The first ever British Standard code of practice focusing on the ethical use and deployment of facial recognition technology (FRT), developed on recommendations by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), has been released today by the British Standards Institute (BSI).The code of practice, Facial recognition technology - Ethical use and deployment in video surveillance-based systems – Code of practice (BS 9347:2024) - has been developed by the BSI, in its role as the UK National Standards Body, to allay concerns by helping organisations build public trust with its proliferation...

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has signed an exclusive partnership agreement with the Nineteen Group and will be participating in their security related events during 2024. The first step in this collaboration will be participation in ‘The Security Event’ being held at the NEC in Birmingham on 30 April to 2 May.The Security Event showcases the world’s leading security brands, offering attendees the opportunity to see and source the latest products, technologies and solutions, whilst networking and meeting face-to-face with key experts from across the industry.  The...

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has signed security broker Darwin Clayton as the new regional and national security personnel sponsor of its major awards scheme for 2024.Darwin Clayton, BSIA Associate members since 2004 and providers of insurance brokerage for over 100 years, will now be the lead sponsor of the Association’s five personnel-based categories. Aimed at recognising and rewarding security officer services across the United Kingdom region by region, the awards scheme culminates in recognising five national finalists every summer at the Association event, the B...

Violence and abuse against shop workers rose to 1,300 incidents a day last year, according to a leading trade body.According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), incidents targeting staff escalated by 50% in the period leading up to September 2023, marking a stark increase from the previous year's count of 870 incidents daily.Criticism was directed at the government by the BRC for what it deemed as "woefully inadequate" measures to address the burgeoning "crisis".The Home Office has been approached for comment on this concerning trend.The toll exacted by shoplifting...

The sixth Security Thought Leadership Summit organised by the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) in association with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is returning to the Royal Lancaster London on Thursday 22nd February 2024.The event is firmly established in the security calendar as one that provides a platform to debate, confront and challenge the many issues that face the sector.This year’s programme is once again packed with hot topics covering a wide range of subjects relevant to the whole industry; all security leaders are encouraged to attend and contribute...

The OSPAs are designed to recognise excellence and innovation in the security sector. The winners will be revealed at a gala dinner hosted by award winning comedian and actress Zoe Lyons to be held on 22 February 2024 at the Royal Lancaster London.Finalists for 2024 Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director - sponsored by Bidvest NoonanPaul Bean - Royal MailNigel Brown - BBCJennifer Ciolfi - Snap GroupTom Colman - TescoKarol Doherty - We Are WaterlooFiona Gaskell - Warner Bros. Studio Tour London & TokyoDale Murphy - University of Hertfordshire...

The sixth OSPAs Thought Leadership Summit, organised in association with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), takes place on Thursday, 22nd February 2024 at the Royal Lancaster London and the event organisers have today unveiled prominent influencers who will be part of the distinguished line-up of speakers.Jenni Jetzer, Group People Director - Lodge Service will address Mental health and well-being at work: how is security responding to the challenges?  1 in 4 people experience a mental health condition each year and for those working within the security industry the threats to well...

On Monday, the prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards held at the iconic JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, drew an audience of over 1000 representatives from the UK private security sector. Now in its 24th year, these esteemed Awards honor outstanding individuals, projects, and practices within the security and fire industries. Numerous NSI approved companies from across the UK stood out as both winners and finalists, receiving well-deserved acclaim for their exceptional achievements.Last year marked the inaugural inclusion of new categories like Security or Fire E...

In a session held at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, two individuals faced prosecution on Monday, November 6, 2023, for their involvement in illegal security operations. Trevor Frater, initially pleading not guilty on September 25, 2023, altered his plea to guilty during the trial, admitting to supplying unlicensed security and managing without the required license.This marks the third instance of legal action against Lincoln-based Trevor Frater by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for engaging in unauthorized security supply and work. Consequently, Frater has been referred to the senten...

On June 30, 2023, a West Bromwich man was convicted at Birmingham and Solihull Magistrates’ Court for working illegally as a door supervisor.Seydina Samb pleaded guilty and received a 12-month Community Rehabilitation Order involving 80 hours of unpaid work and a 10-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement with the Probation Service. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £500 in prosecution costs and a Victim Surcharge of £95.On October 21, 2021, regional investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and officers from West Midlands Police conducted a routine inspection of c...