EDIT interview psi oct13_PSI_oct13 25/09/2013 11:56 Page 2
INTERVIEW
THRIVING IN THE MARKET S
This month we talk to Stefan Hay, Head of the FSA, about installers diversifying their expertise and the common requests from Association members
“There’s a real danger that specifiers and customers who are less familiar with the accreditation system will simply assume that an FRS-led installer will be the ‘gold standard’” 12
tefan Hay was recently appointed Head of Membership Development at the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and is also Head of its specialist groups including the Fire and Security Association (FSA), a position he has held since December 2007. His previous roles include Vice Chairman of the National Home Improvement Council, Director of Business Development and Communication at Skills for Security, Board Director of the Confederation of European Security Services, Deputy Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and Managing Director of its training subsidiary, the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO), until it was incorporated into Skills for Security in 2006. Prior to that, Stefan worked in operational security and was also an officer in the Merchant Navy.
How have the last twelve months been for the Association and for yourself? The last 12 months have been extremely busy with my dual roles within the FSA and ECA. The FSA continues to thrive in a challenging and complex market. As an Association, we’ve made sure that the voice of the installer has been heard on the key issues. For instance, we’ve spoken out on the impact of the Localism Act, which has led to several regional Fire and Rescue Services set up companies that design, install, commission and maintain fire detection and emergency lighting systems. Will these new firms seek out the same accreditation the rest of us in the industry do to prove their credentials, or will they trade on their brand association? There’s a real danger that specifiers and customers who are less familiar with the accreditation system will simply assume that an FRS-led installer will be the ‘gold standard’which simply isn’t true, and isn’t good for the industry as a whole. We’ve also voiced our on-going concerns about the lack of transitional periods for the introduction of new British and EN standards, which often cause problems for installers who suddenly find that equipment is no longer compliant. And we’ve done our part to try and protect the future of the industry, by highlighting the dangers facing the qualification
for the systems installation sector due to the lack of uptake; that work, combined with the efforts of Skills for Security and industry bodies, has led to a situation that has improved dramatically in 2013. Current figures from City & Guilds show that the numbers undertaking competence based qualification (NVQ) have more than doubled, from 207 in 2011/12 to 430 in 2012/13; and for the knowledge based qualification, we’ve gone from 388 in 2011/12 to 410 in 2012/13. This year has also seen the successful launch of the ECA’s Electric Event, a brand new conference, exhibition and Gala Awards event in Birmingham at the ICC. It attracted more than 1,000 delegates over three days, who also had the chance to attend excellent workshops and presentations on fire and security systems related topics. The event also saw the Peter Greenwood Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Security Systems Industry, and the Ian Marsh Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Fire and Emergency Industry presented to Raymond Clarke of IQ and Stephen Adams of BAFE respectively.
How does the FSA fit in with the ECA? The FSA is a specialist interest group within the ECA, working in partnership with SELECT in Scotland. The FSA acts as a hub for around 300 ECA and SELECT members that design, install, commission, maintain and monitor fire and/or security systems. These specialists are represented via their own Standing Committee, and the FSA Chairman – currently Pat Allen of Abel Alarm Company – sits on the ECA Council. Have you seen any changes in the kind of requests for help that you have had from members over the years? Also what are the typical questions posed by members? Technical queries, whether standards based or real ‘on the tools’ questions continue to dominate. As our member base ranges from large national companies to micro-businesses, we provide assistance on a variety of topics, including: employee and industrial relations, health and safety issues, contractual and legal advice, and localised problems with, for example, local authorities.
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