The security team at TATE Britain has been awarded a Best Team award in the British Security Industry Association (BSIA)’s Annual Security Personnel Awards 2011.
This Wilson James Ltd team of 38 security officers is responsible for the safety of staff, visitors and multimillion pound art assets held at the high profile gallery, both during opening hours and during silent hours. Over the past 12 months, the team has contributed to heightening the standards of the customer visitor experience by actively participating in the Visitor Experience Review process, and taking on new responsibilities as a result of the review, including looking after the huge volume of lost and found property. In addition, the team has established itself as the Gallery’s fourth emergency service: all officers are first aid trained and at the forefront of managing accidents and incidents.
Piers Warner, Head of Visitor Experience and Operations at TATE Britain, supported the team’s nomination for the award and commented: “Theteam are often seen as ‘problem solvers’, not only in the security environment. We all appreciate the scope of the work they carry out and are always impressed by the world class service the team delivers on every occasion.”
Graham Dunkley, Security Coordinator at Wilson James, added: “One of the contributing factors to the team’s success is the ability of all individuals to see the bigger picture and communicate effectively amongst themselves as well as with the client and, in particular, the facilities management and the site delivery service teams. Their commitment and can-do approach means that the client has the assurance that the smooth running of its business interests are never far from the security team’s mind.”
The winning team was ecstatic with the award, and commented: “We are flattered to receive this award. It truly represents recognition for all the hard work everyone has put in towards supporting the new Visitor Experience concept at TATE.”
John Kirk, Security Team Leader, is pictured accepting the award on behalf of the team by Lynne Featherstone MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal Information (left in photo), during the BSIA’s annual luncheon on 13th July, which was held at the London Hilton on Park Lane.