Paul Manning, Head of Security at Middlesex University, has won the Security Excellence award for `In-House Security Manager of the Year 2011’. The award is acknowledged as a reflection of his leadership skills, and work to reduce crime and the fear of crime at the University. Paul and his team (including ICTS) have introduced initiatives such as drug/alcohol awareness training for staff and students, self defence for women, and bespoke safety events. He has also led and managed many projects, including the installation of a new central control room, integrated with alarms and access control system. Paul, who is the lead for Campus Watch at the University, has also been instrumental in promoting this partnership with the Metropolitan Police (with Middlesex University being the first to join). Paul has been a Special Constable for five years.
Earlier in the year, Paul Manning guided Middlesex University to the award of the “Secured Environments” accreditation (by ACPO & Perpetuity Research Consultancy) To gain this award the university security team were assessed against six main principles, and required to show a clear strategy for the reduction of crime, whilst providing a safe/secure environment for staff and students to be able work and study. After a lengthy audit, which included interviews with university senior management and the ICTS security team, the award was achieved. This was a great achievement for the university and ICTS.
In late Spring Middlesex University security providers, ICTS UK (In conjunction with West Oxfordshire Council and Thames Valley Police), won the IFSEC ‘Best Policing Partnership of the Year’ for their canine drug operations.
“Clearly there are some excellent synergies between our respective organisations , due in no insignificant part to the inherent ability of ICTS to provide fully integrated services, combining manpower, technology and canine support throughout the University”, comments Paul Manning.
After a competitive re-tender process this year, ICTS not only retained the manned guarding provision at Middlesex University, but also were awarded the contract for the provision of electronic security systems. In addition, ICTS continues to provide canine search services including the regular use of patrol dogs as well as specialist drugs search dog assistance.
Middlesex University is currently in the midst of a period of significant change. The closure of the Cat Hill Campus, combined with the impressive new build of the Grove at Hendon, dictates that overall security provision must remain flexible in order to not only meet the changing demands of the University, but also to adapt to the requirements of the student population. The carefully selected team at Middlesex University have been individually trained in order to be able to meet the challenges of providing a safe and secure environment, which remains conducive to learning. Managing day to day security, event security, graduation weeks, canine provision, building works and fit-out are all part of the remit of the ICTS security team. Drug awareness training and the ICTS canine inspection service also enhance the service provided, adding real value.
ICTS General Security Director, Paul Jacomb, adds “Working closely with Paul Manning and his team, ICTS has designed a bespoke service strategy, based around a fully integrated security solution. This strategy aims to meet the high standards rightly demanded and deserved by Middlesex University. Through a commitment to continuous service improvement, ICTS will aim to seek new ways of further developing and enhancing the security portfolio of the University in direct support of Paul and his team”