The UK Security Commonwealth (SyCom) has opened nominations for the 2026 David Clark Award, which recognises exceptional voluntary contributions to the UK security sector. Nominations close on 2 October 2026, with the winner to be announced at an awards ceremony hosted by ASIS UK during its Central London Winter Event on 19 November. Award recognises voluntary sector contribution The full title of the award is the David Clark CPP PCI PSP FISRM FInstLM Award for Exceptional Contribution to the UK Security Sector. First presented in 2021, the award was established in memory of David ...

The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO UK) has introduced free Protect Card membership for eligible members as part of its latest membership benefits. The Protect Card is a discount and rewards programme for UK security professionals, providing access to savings across retail, leisure, travel and other everyday services. Protect Card available to IFPO UK members Under the new arrangement, eligible IFPO UK members working in the private security sector can access Protect Card membership without paying the usual annual fee. The scheme is available to a broad range...

Nominations have opened for the inaugural Outstanding Loss Prevention Awards (OLPAs), a new independent awards programme recognising achievement across the retail loss prevention, asset protection and profit protection sectors. Entries will remain open until 24 November 2026. The awards aim to recognise individuals, teams and organisations that have demonstrated measurable results in areas including theft and fraud reduction, asset protection, operational risk management and organisational resilience. The OLPAs are free to enter and have been established with an independent judging proce...

Nominations have opened for the 2027 UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), with entries being accepted from 3 July until 6 October 2026. The awards recognise individuals, teams and organisations across the UK security sector for their achievements in areas including security management, technology, training, customer service and operational performance. Entry is free. According to the organisers, the awards are assessed through an independent judging process. Judges are nominated by supporting organisations and special interest groups rather than being appointed by the OSPA...

The Outstanding Loss Prevention Awards (OLPAs) have been formally launched as a new independent awards programme recognising achievement across the loss prevention sector. The awards will recognise individuals, teams and organisations operating across the industry, with a focus on innovation, operational impact and professional standards. Entries will be free of charge, with nominations open to the wider loss prevention community. According to the organisers, the awards framework has been structured around independent governance and ethical oversight. Judges will be appointed independent...

The Security Industry Federation has highlighted concerns over the current approach to retail security in the UK, citing increasing levels of shop theft, violence and inconsistent operating practices across the sector. The organisation says frontline security personnel are often placed in conflicting positions, expected to deter theft and protect staff and customers while also working under policies that restrict physical intervention, detention of suspects, or efforts to prevent offenders from leaving premises. Recent public remarks from some supermarket representatives suggesting the p...

The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO UK) has confirmed that members of the S12 Security Guarding Leadership Group will lead a 90-minute panel session at IFPO LIVE 26, scheduled for 2 July 2026 at the Coventry Building Society Arena. The discussion will form part of the organisation’s annual national conference and will focus on developments affecting the UK private security sector, including regulation, licensing frameworks and evolving operational standards within security guarding. The panel will be chaired by Yolanda Hamblen, Host of the multi award-winning podca...

The UK’s security and night-time economy sectors have raised concerns that the planned removal of Level 2 and Level 3 security apprenticeships could lead to a shortage of trained personnel at a time when demand for public protection is expected to increase. Industry figures argue that although current uptake of these apprenticeships is relatively limited, they form an important entry point into the sector and contribute to longer-term workforce development. With the introduction of Martyn’s Law set to place additional statutory duties on venues and publicly accessible locations, questio...

The S12 has submitted its formal response to the Home Office consultation examining recommendations arising from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, alongside a letter confirming its support for recommendations MR7 and MR8. The consultation considers two proposals affecting the private security sector: A review of whether in-house CCTV operators should be required to hold licences (MR7) Consideration of licensing requirements for contractors providing security services (MR8) The issue follows evidence presented during the inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, where two CCTV oper...

Nominations are open for the eleventh US Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), part of a global programme now operating in 48 countries. The awards aim to recognise and reward exceptional achievement across the security sector. Entry is free and available to companies, teams, and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance. Nominations may be submitted in multiple applicable categories. The submission deadline is June 9, 2026, with entries accepted in the following categories: Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director Outstanding Contract Security Ma...