Spectrum Q3 2021 - Recognition

spectrum THE VOICE OF THE

AUTUMN 2021

PROFESSIONAL SECURITY INDUSTRY

RECOGNITION SECURITY OFFICERS ON THE FRONTLINE OF COVID TRIBUTE

RETURN FIXTURE IFSEC is back - and the BSIA till be there | 13

WORKING THE DOORS The problems door staff are facing in confrontation | 23

SECURITY & COVID What did we learn? A new report from SRI |8

THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Contents 4. Foreword with Mike Reddington

5. Industry briefing

8. Security and Covid: what did we learn?

10. New leaders, new visions: BSIA chairman set out their agenda

12. Return fixture: IFSEC 2022 and 25 years of the BSIA

15. What are you waiting for? Installer members discuss the benefits

17. Latest product launches of members

19. Working towards a technical future - TDSi

21. A shining example - SecuriGroup feature

23. An unacceptable level - violence against security officers

25. BSIA latest members

Spectrum is produced in-house by the British Security Industry Association.

Andrew Cooper Katherine Ingram Design: BSIA Communications Contributors: Chrissie Joslin, IFSEC Global | Working the Doors| Security Research Initiative | SecuriGroup | Carl Meason, Fenix Monitoring Adrian Mealing, Texecom | Kristian Carter, Shred Station | Howard Barron, Retainagroup | TDSi | Adam Rust, Securitatem Editor:

Assistant Editor:

British Security Industry Association Anbrian House, 1 The Tything, Worcester, WR1 1HD Press Office: 32 Bedford Row, London, WC1R 4HE

spectrum

Autumn 2021

As we approach winter there are signs that industry is returning to its pre-COVID level of business, but we are not in the clear yet.

The Government will no doubt be looking closely at the options should there be a peak in COVID 19 infection rates, and this is something that our industry will need to take thus to consideration whilst preparing necessary contingency plans.

Businesses and the general public are also starting to feel the effects of the UK-Transition out of Europe, with reports in some sectors of supply chain issues. The BSIA component supply chain Special Interest Group (SIG) has continued to develop its relationships with other affected key industry bodies to learn more about the supply shortages affecting electronic components across not just our industry sectors, but also those of wider interest such as electrical and construction sectors. Through our discussions we have discovered that the shortage is not just components, but a combination of the fallout from Brexit, a global shortage of haulage drivers and recovery from the COVID pandemic.

We will continue to consult with our members on these issues and lobby government where appropriate raising the concerns of our members and requesting action to be taken to address these issues.

C H I E F

E X E C U T I V E ' S

F O R E W O R D

On a positive note, since the relaxing of restrictions in the summer, the BSIA team have been able to meet with our members and industry partners face-to- face, including hosting our own BSIA autumn party at the Informa Building in London. It was great to see so many of you there and to welcome some of our newer members whom we had yet to meet face-to-face. We have also been able to attend exhibitions and events, hosting a table at the Women in Security Awards, Cross-sector Safety & Security Communications (CSSC) Charity Dinner and exhibiting across the country as part of Security Twenty21.

With the momentum of more face-to-face events happening, we are looking towards 2022 for the return to the ExCel as part of IFSEC International in May and to the Marriott Grosvenor Square for our British Security Awards in June. Although technology has enabled us to maintain business and professional relationships over the last 18 months, nothing beats the human interaction of live events, and we must remain positive that the Government does not need a Plan B or indeed a Plan C as we approach winter and the new year.

Mike Reddington Chief Executive British Security Industry Association

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industry

briefing

BSIA visit the Gratitude exhibition - Securitas UK BSIA's communications team and Chief Executive Mike Reddington visited the Gratitude Exhibition - a celebration of key workers - at Southwark Cathedral to view the sculpture representing security officers and the role they played - and continue to play - in our daily lives during and beyond the pandemic.

The sculpture, sponsored by BSIA members Securitas UK, is inscribed with 'we help make your world a safer place', and asks 'the viewer to think differently, to see "the hidden keyworkers" and to show gratitude to a sector which has kept our key institutions safe during a time of uncertainty.'

There are 51 unique sculptures and the exhibition has been on display over four locations across the UK including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and London.

Dave Wilkinson receives Outstanding Contribution award Our Director of Technical Services, Dave Wilkinson took home the title for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Security Systems Industry’ at the recent ECA Awards.

"I am humbled to pick up such a prestigious award recognising my achievements over the years. Having been in the security systems industry for over 37 years, I have been blessed to be able to champion our sector adding great value to its development and recognition as a career of choice."

BSIA & Security Insititute sign MOU The BSIA has signed a memorandum of understanding with The Security Institute, which will see us promote and strengthen each other's efforts to support security professionals and raise standards across the security sector.

This collaborative approach of the BSIA and the Security Institute working in partnership will enable us to further develop, promote and support the work of promoting the industry at an accelerated pace.

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industry

briefing

BSIA launches 2022 renewals campaign Be a member, not an observer - it's that time of year again where we ask our members to renew their membership subscription with us. We will be getting in contact soon so look out for our emails in your inbox.

If you have any concerns you would like to address about your membership, please do not hesitate to contact us.

You can also renew directly www.bsia.co.uk/renewals.

online

by

visiting

National Shred Day held across the UK A big thank you to all the members of the public who helped us to launch the first National Shred Day at the beginning of October. Even driving rain and petrol shortages didn't dampen the spirit with shoppers bringing their personal data along to shred securely with our Information Destruction members and to donate to charity - some of them even leaving gifts.

Well done and a big thank you to our members Shred Station Ltd, Shred-on-Site, Russell Richardson, Printwaste,, Shredall SDS Group, Restore Datashred, Perry's Recycling, WRC Recycling and ShredPro Uk and also to our partners Crimestoppers.

National Shred Day will take place next year on 1 October 2022.

BSIA nominated at the Security Excellence awards We are excited to announce that three of our initiatives and projects this year have made it to the finals of 2021's Security and Fire Excellence Awards, taking place in November.

Our industry-first legal and ethical usage guide to automated facial recognition, and our cybersecurity code of practice for manufacturers of safety and security systems have both been shortlisted for Cyber Security Initiative of the Year, whilst our UK first National Shred Day, partnered with Crimestoppers, has made the final list for Security Partnership Initiative of the Year! Special mention also to ECHO (Electronic Call Handling Operations Ltd), of which BSIA have been heavily involved in foundation and launch, also making this category.

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HCRAESER YTIRUCES

SECURITY AND COVID: WHAT DID WE LEARN? In October, the Security Research Initiative released its latest report, ‘Covid-19 and the implications for the security sector: what happened and what has been and is being learned?’

Just as there are concerns about cutbacks and new risks, there are also opportunities to innovate, to show how things can be done differently, to show that security can step up to emerging issues.

Demand for some types of security is

BY ANDREW COOPER

functions.

thought likely to increase. But the traditional issues faced by security remain. The status of security may have increased during the pandemic, but not necessarily in comparison with other Professor Martin Gill who led the

The report examines the views of

And the successes and appreciation for

research noted: "As we emerge from

security professionals including those

security may start to fade when we

the pandemic there will be many

working in sectors deemed ‘essential’,

enter a new normal. It is crucial that the

challenges – financial uncertainty, new

collected via a survey and in depth

sector is effective in communicating

ways of works, potential changes in

interviews, and identifies that there are

that the value of security is not just in

crime and security risks.

positives that have emerged within very

responding to a crisis.

challenging circumstances – security

Some [responses] were positive

"Our sample though also pointed to new

has performed well, adapted, been

about what next, others less so,

opportunities. Some were positive

flexible, learnt new skills, and has been recognised as ‘essential’.

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| Autumn 2021

their words should be heeded.

about what next, others less so, their words should be heeded."

Security and

COVID

Covid-19 and the implications for the security sector: what happened and what has been and is being learned?

83%

overall security had performed well in the crisis.

74%

security professionals have developed new skill sets that will be invaluable.

59%

security would retain a greater priority than held previously due to fear of future pandemics.

55%

other service functions stood out more for their achievements than security did during COVID-19.

65%

pandemic may hasten a shift to more technology and less personnel.

69%

right to expect marked improvements and innovation in security from now on.

75%

despite good intentions, financial constraints that are likely to follow will undermine any progress.

There was concern about increases in crime and risk and other challenges such as managing the mental health of workers.

Opportunities were apparent – a majority of respondents thought demand would increase for some services such as remote monitoring and mobile patrols and for technology such as CCTV and access control.

The Security Research Initiative is sponsored by the security sector (buyers and suppliers), and involves an annual study.

The reports are made available free of charge in order to provide a more informed information base about the workings of the security sector.

The initiative is supported by leading security associations - ADS, ASIS UK Chapter, BSIA, IFPO, SyI and The SASIG. Find out more by visiting www.perpetuityresearch.com/security-researchinitiative

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9

NEMRIAHC AISB WEN

Howard Barron, Retainagroup Asset Property Protection

NEW LEADERS, NEW VISIONS

By June each year all BSIA sections hold their annual general meeting where voting takes place for the committee representatives including new chairs. We asked our latest incumbents for their views and plans for their section.

As the new Chairman of the Asset

BY ANDREW COOPER, BSIA

and industrial vehicles and associated

Howard Barron, Retainagroup

Property Marking committee (APM) I am very pleased to report that we have been working on a new BSI standard for the marking of assets, specifically related to marking of private, leisure, commercial

equipment.

Asset Property Protection The new standard is due to go out for public comment and it is hoped to be finalised by the middle of 2022.

In the coming year we will be looking forward to working with the BSIA and its stakeholders on raising awareness and promoting the use of marking to deter and

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identify criminal activity.

Whilst 2020/21 recorded a drop in crime, possibly due to the pandemic, we are anticipating an increase as the economy picks up, bringing new challenges for the year ahead.

New leaders

Kristian Carter, Shred Station

The

main

deliverable

was

that

Information Destruction

successfully completed our first National

new visions

we

Shred Day, in partnership with Crime Stoppers, which saw 10 section members provide shredding services to the general public for a small donation to the charity.

The day was planned to help raise awareness of ID fraud and of the services provided by the ID members and took place across the United Kingdom at the beginning of October.

Since becoming the Chair of the section we have revised our section strategy and will

Our focus is targeted across

reporting a gradual increase in services as

be working hard to implement it over the

three main pillars, firstly on

employees return to workspaces.

next 6 months. Our focus is targeted across three main pillars; firstly on leading market development and growth; secondly to

leading market development and growth; secondly to shape

The flexibility of service provision across the industry has been good to see; member

shape the industry’s development and

the industry’s development

thirdly to promote the value of BSIA

and thirdly to promote the

membership across our fellow businesses

value of BSIA membership.

services and also been on hand to advise

In general the section has been affected by

customers on the return to the workplace

the pandemic, as all areas of society have,

and ramp up services as clients return to

but the good news is that our members are

their offices.

and customers.

With

a

continued

background

of

a

companies have flexed their offerings to provide smaller scale home shredding

successful vaccine programme and a return to a degree of normality those elements of the strategy can be delivered to the benefit of all members, the industry as a whole and most importantly the customers who procure our services.

There has been a lot going on within the ID section over the previous months.

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11

2202 NI SNRUTER CESFI

RETURN FIXTURE Having been a constant fixture in the industry’s calendar for 48 years, IFSEC is thrilled to also be celebrating its 25-year partnership with the BSIA as the event looks ahead to 2022.

CHRISSIE JOSLIN, ASSISTANT EDITOR, IFSEC GLOBAL

In 2022, the BSIA will once again have a

“IFSEC also plays a key role in helping

major presence on the show floor as

BSIA communicate its wider message to

members are given the opportunity to

the security sector and although the show

catch up with colleagues, meet with

hasn’t physically taken place for two

customers and entertain guests. It’s also a

years, we have a constant presence on

prime location for the BSIA to showcase

IFSECGlobal.com.’’

its formidable strengths and influence in

We

the UK and global sectors, and encourage the UK’s premier security industry trade

role in the return of IFSEC in

association.

May 2022 which is already diary date for the security

forward to playing a pivotal role in the

industry after this enforced

already shaping up to be a major diary

International

exclusive

date for the security industry after this

relationship has provided both parties

enforced two-year gap. We’ve been in

with unique opportunities to provide the

constant dialogue with IFSEC throughout

industry with a platform to engage with

this

customers and stakeholders such as the

initiatives in areas such as training and

UK Government; helping to influence and

professional development which have

set the security agenda.

directly benefitted our members.’’

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shaping up to be a major

BSIA commented: “We are really looking

For a quarter of a century, IFSEC BSIA’s

looking

forward to playing a pivotal

return of IFSEC in May 2022 which is and

really

new members to join and become part of

Mike Reddington, Chief Executive at

REPRODUCED BY KIND PERMISSION

are

period,

developing

brand

new

two-year gap.

“BSIA

is

the

recognised

voice

representing the professional security industry and IFSEC is your event.

Together

they

provide

a

unique

opportunity for industry professionals to showcase the UK’s excellence in security to the world.”

return

As

the

trade

association

the

“IFSEC has been exclusively supporting

professional security industry in the UK,

BSIA for over 25 years and we’re

BSIA members are responsible for more

delighted to see the show back in May

than 70% of privately provided UK

2022 because there has probably never

security

been a more important time for all of us to

products

and

for

fixture

services

(by

turnover) including the manufacture,

get back together and back to business.’’

distribution and installation of electronic and physical security equipment and the

Gerry Dunphy, Event Director IFSEC &

provision

and

FIREX International, concluded: ”IFSEC’s

consultancy services. Its members are

partnership with BSIA is a perfect

industry professionals ranging in size from

example of where a leading industry event

global companies to small and medium

works in tandem with the sector’s key

enterprises, offering quality products and

trade association. We have enjoyed a long

services to a vast spectrum of end-users.

and mutually rewarding relationship with

of

security

officer

IFSEC has been exclusively

BSIA over the last 25 years whereby the BSIA’s support and endorsement for the

supporting BSIA for over 25

show provides us with gateways to engage

years and we’re delighted to

with industry, market and government to

see the show back in May

help establish the security agenda.

has

BSIA is the recognised voice

probably never been a more

representing the professional

important time for all of us to

security industry. IFSEC is your

get back together and back to

event...together they provide a

business.

unique

opportunity

industry

professionals

2022

The

because

association

has

there

several

Special

Interest and Focus Groups dedicated to furthering

discussions

on

prominent

for to

showcase the UK’s excellence in security to the world.

topics in the security sector, covering everything

from

health

and

safety,

“IFSEC is a proven platform for BSIA to

Automated Facial Recognition, UK Supply

meet with new and existing members,

Chain, Access & Asset Protection, Video

helping to promote UK security exports

Surveillance Systems and more.

and provide expertise and guidance to security

Simon Banks, Chair at the BSIA adds: “The

professionals

via

its

many

working groups.

BSIA is delighted to be maintaining its long-standing partnership with IFSEC

We eagerly look forward to continuing

International,

our relationship with BSIA into the next

the

industry’s

premier

event, which provides us with a dynamic platform to engage with our members, government, export partners and wider industry stakeholders.

25 years and strengthening the UK’s position as a leading global supplier of excellence in security.”

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13

NGIAPMAC RELLATSNI

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? The BSIA launched a special offer exclusively to National Security Inspectorate (NSI) gold and silver installer companies inviting them to take advantage of the Association’s membership and the long-term commercial value of belonging to the recognised ‘voice of the professional security industry’.

Adrian Mealing, Head of Industry Affairs, Texecom

Companies working in the installation and service of fire and security alarms market are invited to see for themselves the five key reasons they should join the BSIA, with the extra added bonus of two months free membership for anyone accredited with gold and silver status from the NSI.

international standards which are the key

So, what are the benefits our members receive from membership?

As a security equipment manufacturer, we strive to not only produce products but deliver quality goods which continue to drive the industry forward. Our membership gives us the credible voice and influence on the national and to what we do. We can always learn something new and being able to share our thoughts and expertise with quality industry professionals means that we can forever improve the professional security industry for generations to come.

Adam Rust, Director of Installations, Securitatem We are proud to have renewed our BSIA membership for another year to cement and further demonstrate our commitment

BY KATHERINE INGRAM, BSIA

to providing a professional, high quality service. Membership enables us to offer our staff opportunities to further support their skills and knowledge with the advice, guidance and networking opportunities that this offers. Membership has also ensured us we are kept up to date on the industry standards and initiatives.

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installer membership Carl Meason, MD, Fenix Monitoring The BSIA has always been the beacon to the wider industry, and a voice for the security sector. But it's the small stories, the conversation, and the inclusiveness that sparked our interest. Since day one the interaction and open-door approach to ideas has certainly been apparent which has helped my business network to reach a wider community for my products, services, and our industry views.

A great marketing and communications team supports our online presence and only recently we have received invites to large Government procurements meaning a lot of leg work prequalifying for possible opportunities has been negated. I have had full value of my BSIA membership, without taking advantage of any BSIA networking events - this is full credit to Mike and the team who keep the whole membership connected.

The BSIA have adapted in difficult times which shows you how agile and innovative such a large organisation can be to still give us full value and more. The best way I can demonstrate the full value I have found is that we have plans to renew our membership past its original term and to also extend the scope of our membership to incorporate other disciplines. A real organisation built and delivered by real people.

Martin Watson, Operations Director, Mitie Fire & Security Systems At Mitie Security Ltd we really value our membership and relationship with the BSIA. As a significant business in a number of aspects across the security industry from physical security, mobile response, keyholding to electronic and technical services the BSIA represents all the aspect of these service lines and provides not only timely knowledge and advice within the sectors we operate in, but also the ability to ‘have our say’ and ensure our views and opinions are consolidated into a single industry voice.

A key example of this was the BSIA quickly engaged in the Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) debate to ensure the UK’s views on AFR were accurately reflected and launched an industry-first ethical Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) framework to provide guidance and clarity to UK businesses.

The BSIA actively works to raise the competency and professionalism of the security industry, which is something we also encourage and actively pursue.

We at Mitie Security Ltd are proud of our relationship with the BSIA and long may it continue.

If you are an NSI silver or gold certified company, the BSIA is running a special membership offer which gives you the first two months of your membership for FREE if you join before the end of 2021. If you work with any companies which fit the bill, we recommend you let them know of this fantastic offer and let them know just how many great benefits they can get as a member of your Association.

Find out more at www.bsia.co.uk/installer or email Tom Ford at t.ford@bsia.co.uk

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SEHCNUAL TCUDORP

MEMBER LAUNCHES

BSIA Product is a very popular newsletter and members haven't held back with their launches!

upgrade from a digital communicator to secure signalling.

The UK’s Telephone Network Upgrade (All IP) is well underway and hundreds of

COMPILED BY KATHERINE INGRAM

thousands of alarm systems are still utilising legacy digital communicators that

CSL launch MiniAir 2

rely on PSTN. MiniAir 2 provides a

Secure Connectivity Provider, CSL, has

signalling

announced the launch of the new MiniAir 2.

An ideal mobile upgrade for digital communicators, MiniAir 2 is a single-path signalling solution that utilises a 4G/LTEM path to signal an alarm from a

future-proofed,

solution

to

ensure

radio alarm

systems can still send signals to the ARC.

Evans,

CSL’s

Sales

Director,

commented: “MiniAir 2 is a gamechanger for professional Installers when it comes to upgrading digital communicators.

This professional signalling upgrade also

"We’re very aware of the challenges

ensures systems maintain their existing

presented to Installers by the UK’s All IP

Police URNs.

project. That’s why we have developed this ideal mobile upgrade, to future-proof

protected premises to an ARC. It comes

your systems and ensure signals still reach

with a standby SIM as a backup to

the ARC. It is part of our ongoing

safeguard your system if the active SIM

commitment to providing our customers

fails.

with the latest innovations to support

Both

SIMs

operate

on

an

independent network from the other for total resilience.

17

cost effective,

Rob

their businesses.”

It is designed for both residential and

MiniAir 2 is available to order now from

commercial premises as an affordable

your chosen ARC.

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| Autumn 2021

Member

launches

OPTEX launches new

Mac Kokobo, Officer & Senior General

GJD unveils new NETWORK

REDSCAN PRO LIDAR Sensor

Manager at OPTEX, says the new

Bridge product

REDSCAN PRO series provides the ultimate detection solution: “For a decade we’ve been gathering feedback from our customers on what applications they want

OPTEX is rolling out the launch of its new

to use our LiDAR for.

REDSCAN PRO laser detection sensor,

GJD is excited to announce the launch of

featuring its longest range yet, making it

"Featuring our longest detection range

the best solution for the highest security

yet

on

its new NETWORK Bridge product. The

sites.

performance, in combination with the

NETWORK Bridge has been designed to

ability to operate in harsh outdoor

easily connect GJD IP devices with third

The latest evolution in its award-winning

environments and to customise precisely

party video management software and

REDSCAN LiDAR series, REDSCAN PRO

the detection area and target size, our

network compatible products, including

can very accurately detect intruders to a

new REDSCAN PRO series is the ideal

Avigilon and other proprietary CCTV

range of 50mx100m, without any ‘gaps’ or

solution for major infrastructure, critical

systems.

the detection reliability ‘fading’ with

facilities, high-end residential properties

range. By creating rectangular as opposed

and other high security sites."

to

circular

patterns,

(fan-shaped)

there

are

no

without

any

deterioration

detection unnecessary

overlaps, providing great coverage for virtual wall applications such as façade

Pyronix launch RS485 8-Zone expander

and fence protection, and for virtual planes to cover open areas, ceilings and roofs.

One of the key benefits of the GJD Bridge is that it easily integrates with Avigilon’s video management software providing access to 50 inputs and outputs, which enables many useful events such as the ability to receive alarms from GJD IP detectors or to control IP illuminators.

Pyronix is pleased to announce the

The Bridge works by using an Open

release of its ZEM8/E+P-BOX; a sleek and

Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF)

To meet the individual needs of every site,

modern RS485 expander that adds 8

connection, between GJD IP enabled

REDSCAN

zones to any expandable Pyronix wired or

products and third-party systems, making

hybrid system.

it easier than ever to share events in the

PRO

features

intelligent

multiple zones logic. This means that for each detection zone, the sensitivity, target size and output can be configured independently, allowing the zone’s risk and location to be adapted and provide maximum capture rate with minimum nuisance alarms.

form of inputs and outputs over the Suitable

for

either

residential

or

commercial settings, the ZEM8/E+P-BOX is a neat and tidy solution for refined, adaptable and convenient zone expansion.

network.

Not only is the Bridge easy and quick to setup, it provides a seamless IP integrated solution for the end customer.

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T SW AE C IDVAR O RN B IA I S B ET REBMEM

WORKING TOWARDS A TECHNICAL FUTURE Vlad Radoi is Integrated security manufacturer TDSi’s latest student placement, having recently joined the company for a twelve-month placement as part of his BSc in Software Engineering studies at Bournemouth University.

Game development is a really crowded

Security is an interesting and exciting area

space in terms of building a career, but it

of technology which constantly impacts all

became obvious to me that these software

our lives. Having researched the security

development skills are highly useful in so

industry in more detail it really appealed

many industries, and that it was worth

to me professionally, as one which has

looking for the right opportunities to use

many opportunities for a career, but also

them.

plays an important part in keeping us all safe.

INTERVIEW PROVIDED BY TDSI

Why

did

you

choose

to

study

at As a pre-approved university placement

Bournemouth University?

organisation, it was very simple and Bournemouth University has a great reputation

for

producing

talented

graduates in various media industries, so it What first got you interested in becoming a

was high on my list of higher education

software engineer?

providers when I was choosing where to study.

Like many other people, I was obsessed with video games as a child. As well as

Added to this, it is near to my family home,

playing them I was intrigued by how they

which has also been beneficial in terms of

were made, the complex working behind

where to live whilst I build my education

them and how they were developed. A

and career.

friend of mine was involved in fixing software issues and inspired me to learn

particular) appeal to you for this placement?

more.

19

Why did the security industry (and TDSi in

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| Autumn 2021

straightforward for me to come to TDSi.

BSIA

Broadcasts

With a fast-moving and highly specialized

How do you think the security industry can

How can the security industry benefit from

development team, TDSi was also the

attract more software engineering talent?

attracting more software engineers?

and an ideal step for me to enter the

From a graduate and younger engineer’s

Software will continue to be a key

security industry.

point of view, I would say security

component of security moving forwards,

providers need to have a better presence

so the industry needs to embrace these

How does being on a work placement with

on social media. As a primary way of

vital skills. There are very complicated

TDSi benefit your career growth and long-

attracting a younger audience, this is the

term plans?

best way to reach out to the next

perfect fit for my course requirements

generation of professionals and to attract My placement at TDSi is the perfect

this talent to work in your business.

introduction into the security industry.

Why is the security industry a good one for Not only does it continue my technical

software engineers to work in?

challenges to security, particularly from the cyber world, so it is essential that this is

addressed

anticipate

with

and

systems

which

outmanoeuvre

these

threats.

Not only does [my placement helps to] continue my technical

training, it also importantly gives me a greater insight into the commercial

I was drawn by the fact there are always

training, it also importantly

challenges and rewards.

new challenges and opportunities in the

gives me a greater insight into

security industry – this is a sector which is From a software development point of

moving quickly and is often at the cutting

view, I now get the chance to start from

edge of software technology.

the challenges and rewards.

By

scratch and to build products which match

making

this

an

Security threats are always evolving and

supportive

world.

emerging, so these software systems are

developers, the security industry can be at

at the forefront of protecting people and

the forefront of software development

Rather than the challenge of simply

property from a wide range of threats. It is

and evolution, attracting the best talent

completing a task, I am now helping to

a great opportunity to make a real

and ensuring the solutions we deliver

develop features which directly impact

difference!

continue to make a big difference to

assist

people,

businesses,

and

for

and

specific market requirements in the real

and

sector

attractive

software

people’s lives.

organisations. These systems are fully tested and must stand up to full commercial scrutiny, which is really exciting!

There

are

always

new

challenges and opportunities in the security industry. This is a sector which is moving quickly and is often at the cutting edge.

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| Autumn 2021

20

SETARBELEC PUORGIRUCES

A SHINING EXAMPLE The Women in Security awards hosted by Professional Security Magazine are the security profession’s dedicated awards that recognise and honour the accomplishments, value and contributions of women within the wider world of security.

BY SECURIGROUP

understanding and mitigation of potential risks, and the importance of a physical security presence.

She has received a wide range of positive feedback from high-level representatives within client organisations for her approach to her role and professionalism, and is a shining example of how promoting from within, and

nurturing

women in security can deliver outstanding contributions for our clients and the industry.

Pauline is a true champion of the security

About SecuriGroup SecuriGroup is rated within the top 1% of approved UK security companies by our Home Office regulator, the Security Industry Authority.

industry, held in extremely high regard by both SecuriGroup colleagues and clients.

Strengthening

Having joined SecuriGroup in a frontline

which we live, and an Investors in

role, Pauline progressed through our ranks

People

holding several management positions, and

A

Pauline utilises her outstanding experience

of

ACS

the

Year,

our

shapes the future of the industry

targeted attacks on financial institutions.

Denise Phillips of members Westgrove Group

Pauline's work has helped develop clients'

(above) also won on the night.

| Autumn 2021

of

winner

security management approach

threats

associated with commercial properties, and

Spectrum

two-time

Champion

to raise awareness of security within the

21

organisation,

clients’ security needs.

headquartered in London.

identifying

in

and expert solutions to our

Manager for a world-renowned bank,

sector,

Gold

society

SecuriGroup provides innovative

in 2020 was appointed as European Security

financial

the

by combining physical, electronic, and cyber security to augment our service delivery.

SROOD EHT GNIKROW

AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL

Working The Doors Security Study reveals frontline security staff facing unacceptable levels of physical and verbal abuse with the largest study ever undertaken on the subject of violence against security workers reveals PTSD and physical harm.

BY WORKING THE DOORS

Working The Doors, a blog and news site

They

for workers in the frontline security

important government infrastructure as a

behavior by the public against security

industry,

the

high security priority when police are

workers is growing. The pattern of

publication of a conclusive research

unavailable. Subcontracted as “casual”

violence shows that people somehow

survey that highlights the unacceptable

personnel, security personnel meet the

believe that acting out with frustration

levels of violence faced by security

needs of all manner of facilities, private

and

industry workers. Among the reports

corporations, schools and airports that

workers is an acceptable practice.”

findings is the revelation that all levels of

need private security to fill gaps left due

security staff face mental (PTSD) and

to police budget and personnel cuts.

physical trauma as a result of their work

Security guards often substitute as

experiences.

authority figures where police used to

recently

announced

are

responsible

for

guarding

exist.

Extreme

rage

violence

against

and

destructive

Britain’s

security

All levels of security staff face mental and physical trauma as a result of their

Security personnel work as guards, door

“Violence

supervisors, retail and loss prevention

appears to be at an all-time high,” said a

security and close protection officers.

spokesperson for Working The Doors.

The

These individuals perform a necessary

“The recent murders of security guards

supervisors also act as ambassadors for

service. They are entrusted with duties

Tudor Simonov and Abu Sammour were

the brands/venues for whom they work.

such as protecting shopping areas and

not

but

Emergency responders are often attacked

transport hubs, concert and club venues

represent what is becoming the new

as they try to help people who end up

and stadiums

normal.

hurting them instead.

23

Spectrum

| Autumn 2021

against

merely

security

isolated

workers

incidents,

work experiences. spokesperson

added,

“Door

An unacceptable

Retail security guards have to manage dual roles as helpful and friendly guides, while customers navigate post-Covid-19 pandemic ‘one way’ systems. Street-based security teams often act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of local police.

Transport and venue security labour unfairly

shoulder

the

burden

and

Results of the survey

A majority of door supervisors face this

conclusively found that fifty-

exponentially more often over weekends.

one percent of security professionals interviewed

against

potential

acts

of

terrorism.”

issue three to four times per week and

This year’s Working The Doors study involved 1,224 participants and results

are subjected on a daily

showed that 95% experience verbal abuse

basis to verbal abuse

Categories

unenviable responsibility of front-line defenders

level

once per month or more frequently. of

violence

and

abuse

experienced by security staff from the security employees. The study concluded

public are categorized as: criminal intent,

that almost 40% of their subjects exhibited

unruly customer, worker vs. worker and

symptoms of PTSD. Results of the survey

personal relationships.

The University of Portsmouth conducted

conclusively found that fifty-one percent of

a security study in 2019 that looked at the

security professionals interviewed are

Thirty-one percent said such incidents

area of mental health among private

subjected on a daily basis to verbal abuse.

happen on a weekly basis, while 13% said it happens daily. Two percent claimed to never have been verbally abused while at work, however, these people are probably not working in public-facing security roles.

Categories of violence and abuse

experienced

by

security staff from the public are categorized as: criminal intent,

unruly

worker

vs.

customer,

worker

and

personal relationships.

The data found that more than 64% of the 750 respondents suffered verbal abuse at work at least once a month.

For more information and to read the full survey visit the Working the Doors website: www.workingthedoors.co.uk/surveys/vio lence-in-the-security-industry

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| Autumn 2021

24

EMOCLEW SREBMEM WEN

BSIA NEW MEMBERS The BSIA welcomes the following members who joined the Association in the last quarter. We look forward to representing and working for you COMPILED BY ANDREW COOPER

Corps Security Corps Security was founded in 1859 and is one of the UK’s most established and respected

specialist

security

services

provider.

Lowers & Associates Lowers & Associates are an internationally recognized providing

risk risk

management management

company, and

loss

prevention services.

System D limited System D Limited are an independent security systems company delivering small projects

and

large

integrated

throughout England and Europe.

25

Spectrum

| Autumn 2021

systems

New

members

Clear Sound Security Clear Sound Security have established a reputation for suppling only the very best electronic security systems in Homes and Businesses

throughout

Coventry,

Warwickshire, and the West Midlands.

Secure Workforce Secure Workforce is thriving through the commitment of their leadership and team's focus on delivering high quality services.

Secure workforce is a name in which their customers trust and believe.

Techwuman Techwuman is an engineering consultancy specialising in design engineering for physical security

products

which

protect

critical

national infrastructure.

Cento Personnel Cento are recognised as an industry leading consultancy specialising in the recruitment of permanent and contract staff within the Fire & Security sectors, working for a variety of SMEs and global organisations.

ID Cyber Solutions ID Cyber Solutions Providing the professional necessary knowledge to protect companies from

cyber

attacks

from

competitors,

employees, counterfeiters, fraudsters or other sources.

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| Autumn 2021

26

Your

Association

Be a member...not an observer

- membership renewal

Renewals

2022

Throughout the last year, the BSIA has worked tirelessly to fulfil our commitment to you as the voice of the professional security industry in delivering tangible benefits, supporting and encouraging excellence and representing your company to government and industry partners.

You can renew your membership by our online annual declaration form and to make membership even more affordable, we offer a Direct Debit scheme to help you spread the cost of membership across the whole year. www.bsia.co.uk/renewals

THE VOICE OF THE

PROFESSIONAL SECURITY INDUSTRY