium Systems partner to reduce burglaries

Adams Rite, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions (a UK division of ASSA ABLOY), is now working with Kestrel Aluminium Systems to secure properties with doorsets tested to the important UK security standard PAS24.

According to The Crime Prevention Website, enhanced secure doors and “their performance in terms of their contribution to reducing burglary has been quite breathtaking.” PAS24 is supported by Secured by Design on behalf of the UK police service.

Kestrel Aluminum Systems is supplying a wide range of properties (including private dwellings and commercial properties) with the thermally efficient aluminium single and double doorsets that have been proven to successfully resist all PAS24 attacks.

The doorsets offer ‘enhanced security’ and incorporate Adams Rite’s Sentinel M commercial multipoint locks, which includes the new three-star security-rated cylinder platform.

Steven Shute, managing director at Kestrel Aluminium Systems, said: “Working with Adams Rite has allowed us to use ASSA ABLOY’s UKAS-accredited test lab to ensure our components resisted all PAS24 attacks, without failure or opening. The testing included timed manual attack methods, hard and soft body impact tests and mechanical load testing of 4500N, providing us with the confidence that our doorsets will not only conserve heat, but also adequately protect occupants and assets in a range of projects.”

Tim Almond, OEM commercial manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, added: “We’re delighted to have such a longstanding working relationship with Kestrel Aluminum Systems. This enables us to help deliver the high level of security required across a number of buildings in order to reduce burglary.”

Almond concluded: “Sentinel M is a versatile solution that can be used in a variety of environments including hospitals, leisure facilities and commercial projects.”

*To see the testing procedures taking place watch this video: http://bit.ly/1lDgyHG

**For more information visit www.adamsrite.co.uk or www.kestrelaluminium.co.uk

Securitas to host inaugural ASIS UK Enterprise Risk Management Northern Seminar

Securitas has been announced as the main sponsor and organiser for the inaugural ASIS UK Enterprise Risk Management Northern Seminar.

The seminar, which will take place at the University of Leeds on Thursday 9 April 2015, will afford delegates an understanding of how organisations can use Enterprise Risk Management to deliver their security and risk-related services.

Speakers on the day will include Neil Gammon (head of physical security at Sky) who will give an insight into managing enterprise risk within a creative media organisation and Dr Kevin Macnish, teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds. Macnish is to deliver a talk on how risk may be managed from an ethical perspective.

Securitas’ Gail Pinkerton, account director on the Workman contract, will present delegates with a Case Study on security risk management within a business environment, duly explaining how Securitas works alongside the property management and building consultancy to minimise and mitigate risk.

Dr Peter Speight CSyP: director of security risk management at Securitas

Speaking about the event, Dr Peter Speight CSyP (director of security risk management at Securitas, an ASIS UK member and recently elected UK Chapter Secretary) told Risk UK: “We’re very much looking forward to this event and we’re delighted that nearly 100 delegates have registered. Enterprise risk management is such a focused area for risk and security professionals. Indeed, the interest in this event has given us the confidence to look into hosting even more in the future.”

​ASIS International is one of the leading organisations for security professionals with more than 38,000 members worldwide, all of whom are involved in the protection of people, property and assets.

Founded in 1955, the organisation is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programmes and materials that address broad security interests.

The seminar begins at 1.30 pm and there will be drinks, canapés and networking opportunities from 6.00 pm. Those interested in attending should contact the ASIS UK Office either by telephone (01494 488599) or e-mail: info@asis.org.uk

Securitas awarded ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management accreditation

Securitas is also pleased to announce it has been awarded the ISO 27001: 2013 Information Security Management standard, demonstrating the company’s firm commitment to providing the highest quality of service to its customers.

ISO 27001 is an internationally-recognised certification developed as a Best Practice standard which enables organisations to formalise and verify that risks are properly identified and managed. It also demonstrates to customers and stakeholders alike that the security of their information is taken seriously.

David Barlow of Securitas

David Barlow, business standards and risk manager at Securitas, said: “In 2014, we completed an internal review of the whole of our UK security operations and realised we needed to concentrate on improving our data protection policies if we were to seriously advance in the security solutions aspect of the industry.”

Securitas duly sought the services of UKAS quality and compliance auditing body ALCUMUS, and soon realised that accreditation to ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management would be required in order to satisfy the needs of both the security services and security solutions sectors.

In June last year, a member of the business standards team was appointed as project manager to concentrate on key areas which included the communications centre, ALCUMUS, environmental Health and Safety, the standards department, screening, finance, the Alarm Response Centre and the Help Desk function.

Following a period of internal and external audits and the creation of the Information Security Management System, all information – either printed or written on paper, stored electronically, transmitted by post or using electronic means, shown on films or spoken in conversation – is now handled and stored in a secure manner.

All assets, either physical or electronic, are also risk assessed and suitable control measures taken to ensure the security of these assets.

Subsequently, the ISO 27001:2013 accreditation has now been awarded in respect of Securitas’ UK operations in Birmingham, Wellingborough, Milton Keynes and Uxbridge.

Barlow concluded: “This accreditation demonstrates to our customers that we take all aspects of IT and data security very seriously indeed. I believe that not only will it be of great benefit in winning new clients but will also help us to retain our existing ones. I’m fully confident Securitas will be reaping the rewards of all this hard work in the months to come. “

Lynn Watts-Plumpkin appointed director and general manager at IQ Verify

The IQ Group – which encompasses Industry Qualifications and the Institute of Administrative Management – has announced the appointment of Lynn Watts-Plumpkin to lead the development of its new certification body entitled IQ Verify.

IQ Verify will specialise in the certification of management systems, products and services, and is in the final stages of UKAS accreditation to ISO 17021 and ISO 17065. This development will allow the IQ Group to provide both individual certification through its awarding organisation as well as organisational certification through IQ Verify. It will be the first multi-sector organisation in the UK with this capability.

Lynn Watts-Plumpkin, whose background includes significant roles at both the NSI and the SSAIB, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the IQ Group at this time, and am excited by the opportunity to lead a new certification body. IQ Verify will be distinct in its offering. The focus will be on standards associated with corporate resilience, the investigations sector and PSC-1 within the security industry. We will also be developing inspection schemes for a number of economic sectors and trade bodies. Announcements will be made over the coming months.”

Lynn Watts-Plumpkin: director and general manager at IQ Verify

Raymond Clarke, CEO of the IQ Group, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to attract a person of Lynn’s experience and ability to IQ Verify at a very important time in its development. We’ve been working towards UKAS accreditation for a year now, and have conducted a range of trial assessments in advance of UKAS approval to positive acclaim.”

Clarke added: “IQ Verify will be operational from Monday 1 December, offering inspections to BS 102000 (Investigative Services), ISO 27001 (Data Security), ISO 31000 (Risk Management) and ISO 22301 (Business Continuity). We will be offering PSC-1 and ISO 9001 from January, by which time we expect to have obtained full UKAS accreditation.”

*For further information on the work of Industry Qualifications visit: http://www.industryqualifications.org.uk/

‘Fire risk management systems should be formalised’ urges FIA’s Fire Risk Assessment Council

In the wake of prominent multi-fatality fires, organisations have spent considerable sums of money on fire safety but not necessarily achieved an improved level of fire safety assurance. Having spent a number of years undertaking fire risk assessments on the same portfolio of buildings, Ben Bradford states that it’s noticeable some organisations are beginning to wonder if the current practice is sustainable.

It has been almost nine years since the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 prompted many organisations to undertake fire risk assessments within the premises under their control. Several have spent significant financial resources on consultant fire risk assessors (a person who carries out and documents the significant findings of a fire risk assessment) only to discover that, although the advice they received may have been offered with the best of intentions, it was not wholly appropriate. Indeed, it may also have differed from the advice of a ‘competent’ fire risk assessor.

At the same time, the fire industry has itself spent a considerable amount of time in the last few years deciding how to define a ‘suitable and sufficient’ fire risk assessment and also how to tackle the ‘cowboy’ market. It would appear that, at long last, there’s now at least a ‘defined’ competency criterion for fire risk assessors and guidance for those charged with delivering fire risk assessment programmes on how to seek the services of a competent fire risk assessor.

Following a recent enforcement review around the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which was undertaken by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills, the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) is now committed to promoting the use – and acceptance – of recognised professional certification and accreditation for commercial fire risk assessors.

Fire risk management is evolving both as a discipline and a practice

Fire risk assessments are the very cornerstone of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, yet the value of such an assessment – even when conducted by a competent fire risk assessor – is largely dependent on the organisation’s ability to manage the outcomes.

A fire risk assessment is a means to an end but not the end in itself. When reviewing the high profile prosecutions that have hit the headlines over the past few years, one quickly realises that failure to undertake a ‘suitable and sufficient’ fire risk assessment (under Article 9) is not the only compliance obligation imposed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. There are numerous other duties by which the responsible person is bound.

Cost of fire at an all-time high

Enter the concept of ‘fire risk management’. With very few fire fatalities arising in commercial premises, fire risk management is not just about life safety or the risk of injury or death in the event of fire occurrence. Rather, it encapsulates life safety, property protection, mission continuity and sustainability in the face of fire.

In today’s global and interconnected marketplace, issues such as Corporate Social Responsibility and reputational risk are extremely prominent. News headlines travel fast via both traditional and new media forms. The cost of fire is at an all-time high and, in these tough economic times, organisations need to be frugal with finite financial resources. In essence, they require to build resilience and ensure that fire risk assessment programmes deliver the intended outcomes.

Many organisations have a policy in place setting out an overarching statement of intent (signed by the CEO) and firmly establishing the ‘What’ and ‘Why’. Less common, yet essential, is the Fire Risk Management Strategy – a document which defines an organisation’s fire risk management system and method of implementing the overarching policy, and which firmly establishes the details of ‘How’, ‘When’ and ‘Who’.

These two pieces of documentation form the backbone of an organisation’s fire risk management system (a set of interrelated or interacting elements within an organisation designed to establish policies, objectives and processes to achieve those objectives and manage fire risk) and are generally underpinned by operational procedures.

The practice of fire risk management within our built environment is a much broader discipline than many give it credit for. It’s often delegated to the Health and Safety manager or the security manager within an organisation and, while I’m not suggesting that all companies should have a dedicated fire specialist responsible for fire risk management, they must acknowledge that fire safety is not just a sub-discipline of Health and Safety.

With very few fire fatalities arising in commercial premises, fire risk management is not just about life safety or the risk of injury or death in the event of fire occurrence. It encapsulates life safety, property protection, mission continuity and sustainability in the face of fire

Fire risk management is a discipline in its own right with its own set of competencies. It does not always sit neatly in the Health and Safety Department due to the need for interaction with property, estates or facilities management functions. The old adage about ‘Jack of all trades’ most certainly applies. Too many fire safety manager roles are advertised with the essential qualifications stated as a NEBOSH Diploma, which merely emphasises the confusion often found in organisations regarding the scope of the Health and Safety manager’s role.

When undertaking fire risk management system audits, my experience is that those organisations recognising fire risk management as a discipline in its own right – regardless of which department the function sits – are in a far better position to maintain governance over organisational fire risk than those that do not.

Competency criteria to be considered

The Fire Sector Federation has recognised that, having established the Competency Council and published the competency criteria for fire risk assessors, the next logical step is to consider the competency criteria for those actively engaged in fire risk management.

Following an initial meeting of key stakeholders, organised jointly between the Fire Sector Federation and the Fire Industry Association, there’s now a proposal afoot to reform the Competency Council and really tackle this issue.

Some organisations have formalised their fire safety policy, strategy and procedures and are now in the process of gaining fire risk management system certification via a third party certification body. Those organisations that already hold certification of their Health and Safety management system to OHSAS 18001 or business continuity management system to ISO 22301 are well placed to integrate their management systems and streamline the internal or external audit process.

Fire risk management system certification via a UKAS-accredited third party certification body will provide a means to reduce the burden on enforcing authorities and significantly support the Primary Authority (or Fire Authority) partnership schemes.

Fire risk management is evolving (both as a discipline and a practice) as an integrated or holistic approach to understanding and managing the risks posed by the threat of fire which enables an organisation to optimise its underlying processes and achieve more efficient results.

Those responsible for fire safety in organisations would do well to consider formalising their fire risk management system, and not focus solely on the process of documenting fire risk assessments.

Ben Bradford BSc MSc MBA CEng FCIBSE FRICS FIFireE is a member of the FIA’s Fire Risk Assessment Council and the founder/managing director of BB7

SSAIB recruits Malcolm Craighead as Compliance and Scheme Manager

The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) has appointed Malcolm Craighead to the newly-created post of Compliance and Scheme Manager.

Craighead has been a self-employed auditor and consultant for the past six years, previously gaining over 30 years’ service within the paper and packaging industry.

In his new role with the SSAIB, Craighead is responsible for the upkeep of the organisation’s UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17021 2011 (in turn enabing the SSAIB to certify organisations’ management systems) and the transition of BS EN 45011 to BS EN 17065 (covering requirements for product certification).

Looking ahead, significant changes/revisions to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 are planned for 2015 which will require awareness training for all auditors and personnel employed within the SSAIB.

Malcolm Craighead: joining the SSAIB

Management systems for ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004

While employed in the paper and packaging sector, Craighead was involved in writing and implementing management systems for ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and BS-OHSAS 18001:2007 as well as being part of a BSI Committee for writing and implementing ISO 11093 Parts 1-9 (which are still in use today).

He also brings to SSAIB considerable auditing experience across a range of sectors and a close involvement with UKAS through witnessed audits and Head Office audits from his time with another local certification body.

“I’m genuinely excited about being appointed as SSAIB’s new Compliance and Scheme Manager,” explained Craighead. “This is a natural step into a larger organisation which will help me support all personnel within the SSAIB to achieve ongoing growth and development for the benefit of our Registered Firms. At the end of the day this, together with raising industry standards, is what the SSAIB is all about.”