Spectrum Q4 December 20

spectrum THE VOICE OF THE

WINTER 2020

PROFESSIONAL SECURITY INDUSTRY

THE ETHICAL ROUTE How the BSIA is shaping the ethics of AFR

COVID POSITIVES

SME CYBER SAFE

AI AND SECURITY

How one company looked to improve staff training during lockdown | 22

Staying safe from cyber attacks if you're an SME | 16

The security sector catching up with digital convergence 10

THE MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Your

Association

Be a member...

not an observer

From 2020 you can renew your membership using our online annual declaration form.

You can make membership even more affordable, as we offer a Direct Debit scheme to help you spread the cost of membership across the whole year.

RENEW TODAY

www.bsia.co.uk/renewals

Renew your membership before 31 March and receive a discount

THE VOICE OF THE

PROFESSIONAL SECURITY INDUSTRY

Contents 4. Foreword with Mike Reddington

5. Industry briefing

8. Special Report: The ethics of AFR

10. Digital convergence in the security world

16. Being cyber safe as an SME

18.

Skills for Security: the class of 2020

20.

CT Policing: keeping terror at bay

22.

COVID positives: Gryphon Security

25.

Member Anniversary campaign

28.

New Members

30. Community spirit: members and good causes

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

Andrew Cooper Katherine Ingram Design: BSIA Communications Editor:

Assistant Editor:

Contributors: Pauline Norstrom, Anekanta Consulting, | Michelle Kradolfer, Police Digital Security Centre | David Scott, Skills for Security | Dave Wilkinson, BSIA | Kate Adey, Gryphon Security | Louisa Sampson, CT Policing | Abbey Petkar, Magenta Security | Stuart Woolgar, Global Guardians

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

spectrum

Winter 2020

The last year has been unpredictable for most industries with the professional security industry affected to varying degrees. As the global pandemic emerged and Governments across the world reacted, guidance and rules appeared as to what was and was not allowed, who could potentially work or not, thus changing how society functions.

Security does not always spring to mind as a key worker job, even though we in the industry know it is. Instead of waiting for our Hidden Workforce to be recognised as key workers, the BSIA, along with other leading organisations, lobbied Government to obtain recognised status for those operating in our industry. Upon achieving this success, the opportunity for us to address public perceptions of the security industry opened up, which we hope will make a difference to those who have made security their career of choice. Our public research has confirmed there is work to be done to change current public perceptions of our industry sector.

On a technical front, the BSIA continued its proactive work in 2020 – with a key focus on collaboration. Our Cyber Product Assurance Group (CySPAG) produced an award-winning Code of Practice which is currently being converted into an auditable process, our video surveillance members are close to completing an ethical and legal guide on the use of Artificial Intelligence and Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) and we continue to lobby Government to raise awareness of the C H I E F

E X E C U T I V E ' S

F O R E W O R D

UKCA mark and its implications (with the BSIA and FIA working together to raise this issue).

This year will see us all having to adapt to a new ‘normal’ which the pandemic has brought about, whether these are events or offices being COVID-19 secure, or a hybrid mix of virtual and face-to-face (with facemasks and social distancing) meetings.

As for the BSIA, we will continue to raise awareness of important and pressing industry issues such as the switch to IP Voice and AFR ethics and compliance, plus any other challenges 2021 may bring.

The BSIA will continue with its remit to represent its members as the recognised voice of the professional security industry.

Our public research has confirmed there is work to be done to change current public perceptions of our industry sector.

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| Winter 2020

Mike Reddington Chief Executive British Security Industry Association

Industry

briefing

BSIA to release AFR guide on legal and ethical usage The BSIA is releasing a new guide on automated facial recognition that discusses the legal and ethical usage of the technology.

Automated Facial Recognition - a guide to ethical and legal use has been produced by the BSIA's video surveillance systems section, and forms part of the Association's Artificial Intelligence (AI) series of publications.

The guidance provides advice and recommendations on the ethical and legal use of Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) technology for the beneficial use in both public and private sector environments to ensure it does not cause harm or discriminate against persons.

It takes into account current known legislation, standards and guidance around AI and in particular AFR. It is intended to be useful to system designers, installers/integrators and end-users.

Automated Facial Recognition - a guide to ethical and legal use will be released in January. See special report beginning on page 8.

BSIA members invited to Openreach's UK Digital Upgrade event

Openreach is investing billions of pounds rolling out full fibre broadband across the UK to help deliver a more reliable and future-proofed network. This will also see the introduction of new digital services (All-IP). This is the biggest digital upgrade the UK has ever seen, and this event is a great opportunity to find out the full facts and to hear from people across the industry about the next generation network.

The UK Digital Upgrade online event takes place on 26 January, hosted by the presenter Clare Balding OBE. It will also feature the Executive Editor at technology and innovation magazine WIRED, Jeremy White, who will be talking through

BSIA members are invited to attend a free online event organised by Openreach that discusses the rolling out of full fibre broadband.

the future of the network and how the digital upgrade will revolutionise the sector – and the UK. Book your free place today on the Openreach website.

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| Winter 2020

5

Industry

briefing

Free cyber assessment exclusive to BSIA SMEs BSIA is pleased to offer its SME members a free cyber assessment, courtesy of the Police Digital Security Centre (PDSC).

Working with the British Standards Institution, the PDSC has developed a new certification scheme to help your organisation understand where its cyber security risks are, and what more you can do to protect yourself, your customers and suppliers.

This easy to use self-assessment tool will help test the resilience of your business, and you will receive a tailored report with specific recommendations of action in accordance with the latest Government and police guidance.

Access your free assessment by visiting https://pdsc.tillr.io/BSIA/#!/welcome

BSIA membership renewals to go online for the first time in 2020/21 BSIA membership renewals have begun and this year we are giving you the opportunity to renew online.

This

year

you

can

renew

your

membership using our online annual declaration form. You can also make membership even more affordable, as we offer a Direct Debit scheme to help The BSIA has also made a video, the Year In Review, to accompany the paper version,

you spread the cost of membership

which will be sent out to members with their certificate upon renewal.

across the whole year.

You can click on the picture above to see how we represented you as your Association

What's more, those members who pay

in 2020.

in full or sign up to the scheme before 31 March will qualify for a reduced

To renew your membership visit www.bsia.co.uk/renewals

6

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| Winter 2020

annual increase of 1.5%.

Industry

BSIA win Cyber Project of the Year at Security & Fire Excellence Awards

briefing

BSIA win Business Association of the Year award

The BSIA picked up the award for Cyber Project of the Year at November's Security & Fire Excellence Awards for its Cybersecurity Product Assurance Group's code of practice for installation of safety and security systems. It has also made the finals of the OSPAs, with winners to be announced on 25 February.

The code of practice is designed to provide confidence throughout the supply chain promoting secure connection of products and services and delivering client assurance regarding connected solutions. The code of practice will assist the supply chain in its duty of care to other network users, particularly with respect to protecting the integrity of existing cybersecurity countermeasures already in place.

The BSIA also picked up another award, this time at the Association of Association Executives for Best Business Member Association of the Year.

In choosing the winner, the judges recognised that that “the new leadership team have clearly pushed the organisation forward – raising its profile and benefitting its members a great deal.”

Chief Executive, Mike Reddington reacted by saying that, "it is a tremendous result for both the Association and our members. It is testament to how far we have come in the last two years."

Successful end to end testing of new automated alarm signalling service ECHO, the not-for-profit industry backed alarms handling operator, completed the first ‘end-to-end’ testing of its new automated alarm signalling transmissions between an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and the pioneering Essex Police Control Room.

Over recent months ECHO, with support from network providers BT Redcare and CSL, has set up resilient connectivity to handle alarm signals from approved ARCs recognised by the police, enabling onward transmission to control rooms via secure networks, as they become ECHO-connected. Working with the Banham Security ARC, its software provider Monitor and Essex Police, live alarm signalling traffic is now being handled seamlessly between the ARC and Essex Police control room despatch desk via ECHO. Spectrum

| Winter 2020

7

TROPER LAICEPS THE ETHICAL AND LEGAL USE OF AUTOMATED FACIAL RECOGNITION

The BSIA launches the first ethical and legal use guide for automated facial recognition.

BY ANDREW COOPER

The BSIA’s video surveillance systems

AFR is a technology that has been

section is launching an ethical and legal

designed to improve the safety and

use

wellbeing

guide

to

Automated

Facial

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| Winter 2020

people,

as

well

as

Recognition (AFR). The guide is the first

providing a tool to assist and speed up

of its kind, following recommendations

operational processes.

on

responsible

use

of

Artificial

Intelligence (AI) by the Organisation for

AFR is one of many data analysis

Economic Co-operation & Development

technologies which sit under the

(OECD), and encompasses useful terms

overarching

and

Intelligence (AI), a branch of Computer

abbreviations,

ethical

uses,

verification, identification and more.

8

of

Science.

umbrella

of

Artificial

Automated facial

recognition

The ethics of AI and its application need

AI systems should be designed in a way

top-level guide which hopefully anyone

to be regularly reviewed to ensure that

that respects the rule of law, human rights,

in

it is not allowed to act autonomously

democratic values and diversity, and they

understand, says Pauline Norstrom,

without human oversight and that it

should include appropriate safeguards,

one of the leaders of the BSIA’s working

should not be used in any way which causes harm to individuals.

e.g., enabling human intervention where necessary – to ensure a fair and just society.

As there is no single global ethical framework for the safe use of AI, the

There

or

out

of

the

industry

will

group.

"The short diagrams and highlighted

should

be

transparency

and

blocks serve as a reminder or check list

responsible disclosure around AI systems

for people to consider before adding a

new guide therefore refers to the

to ensure that people understand AI-based

facial recognition solution to their

OECD recommendations which identify

outcomes and can challenge them.

security system.

complementary values-based principles for the responsible stewardship of

AI systems must function in a robust,

trustworthy AI which are:

secure and safe way throughout their life

AI should benefit people and the planet by driving

inclusive

growth,

development and wellbeing.

sustainable

The use of Artificial Intelligence is growing, and as technology grows and

cycles and potential risks should be

turns to a normal part of daily life we

continually assessed and managed.

must ensure that all sides are aware of the ethical and legal considerations of

“This

collaborative piece of work

using these solutions. If not, the

among industry experts has produced a

purpose of these systems could be abused and spiral out of control leading to much more scepticism than already present.

We want to make sure the British public know that there are ethics out there to consider and that most reputable

companies

follow

these

guidelines. With that said, this guide is also good to show potential clients who may be sceptic that they do consider ethical realities and consequences of using an AI solution.”

The guide will be available from January 2021 to download on the BSIA website, and the working group hopes to move this forward into possibly a Code of Practice or British Standard.

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| Winter 2020

9

E C N E G R E V N O C

L A T I G I D

DIGITAL CONVERGENCE IN THE PHYSICAL SECURITY WORLD As consumers we enjoy the benefits of digital convergence without a second thought and the advances in platform technologies enable seamless access to video and data at any time on any device wherever we are in the world. The security sector is catching up.

BY PAULINE NORSTROM, ANEKANTA CONSULTING

When I joined the security industry at the millennium, it was like stepping back in time

Joining a leading innovator in the industry was timely, as the company was about to go through one of the greatest periods of transformation and growth which took the whole industry to a new level of adoption of video surveillance and integration technology.

from a progressive world of new technology to what appeared to be a legacy from the second industrial revolution. This was the way we did things in the security industry due to the lack of technology available at the time to efficiently process transmit and store digital video and share data between systems.

This sector seemed to be behind the curve.

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The innovator was Dedicated Micros, whose growth was exponential. The company hit the sweet spot on price, technology performance, reliability, solid implementation, ease of

Digital

convergence

installation, ease of integration with other systems and for the user, 24/7 recording and the all-important fast and easy retrieval of images in the event of an incident. The company created a near perfect value chain which became a benchmark and play-book for the industry.

There was rapid acceptance and adoption. This way of managing video achieved an inspirational value to its users creating a sense of safety and wellbeing. The video surveillance world rapidly followed and within a short period of time, all recording products were fully digital with hard drive recording replacing difficult to manage analogue tapes. Relentless lobbying, stakeholder management, education, training, promotion, support and communication resulted in the ubiquitous digital recording technology taking a foothold not just in the marketplace, but in the criminal justice system who held up the technology and implementation as the gold standard which would reliably deliver authenticated digital evidence. New standards were created such as BS 8495 which became part of the IEC 62676 suite and within a few short years, digital recording was the de-facto method of storing video images. This was one of the foundational pieces of the security industry’s history which built a platform for growth, further innovation and convergence.

Classifying the relevance of the images to make them available at a critical decision point...an AI challenge which the industry has struggled with and failed to achieve many times over the last decade.

Much has changed in the sector in 20 years due to advances in the core

An early form of AI was developed in this

general purpose technologies which enabled the development of new

industry in order to deliver the best form

innovations. Digital signal processing and camera sensor technology together

of situational awareness by automating the

with the development of networks and the internet enabled discrete systems

concentration of event triggers from

to become part of an ecosystem managed from one or multiple locations.

multiple sources on a site resulting in a unified signal to a single or multiple

These technologies also generated more of everything, higher resolution

receivers.

cameras, larger storage capacity and greater network bandwidth resulting in an explosion in the quantity and quality of video surveillance images. With

With the advent of more processing power

increased quantity came the challenge of classifying the relevance of the

and the learning experience gained from

images to make them available at a critical decision point for the authorities,

failing to achieve the best result, the use of

an AI challenge which the industry has struggled with and failed to achieve

AI and specifically convolutional neural continued overleaf

many times over the last decade.

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| Winter

2020

11

convergence

Digital

networks to classify images is finally

Convergence is still constrained by the

producing credible results and now

boundaries of discrete technologies

presents a basis to be trusted as an

and private ownership. It is the

effective tool.

government and police authorities’ responsibility to keep us safe as private

Different

types

now

individuals, however there is a barrier

combined supervised and unsupervised

to access to the best technology to

machine learning together with neural

enhance this process.

networks converged

to

of

AI

enable

from

have

data

multiple

to

be

systems,

In the case of video surveillance, there

automatically analysed and results

are now believed to be in excess of 250

delivered to the authorised user in a

million video surveillance cameras in

clear and simple actionable form. The

operation in the world, 80 million of

foundational technologies which enable

which are outside China. UK is cited to

a quantum leap in the use of the millions

have over 6 million, according to BSIA’s

of unclassified images and disparate

research in 2013 and since then it is

data are here to stay.

estimated that the market has been

The ever increasing global threat of terrorism demand

generates for

better

a

continual situational

awareness to enable the mobilisation of the response quickly and precisely to provide the maximum protection to the public. Terrorism is not deterred by technological boundaries. Migration of populations towards cities is also creating a demand for smart modern living

enhanced

by

high

tech

management systems whose outputs are delivered through easy to use apps.

To mitigate against terror threats and to achieve smart living, convergence of systems is required both on and off site.

When systems work together, the resulting ecosystem adds value to

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| Winter 2020

For AI to be used effectively to achieve the most beneficial result, the paradigms which made security systems inherently safe need to be challenged and new paradigms created. existing security infrastructure and can be further enhanced through the use of AI and machine learning.

Sounds simple, but the physical security estate is made up of millions of discrete systems, operated by private entities whose interest is in the threats and risks associated with their specific operations.

growing at a rate of 10% or more per year.

Convergence of technology, ethics, policy, legislation and partnerships are key components required to facilitate the development of a technologically advanced safety net for its users which is

accessible

to

authorities

and

governed within a robust framework to prevent misuse.

AI technology in the security sector has been quietly evolving for many years.

Facial

recognition

being

deployed

alongside access control systems in education for example to automatically verify the identity of a person entering the building and reduce the sharing of key fobs and unauthorised entry.

Digital

convergence

In order to achieve this result, access

In the UK, new legislation and codes of

These issues may stifle the adoption of

control and video surveillance systems

practice will be created in order to

AI technology if there may be a

must share their data. The sharing can

ethically govern the use of facial

detrimental impact on the individual. If

present a problem as not only may the

recognition and in the USA, California

enforced through legislation, there may

data format be incompatible, structured

banned its use outright.

be a temporary moratorium on the use of

and unstructured, the systems may need to communicate though different network

technologies.

Opening

up

these systems to communication with other

systems

also

presents

a

cybersecurity vulnerability.

It is apparent that ethical and legal frameworks are yet to be developed in order

to

address

the

new

considerations towards the use of this form of AI – the fear associated with

For AI to be used effectively to achieve the most beneficial result in this sector, the paradigms which made security systems inherently safe need to be

potential privacy breaches creates inertia, as does the lack of transparency of some of the AI algorithms raising additional concerns about traceability,

challenged and new paradigms created.

bias and the origins of the learning data

We need secure systems which are

sets.

open

to

two

way

3rd

party

communication – that is a paradoxical problem – however the industry is working

hard

recognition

to

solve

technology

it. had

Facial not

emerged into the public domain until the recent months whereby a number of trials were undertaken in the UK to determine the effectiveness of its use in places where the public gather. The trials

were

managed

with

police

involvement.

Convergence creates opportunities for product and software providers to develop solutions, new AI, APIs and apps which solve the challenges associated with secure disparate system communication.

technology

in

public

places

altogether. The industry is working hard to explain why facial recognition can be safe and should be allowed for the benefit of public safety.

Converging systems and enabling data sharing creates another problem for the security industry. Security systems have historically been managed by discrete resources and often these systems

operate

on

independent

analogue and IP networks. For AI to be most effective, disparate systems must automatically communicate with each other without human management.

This opens up the IoT security debate and puts a spotlight on the need for robust standards which require security from the ground up and from the edge to the cloud. This is to ensure that the systems are not quietly recruited as an attack surface or disabled altogether by malevolent

actors.

Convergence

creates opportunities for product and This is where, for the public, the line

software

providers

to

was crossed in terms of a question mark

solutions, new AI, APIs and apps which

being raised about the use of the

solve the challenges associated with

technology, retention of data and

secure

transparency around the “watch lists”

communication.

disparate

develop

system

which were allegedly used in order to continued overleaf

find suspects in crowds.

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| Winter 2020

13

Digital

convergence Multiple disparate legacy systems left unsupported

due

to

industry

consolidation may result in invisible barriers to the adoption of new technology due to the loss of know-how and the cost and difficulty associated with change. Nothing, however, will halt progress and as AI technologies mature so will the trust in their effectiveness due to companies getting better at integrating

and

distributing

the

AI will become more effectively applied

The vast estate of security sensors,

automatically generated analysis from

across disparate systems to analyse and

many of which are not currently utilised

multiple disparate sources to those who

present relevant and useful actionable

at all, can be embraced into the security

can act. This in turn enables better

information within ethical, legal and

net. These improvements will facilitate

decision making and more effective

cyber secure frameworks. This may be further facilitated by the sharing of APIs and development of transparency within the AI.

the further development of closer partnerships between police authorities and the private security industry which are enabled by technology.

There will be an increased awareness of

security and safety management.

Companies in the sector need to embrace the process of collaboration across the industry to develop the ethical and legal frameworks within

the importance of the private security

Although great forward strides have

which AI should be safely operated.

industry as a substantial united force

been achieved over the last decade,

The

which, together with the authorities,

there is still a lack of regulation and

together to develop safe and cyber

protects the public. The reputation will

enforcement of good working practice

secure

be enhanced as success stories which

in the industry. The industry still largely

communication

promote the safe use of AI emerge, as will new standards and legislative frameworks.

self regulates and in doing so, relies upon voluntary standards and the ethical practice and corporate and

Innovation through improvement and

social responsibility of the players

stakeholders means

need of

between

to

work

effective systems.

Companies that take a holistic view will succeed in becoming part of this new world of convergence of AI and human decision making. The capture and processing of data and the delivery of

disruption will result in new, faster,

involved. Lack of regulation results in

better methods of categorising security

low barriers to entry into the sector

system data and distributing the right

which creates confusion for the buyer

soon become common place, mirroring

information to the right people.

who may struggle to differentiate one

the seamless access to data we expect

provider from another.

as consumers.

This can lead to a focus on price rather

Reproduced with the permission of the copyright owner Anekanta Consulting, and International Security Journal who published the article in January 2020.

This

will

challenge

infrastructures

and

Spectrum

minimal technological barriers will

existing leverage

communications networks.

14

the results to the authorised party with

| Winter 2020

than quality and value.

HELPING SME MEMBERS TO BE DIGITALLY AWARE The BSIA is assisting the Police Digital Security Centre to raise awareness of cyber security to its SME members.

MICHELLE KRADOLFER, POLICE DIGITAL SECURITY CENTRE

What is the Digitally Aware & Digitally Resilient certification scheme?

The PDSC have developed a certification scheme, in collaboration with the British Standards Institution (BSI), which is aimed at helping SMEs reduce their vulnerability to the most common types of cyber crime and promote the fact that they take their digital and cyber security seriously.

The Digitally Aware certificate is an entry level certificate aimed at organisations with the lowest exposure to cyber crime. Based on the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) Small Business Guide, Digitally Aware recognises those businesses who have taken the first step towards better cyber security.

Who are the PDSC? The Police Digital Security Centre (PDSC) is part of Police Crime Prevention Initiatives

Successful applicants receive a certificate and a tailored report, based on their assessment, with specific recommendations of actions they should take in respect of enhancing their cyber security. This advice is consistent with the latest Government and police guidance.

(PCPI), a not-for-profit organisation owned by the police that works across the UK in partnership

with

industry,

government,

academia and law enforcement.

Digitally Resilient is a more enhanced certificate, aimed at SMEs who are above the minimum level of cyber risk. The assessment and pricing are carried out by BSI. To achieve the Digitally Resilient Certificate, businesses are required to demonstrate that they’ve implemented controls that are appropriate to the level of risk they are exposed to.

It was established to help small and medium sized businesses reduce their vulnerability to cyber crime by supporting them to develop and innovate in a secure digital environment.

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Digitally Resilient assesses against the Government’s Cyber Essentials Scheme and the “10 steps to cybersecurity” principles.

Digitally aware

SMEs

How does it work?

It is a simple online self-assessment and will take under 15 minutes for you to complete both the initial assessment and the Digitally Aware certification process.

The first step is to understand your level of risk. You will be asked a short series of questions around your organisation, with the answers given determining whether you are directed to the Digitally Aware or Digitally Resilient certification.

If you are directed to Digitally Aware, once you’ve

Why should I do this?

registered and paid the £50 certification fee, you will be able to start the Digitally Aware assessment, where you’ll

46% of all UK businesses have suffered at least one attack

be asked a series of questions around your organisation’s

within the last 12 months and 65,000 UK SMEs suffer cyber

current

successful

security attacks each day. Now more than ever, it’s

completion you will be able to download a tailored report

important for SMEs to think about their cyber security

based on your assessment, along with a certificate, which is

posture and ensure that they have the right controls in

valid for 12 months.

place to reduce their vulnerability to a cyber attack.

cyber

security

measures.

Upon

Digitally Aware allows you to review your current controls, If you are directed to Digitally Resilient, you will need to

helps you understand your cyber risk profile and provides

complete a form, which will be sent to our partners at BSI

you with useful recommendations and resources that can

who will contact you within 2 working days to start with

be easily implemented to ensure business continuity,

your certification journey. Upon completion, the certificate

improve your response time and reduce any loss or damage

is valid for 12 months.

in case of a cyber breach. By understanding your exposure

What areas are covered in the Digitally Aware assessment?

to risk and putting into place simple control measures, it demonstrates to customers, staff, stakeholders and suppliers how important the security of their information is.

The questions are based on the NCSC’s Small Business Guide and are divided into three sections: Policy Actions,

You’ll get a police and BSI endorsed certificate which you

Technical Actions, and Training and Awareness Actions.

can download. The certificate is valid for 12 months. Our

Each section covers questions around the current cyber

platform is regularly updated to provide applicants with

security controls you’ve put in place, such as using

toolkits, current advice, as well as a list of useful resources

password

from trusted sources such as the NCSC and our digital

managers,

two-factor

authentication,

USB

inventory list, installing anti-virus software and whether

security providers.

you have created a cyber security training plan for your staff. This will help you review your current controls and

To get your free BSIA member assessment, visit the PDSC

highlight anything you may have overlooked.

website.

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| Winter 2020

17

SKILLS FOR SECURITY ANNOUNCE CLASS OF 2020 In 2020, Skills for Security saw 27 apprentices completing their Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Apprenticeship who have now all successfully secured roles at companies across the UK.

David Scott, Managing Director, Skills for Security said: “Matthew has

This year's apprentices was by far the largest number in the UK, and 2021 is forecasting a significant rise in apprenticeships taking place which we hope brings us nearer to closing the ever-growing skills gap in our sector.

"Matthew has a real passion for the sector and his career, and I look

shown a tremendous work ethic whilst completing his apprenticeship this year. His energy and enthusiasm should see him go far in the fire and security industry.

forward to watching his journey closely as he now becomes a fully qualified fire and security engineer.

"The team at Skills for Security want to wish both Matthew and all the Class of 2020 the very best in their career."

As well as celebrating the 'Class of 2020', Skills for Security also awarded Apprentice of the Year to Matthew Aindow, for achieving 93% in this End Point Assessment.

Matthew completed his apprenticeship with EFT Systems, who are one of the leading fire and security installers in the UK.

EFT

recruited 28 apprentices, with most of these

To find out more information on our Fire, Emergency and Security Systems Apprenticeship standard visit the Skills for Security website.

We have a number of inductions taking place early next year which are heavily incentivised by the government.

To reserve a spot and take advantage of the governments incentives please email info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk now.

on the apprenticeship programme with Skills Find out who made the Class of 2020 - tomorrow's engineers today

for Security.

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2020

PLAYING YOUR PART IN KEEPING TERROR AT BAY To support operational activity, Counter Terrorism Policing is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their new Winter Vigilance campaign.

Launching

the

Winter

Vigilance

campaign,

Deputy

Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi advised that just like in the fight against Coronavirus, we all have a part to play in protecting ourselves and others against the threat of terrorism.

“With COVID-19 still casting a shadow over everyone’s

BY LOUISA SAMPSON

lives, it is understandable that terrorism isn’t something With the coronavirus pandemic changing all of our day to

most people are thinking much about right now,” she said.

day life routines, it is understandable that the threat from terrorism isn’t necessarily front of mind for everyone

“But recent attacks across Europe have shown us that the

across the country. But the threat of terrorism sadly has not

threat of terrorism has not gone away, and in fact the UK’s

gone away.

terror threat level has just been raised to SEVERE – meaning an attack is highly likely.

Given national and regional restrictions, compared to previous years, there may be a different look and feel to city

“I must stress that there is no intelligence to link those

centres and public locations over the winter season.

attacks in Europe to the UK, but as we move out of the

However, the recent terror attacks in Europe and the

tightest lockdown restrictions into a busy shopping period

change in the UK’s terrorism threat level on 3 November

in the run-up to Christmas, we want the public to be vigilant

2020 to SEVERE – meaning an attack is highly likely - are

against more than just the virus. Similar to tackling COVID-

reminders of how important it is for everyone to stay

19, defeating terrorism requires a collective community

vigilant.

effort – where police, security staff, retail workers and the public come together to minimise the chance of attack.”

As stressed by Home Secretary Priti Patel and Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, UK Head of Counter Terrorism

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) know how busy security

Policing, this is a precautionary measure following the

professionals are in preparing for the changes in

recent tragic events in France and Austria.

restrictions,

and

understand

the

challenges

many

organisations have faced this year. Whilst planning for The change in threat level means it is highly likely that a

COVID-19, they ask that you support the Winter Vigilance

terrorist attack could happen in the UK, but this change is

campaign and amplify the safety and security messaging,

not based on a specific threat. To support operational

encouraging your customers to be vigilant and helping us to

activity, Counter Terrorism Policing is urging the public to

deter those who would do others harm through promoting

remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their

that everyone is looking out for suspicious activity.

new Winter Vigilance campaign.

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been in regular use only weeks before.

However it has been proven that it is

Keeping terror

at bay

CTP has created a toolkit including creative materials for use on your digital screens, poster sites and social channels and messaging to remind customers/visitors what to do if they notice suspicious activity. The content, designed following consultation with businesses and stakeholders, and taking into account the many pressures teams are under as a result of COVID-19, encourages the public to be vigilant without causing alarm.

The content will continue to be updated and is designed to have a longer shelf life than just the festive season and reflects the need to be adaptable as COVID-19 restrictions change and crowded places evolve. We’re grateful for the support the security community has provided in previous vigilance campaigns, and this has highlighted the vital role you play in helping us to get this important safety and security message to your customers.

Download the toolkit today Counter Terrorism Policing recognises the importance of businesses being able to access regular updates, guidance and information digitally whilst on the move. CTP has developed the ACT mobile app to ensure security professionals can find the information they need quickly and effectively. As we reach the end of the year, we’re proud that more than 100,000 security and resilience specialists and colleagues in crowded places now have access to the Action Counter Terrorism application for business.

By downloading the ACT App, organisations have access to

How can I get the App for my business?

the latest CT Policing information and guidance to help them: ACT now to respond to and report suspicious activity directly to CT Policing Develop and implement their incident response plans (e.g. evacuation, invacuation and lockdown procedures) using the assured advice within Access accurate and trustworthy alerts and information directly from CT Policing: Instant Messages should an incident occur UK Protect Bulletins outlining latest CT news and campaigns to support you and your organisational resilience Sign up for CT Policing Training e.g. ACT Corporate or the ACT E-Learning Shape the future content of the tool by submitting feedback directly via the App because “Together We Are Stronger”

Large organisations: if you are a large organisation, our enterprise roll out solution will allow you to deploy the ACT App to all company devices. Working with your internal IT, the ACT App Team will provide them with the relevant files which will allow the app to be internally pushed to all devices. For more information on how to do this, please contact ct@highfieldelearning.com.

Smaller organisations: if you are a smaller organisation without company managed devices, the best way to access the ACT App is via the Google Play or Apple App Store.

After downloading, email: ct@highfieldelearning.com to request a user name and password.

For more information on CT Policing please email us at nctphq.comms@met.police.uk.

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21

SUCOF REBMEM

COVID POSITIVES: A MEMBER'S PERSPECTIVE After a devastating year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, members Gryphon Security talk about how they identified where they could possibly gain positives and keep focused as people as well as a company.

Of course, as soon as lockdown came to a brief end, we were able to carry out the practical elements of that training under strict COVID-19 social distancing rules, and guidance from our Awarding Organisations. As I was certainly not exempt from ‘lockdown learning’ (‘one in, all in’ as they say…) I registered myself onto the Level 6

BY KATE ADEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR

As with most businesses during the first lockdown period, it was a great opportunity to carry out a ‘deep clean’ and finally clear those things that are always on the back burner, along with a fine tuning of policies, processes, and procedures. However, once that was done it was time to

Diploma in Strategic Risk & Crisis Management which is delivered Dr David Rubens at the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM). It is hoped that this will eventually lead to the completion of a Masters through the University of Portsmouth. The reason I chose this course is because long gone are the days that a security manager, or a safety officer is just that.

assess our new situation and discover the best way to focus, prepare and indeed survive for what the future might bring.

Over the years our roles have morphed into positions that we wouldn’t have recognised 10 years ago, and when I see

The lockdown rules allowed furloughed staff to continue

job descriptions for the aforementioned roles, crisis or risk

with training and Continued Professional Development

management is almost always there as desired or

(CPD) and that is exactly what we did. Three of our

mandatory knowledge. For those of you working in these

tutor/assessors completed the theory elements of the Level

management roles today know all too well that the

4 in Internal Quality Assurance, with one of them also

expectation is that we need to be everything to everyone

completing the Level 4 in Education and Training.

when it comes to safety and security.

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been in regular use only weeks before.

However it has been proven that it is

COVID

positives

In addition to training/CPD in and out

Of course, as a company that provides security staff to a hospital setting, adults

of lockdown, we were able to continue

and children with mental health conditions and educational establishments, our

our work with IWI Associates (where I

concern was how the RRN would impact on us as temporary staff at these

am an Associate Consultant), and carry

locations, given that there is no reference to the ad-hoc support from the security

out desktop top safety audits for

industry that is often required at short notice to NHS environments. It was then

stadiums as part of their annual

that I contacted the Institute of Conflict Management (ICM) in the hope that I

inspection as stated in The Guide to

could tap into their wealth of knowledge and experience regarding the soon to be

Safety at Sports Grounds.

new rules on restrictive interventions.

Once rules allowed, we were then able

As expected, they were extremely approachable, couldn’t have been more helpful

to complete the physical inspections on

and incredibly accommodating, even though at the time I wasn’t even a member.

site. Being able to offer our clients the

They were able to inform me that at the time of writing this article, the RRN was

ability to complete the desktop audit

in the process of adding an amendment to its policy regarding temporary/ad-hoc

during lockdown meant that less time

staff working at NHS settings, so hopefully our requirements will become clearer

was spent on site when we were finally

in the near future.

permitted under COVID-19 rules. This was a great outcome for all parties

The most wonderful ending to these communications with the ICM was that they

concerned as we had work and the

invited me to become a member of their Board of Directors which I duly accepted

client was fully up-to-date with their

and was voted in on 17 November.

inspection requirements.

Being able to offer our clients the ability to complete the desktop audit during lockdown meant that less time was spent on site when we were finally permitted under COVID-19 rules. This was a great outcome for all parties concerned.

Another area of interest that we were able to spend some time on was the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) matter. For those that are not aware, the RRN has “set the standards in response to the growing concern among professional

bodies

and

government

departments, that whilst the use of any kind of restraint may be necessary to keep people safe, it is also traumatic and must be minimised in therapeutic settings.

These standards will be mandatory for all training with a restrictive intervention component that is delivered to NHS commissioned services for people with mental

health

conditions,

learning

disabilities, autistic people and people living with dementia in England.” Ridley, Leitch (2019)

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2020

23

been in regular use only weeks before.

However it has been proven that it is

Covid

positives

One of our greatest positive outcomes so far during the pandemic has been the recruitment of our new Operations and Training Manager. Mark contacted Gryphon with a view to using his Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) from the Ministry of Defence to complete his Close Protection course. During our conversations with Mark, we found that he had recently had his full-time employment reduced to part-time due to COVID-19, and was looking for other work to make up the short fall. It was at this point that I remembered we had recently had a conversation with David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security (SfS), about enrolling on one of their apprenticeship programmes. As it happened, SfS were about to start a new cohort for the Level 3 Team Leader and Supervisor Apprenticeship, and

One of those great lines of communication during the pandemic has been the BSIA

with much discussion between us, we

whom we joined as Principal Members of the Training Providers Section (TPS) and

were able to take on Mark on a part-

I was voted in as a member of the Board of the TPS just as the first lockdown

time basis meaning that he was now

started. There has been a great shift in the way that the TPS operates over the last

back up to full-time hours. However,

12 months in the most positive sense, which is why we chose to become members

the intention is to not only support

at the time we did.

Mark throughout his apprenticeship, but to provide him with more industry

Tom Ford, Membership Development Manager at the BSIA, has been and still is, on

related qualifications and gradually

a mission to bring the TPS to where it should be – at the forefront of the BSIA. He

move him into a full-time role.

has ensured that during our membership we have been engaged in meetings to discuss training issues and prospects for the security industry and facilitated the

Whilst Gryphon Security has been busy

opportunities to connect with members from other sections of the BSIA.

and productive during the pandemic, maintain

Knowing that the BSIA are always at the end of the phone or an email, ready to

communication with our contacts and

handle any query or provide guidance and direction is of great comfort to us as a

friends to ‘bounce ideas off’, or just to

business and as representatives of the security industry.

we

still

needed

to

confirm that there were still people out Find out more about Gryphon Security and their services.

there.

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LONDON MARRIOTT GROSVENOR SQUARE 30 JUNE 2021

BEST NEWCOMER BEST TEAM SECURITY MANAGER OF THE YEAR SERVICE TO THE CUSTOMER OUTSTANDING ACT BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP INNOVATIVE SECURITY PROJECT INSTALLER OF THE YEAR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR BRAVERY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY

WHICH ONE WILL YOU WIN? ENTRIES OPEN 4 JANUARY britishsecurityawards.co.uk

Member anniversary

campaign

The BSIA has started its anniversary campaign awarding our long-standing members with Member Award anniversary trophies as a thank you for their continued support. The Association will be awarding trophies to members who have served 25 years or more, including a special founders award to our original members who came together in January 1967 to form the Association at a meeting in London.

The Member Award serves to recognise the hard work, dedication and active participation shown by those companies who have not only supported the Association over the years, but have helped shape and mould it into what it is today, the recognised voice of the professional security industry.

Due to restrictions around COVID-19, presentations have been limited, but as these ease up, the leadership team will be contacting members to arrange for a visit to present the award. If you are a member who joined before 1996, we look forward to visiting your offices to say thank you. From now on, once a company hits the 25 year landmark, it will be eligible for receiving this award.

A THANK YOU FROM THE BSIA A RETURN Starting towardsTO the FORM end of 2020, the BSIA has been awarding members who have achieved 25 years or more of Association The BSIA awarded ADT Fire & Security Services, Inc. a Founder Member Award for membership, by awarding a supporting the Association for over 50 years in December by Chief Executive Mike special trophy.

Reddington and Director of Technical Services Dave Wilkinson.

This is our thank you for the continued support of our members.

ADT joined in January 1967 and have actively supported the Association, such as shaping the NPCC Police policy for alarm systems, improving industry standards, developing training and playing a role in the development of Electronic Call Handling Operations (ECHO), to name but a few.

BY ANDREW COOPER

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campaign perceptions briefing

Member anniversay

Director of Technical Services Dave Wilkinson presented Secure It All (left) their award for 25 years of membership in Halesowen in November. Secure It All joined the Association in October 1995.

Chief Executive Mike Reddington visited RISCO Group (right) in October to present them with their award for 25 years of membership. RISCO Group joined the Association in April 1995.

Director of Technical Services Dave Wilkinson presented SES Fire & Security (left) their award for 25 years of membership in Yeovil in December. SES Fire & Security joined the Association in January 1995.

Head of Communications Andrew Cooper visited Magenta Security (right) in September in Hounslow to present Abbey Petkar with their award recognising 25 years of business, joining the Association shortly after.

Chief

Executive

Mike

Reddington

visited

Border

Safeguard (left) in October in Selkirk to present them with their award for 25 years of membership, and to recognise 40 years in business. Border Safeguard joined the Association in October 1995.

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27

Latest

members

The BSIA would like to welcome the following members who joined the Association in the last quarter. We look forward to representing you.

UK Protection are proud suppliers of soft security solutions to high value retail & corporate clients. They have earned their reputation as a security provider of choice due to their intelligence

led

knowledge

of

crime

and

a

thorough

understanding of their clients specific requirements.

WRC Recycling are a family-run waste management business based in Inchinnan, Scotland. providing every client with a customised, total waste solution to help achieve a ‘zero waste’ society.

Secure Empty Property offers a complete security and management service around empty properties. They understand the need to protect valuable property assets quickly and cost effectively.

ForrestBrown is the UK’s largest specialist R&D tax credit consultancy, passionate about helping innovative businesses grow.

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29

COMMUNITY SPIRIT As well as providing their professional services to a wide range a clients, our members also take time to assist their local communities.

We asked all our regional offices to spare a thought for those in need by bringing in essential goods to our key locations. All collections were delivered to food banks

nmcn winter appeal

local to each regional office, in time for distribution before the festive period.

The nmcn winter appeal provided urgent foodbank support across the UK. This winter, increasing numbers

As well as donating over 2,000 essential

of people in the UK will unfortunately know hunger and

goods, we have donated £1,550 to local

poverty. Parts of the country have declared “poverty

foodbanks to help support the services they

emergencies”, with the Trussell Trust’s foodbank

provide.

network anticipating a huge 61% increase in demand The effects of the pandemic have been far

this winter.

reaching and have massively impacted upon We have always valued and supported the communities

everyone's lives. One tragic consequence

in which we serve, with "Our Communities" funding a

being that some families are suffering

key priority of our Positive Impact Plan, and to assist, we

enormous hardship, including hunger as they

ran “Our Communities - Winter Appeal”.

do not have the resources to put enough food on the table. They are, therefore, very sadly having to turn to food banks for support.

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spirit

Community

Global Guardians create safe living spaces for rough sleepers As an ethical and progressive Property Guardian company, Global Guardians does what it can in the fight against homelessness, housing 1500 people at present and having housed over 3000 people since 2011. Global Guardians creates vibrant and safe living spaces for working adults who otherwise would be subjected to potentially crippling private rental prices. They have recently been in talks with the Ministry of Housing regarding the Rough Sleeping Initiative and are set to assist in providing help and support to members of the community who have fallen on hard times since the start of the pandemic.

With the amount of empty residential and commercial properties around the country it is Global Guardians' mission to support property owners in managing these assets whilst repurposing them to help people and communities thrive.

One way to prevent some forms of homelessness is to provide less expensive forms of accommodation so that people are less likely to fall into financial hardship. "With prevention being better than the cure, Global Guardians would like to see more private sector organisations supporting local authorities where they can; "Much of the responsibility for housing and providing vital support, to those who have fallen on hard times, currently rests on the public sector. We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to support these efforts and this has never been more evident than during the recent COVID-19 pandemic”.

"It is our belief that everyone deserves somewhere warm and safe to sleep and to make memories. A home is not just four walls, it is so much more than that.

Global Guardians will continue to work alongside property owners, public sector bodies and other thought leaders to suppress the amount of empty buildings in the UK by placing Property Guardians within them and should then "The issue of homelessness is one that is very close to my

continue to have a positive impact on the homelessness

heart personally and was one of the main driving forces

crisis.

when we formed Global Guardians nine years ago", says CEO Stuart Woolgar. "It is our belief that everyone

Find out more at www.global-guardians.co.uk

deserves somewhere warm and safe to sleep and to make memories. A home is not just four walls, it is so much more than that. Unfortunately, it is the sad truth that for thousands of people in the UK ‘just four walls’ might not even be the best they can expect."

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32

Community

spirit

Magenta Security Services support 1,200

OCS Group contribute advice to Food

meals for children

Service Circle

Magenta Security Services stepped up to provide 1,200

OCS Group has been working

meals for children across Birmingham in the wake of the challenges faced by many during the October half term holiday. Working with local organisations, Magenta provided the 1,200 meals to those children most in need of ongoing support and at risk of hunger.

to support catering workers affected by the pandemic.

In

“Children should not be punished for situations beyond their control,” commented Abbey Petkar, Managing Director of Magenta Security Services.

with the Food Service Circle

“I am not

interested in the politics or the debate, just the need to

an

article

shared

foodservicecircle.com,

on OCS

Group UK Operational HR Director, Justine Vaughan, talked about how to harness the skills catering workers have gained to look for their next opportunity.

help those who are vulnerable and facing challenges.

Children have always been at the forefront of Magenta’s community and charity efforts and I am delighted to be in

Mitie support reduction in plastic bottles

a position to provide immediate support through this initiative, whilst being on standby to help further in the future if necessary.”

The provision of the meals during half term represents further support for children

by Magenta Security who already sponsor 25 children around the world, from war-

Mitie is proud to support Mermaid Quay’s ‘Got the Bottle’

torn and deprived locations,

campaign, which aims to reduce the number of plastic

from the age of four to 16.

bottles used by installing 10 public water refill stations at bars and restaurants across the site.

Throughout the whole of those young and formative 12 years of their life, Magenta provides full funding for the

During

child’s education, health and welfare needs. Effectively this

Environmental handed out 1,000 reusable bottles,

means Magenta has supported 300 years of childhood

donated by Welsh Water, to the public, educating them

education and welfare.

on plastic waste and reduction.

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2020

the

campaign

launch,

Mitie

Waste

&