The Outstanding Security Performance Awards are expanding around the world and today the Ireland OSPAs has been launched - this marks the thirteenth country to be included in the programme. The OSPAs are designed to be both independent and inclusive; providing an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work of those dedicated companies, individuals and teams who deliver outstanding security products and services. Professor Martin Gill, founder of the OSPAs, said: “2021 has been an unprecedented year for everyone. Throughout the Covid pandemic the security sector has adapte...

Skills for Security will be launching a Security Officers Services Apprenticeship imminently in Scotland with the training delivered by the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO). This landmark apprenticeship provides security officers with the most up-to-date training to develop the skills and expertise needed for a modern, professional security officer. The apprenticeship itself will cover First Aid, Health & Safety and SIA licence (public space surveillance, door supervisor, security officer) followed by an opportunity to specialise in Public Space Surveillance, Door Supervi...

IFPO UK and Ireland has announced that Dr Anne Llewellyn has agreed to join their Wellbeing Group and help shape future MH and Wellbeing activities and programs. Dr Llewellyn started her career as a registered nurse, primarily working in Accident and Emergency and acute surgical areas, before embarking on a full-time degree to enter a career in education. Anne graduated with 1st Class Honours in BA (Hons) Social Policy and Administration from Leeds University in 1989 and subsequently spent 40 years working in higher education in various academic and managerial roles. Anne’s last role was ...

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has announced it will be hosting its inaugural National Shred Day on behalf of its Information Destruction members, in partnership with independent national charity Crimestoppers. National Shred Day, which will be held at multiple locations across the United Kingdom on Saturday 2 October, is an opportunity for small businesses and members of the public to safely dispose their confidential waste for a nominal donation. The BSIA’s Information Destructions members will be providing their disposal units at regional sites which will be advertise...

The British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) flagship event, the British Security Awards, has recognised security officers and companies working to keep people, property and places safe during the last 18 months. Held online for a second year due to continued COVID-19 restrictions, the show also featured the Chairman’s Award, dedicated to Skills for Security Chairman and long-time BSIA associate Tony Allen, who sadly died at the beginning of the month. The awards also featured presentations from West Midlands and Greater Manchester Police as part of the Association’s SaferCash i...

The OSPAs provide the opportunity to highlight the best companies, people and projects that have made a significant contribution in safeguarding communities.   As well as providing the opportunity to say thank you to those in frontline security roles who have demonstrated innovation, flexibility, dedication, and resourcefulness in responding to changing and sometime challenging situations. Entry is open through to 4th October 2021 and nominations are invited in sixteen categories. Nominations will be scored by an independent panel of judges all of whom have been chosen by supporting as...

The British Security Industry Association and its members’ thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, suffered injuries, and had their lives shattered due to the terrorist attack that took place at the Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017. The Manchester Arena Inquiry has highlighted key areas to improve upon in the interest of the public’s safety and wellbeing. Some failures are evident and the sooner we address them, the higher the quality of protection will be for the sake of people, property and places the security industry protects. It is important to highlight that many security c...

Volume one of the report, which addresses the security arrangements at the Arena on the night of 22 May 2017, has been published today. Our thoughts today are with those who lost loved ones, suffered injuries, and had their lives shattered because of that terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena that night. Our priority in licensing individual security officers and working with suppliers of private security to improve standards, is always the protection of the public. The report findings provide learning and reflection for all concerned. It also makes some observations and recommendat...

It is with sadness that the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) announces the death of Tony Allen, Chairman of the Association’s wholly owned subsidiary Skills for Security and supporter of the BSIA for over 40 years. Tony was 75 and had been ill for a short while. A physics graduate and a one-time technical lecturer, Tony held senior positions at Scantronic and was a founder of Dycon, as well as holding many board positions across the industry, including BSIA SEMs chairman and most recently as Director and Chairman of Skills for Security. Simon Banks, Chairman, BSIA, said: �...

Today, 07 June 2021, Heather Baily QPM, starts her new role as the Chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Appointed by the Home Office, her term as Chair will run for three years. As Chair of the Authority Heather Baily will contribute to the overall strategic direction and corporate oversight of the SIA, ensuring with other Authority Members, that the SIA’s Executive Team is held to account for discharging its duties effectively and to the highest possible standards. Michelle Russell, Acting Chief Executive of the SIA, welcomed Heather Baily and said: “On behalf of the A...