Skills for Security has announced that its Operations Director, David Edge, is to take on additional responsibilities as Deputy Chief Executive. Explaining the appointment David Greer, Chief Executive of the skills body said “Skills for Security has achieved a great deal in a relatively short space of time. Not only have we passed a series of British Standard Institute inspections where no non-compliances have been found, but we have also achieved the Matrix Standard in recognition of the quality of our delivery of information, advice and guidance on learning, and have significantly improved...

Checks on door staff working in pubs in Pwllheli and Abersoch, north Wales found two unlicensed door staff at one venue. SIA investigators and officers from North Wales Police visited seven pubs and inspected 15 door staff. Two unlicensed door supervisors were identified - they claimed to be glass collectors.  Further action is being considered. Two unlicensed door supervisors were identified - they claimed to be glass collectors.  Further action is being considered. Paul Cartlidge, an SIA Head of Investigation said: “A key concern for any pub licensee is the satisfaction and safety ...

With the debate on the regulation of the in-house sector of the security guarding industry still raging, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is calling upon organisations to supply compelling evidence of the need to licence the sector."The BSIA and its members have long been advocates of the regulation of the in-house sector of the security guarding industry. We feel that it was an anomaly for the in-house sector to be left out of the legislation, creating a two-tier system. Regulation would also bring the in-house sector up to the same level of professionalism as the contract se...

John Bates is to step down as Chief Executive of the British Security Industry Association with immediate effect. John Bates comments: "It has been a privilege and I am proud to have led the BSIA. The team are conscientious, dedicated and serve the members well and I have enjoyed working with them. I am confident that the 'Better, Bigger and Stronger' agenda that I have championed, together with the vision the future we have developed together since October last year, will do much to build upon the Association's success." Stuart Lowden, BSIA Chairman, says: "John has made a significan...

Two security firm bosses were fined after they sent illegal security guards to protect their customers. Francis Preston, 39, and Thomas Bannister, 35, were ordered to pay £45,000 in fines and costs after sending guards without licences to businesses across Merseyside.It meant the guards they sent had not passed stringent Security Industry Authority checks which includes probes into whether guards have criminal records. Liverpool crown court heard company director Preston and manager Bannister worked for St Helens based Preston Security and Services Ltd when they were caught in 2007. Police...

Bob Doyle, Commercial Director at Skills for Security, has announced that he will be retiring early to spend more time with his wife, who is in poor health. He will leave the skills body at the end of the year. Bob joined the team at Security House in 2004, bringing with him over 30 years experience in operational and business development roles in the security industry.  Initially his remit was to work with companies in advance of the implementation of the Private Security Industry Act, helping them to understand and comply with the new regulations, particularly those concerned with training ...

A dramatic reduction of 60% in the level of verbal abuse was achieved by the SIA Approved Contractor, ISS Mediclean, at the Chelsea & Westminster hospital during an 8 week trial using body worn video equipment to record incidents. The Robocam mobile CCTV units, supplied by Interconnective Limited, are being used extensively by UK Police forces and also being introduced into the private security sector. The trial has demonstrated the equipment to be effective when dealing with acts of violence, aggression and anti social behaviour. ISS Mediclean is currently finalising deployment of the Rob...

Checks were conducted on door supervisors working in Great Yarmouth on Friday night [7 August] as part of operation to ensure public safety. Working together, the Security Industry Authority and Norfolk Constabulary checked door supervisors held and displayed valid SIA licences – a requirement by law. At pubs, bars and a caravan park, 27 operatives were inspected. Only one individual was warned for failing to display their licence. Nigel Davies, an SIA Head of Investigation said: “I am pleased with the high compliance found on Friday night. During the summer months, Great Yarmouth becomes...

Personal Profile - Bill Muskin Chairman - VSG Limited Bill Muskin is Chairman and the original founder of VSG Ltd.  He is also Chairman of the Manned Guarding Sector for the BSIA and UK representative for the Confederation of European Security Sectors (CoESS). Bill spent his early career in the police force: based in Daventry, he spent most of his 16 years in CID, including an eight-year assignment with the drug squad.  On leaving the police force Bill joined Firm Security, where in nine years he worked his way up to become Operational Director.  Firm Security was acquired by Chubb in 199...

The nominees for this year’s Security Industry Oscars – The Security Excellence Awards – organised by United Business Media, whose titles include Info4Security and SMT Online, have been announced. Once again the Security Guarding Company of the Year category appears to be hotly contested with nine nominees, including previous winners, VSG and Wilson James. The nominees are; Security Guarding Company of the Year AFC Group Cardinal Security Ecovert FM FGH Security Profile Security Services The Shield Guarding Company VSG Ward Security Wilson James Securit...