The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has issued a request to the UK government, seeking clarification regarding its plans to address the vacancy created by the recent departure of the Biometric & Surveillance Camera Commissioner (B&SCC) and the subsequent dissolution of the office. Fraser Sampson, the present commissioner, is scheduled to remain in his role until the end of October. After his tenure concludes, the responsibilities associated with the position are anticipated to be assimilated by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner. This transition is slated to occur un...

Arsenal Football Club, recognized as one of the major professional football clubs worldwide, has opted to extend its security vetting agreement with Mitie for an additional duration of five years. The expansion of this contract entails the ongoing provision of crucial vetting services encompassing background assessments, assessments of criminal records, and checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). In line with its status as a prominent football establishment with a rich history and significant influence, Arsenal places notable importance on the security and well-being of its...

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed Paddy Kyle as its new Chief Commercial Officer. With 25 years of commercial experience in the fire and security sector, Paddy has a specialization in leading sales teams and has successfully aligned marketing strategies with sales objectives in previous roles, including at Texecom. In his new position, Paddy will focus on driving membership retention and accelerating membership growth, collaborating closely with the Marketing/Communications and Membership teams. He will assume his responsibilities at the beginning of August and w...

Bidvest Noonan have announced that Robinson Services and its specialist security business, Sword Security (NI) ltd, have joined the group. With its establishment in 1977, Bidvest Noonan has grown to become a leading provider of services such as cleaning and security across the UK and Ireland. The recent announcement further solidifies its position as a provider in Northern Ireland. Robinson Services has been a provider of cleaning and support services for over 40 years, while Sword Security (NI) ltd has established itself as a well-known security provider in Northern Ireland. Together, thes...

World Excellence Awards has announced today that the inaugural Global Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) will be held in 2025. This means that winners in each category from different countries will be eligible to participate in the global awards. The OSPAs, which began in 2015 with events in Norway, Australia, and Germany, have expanded to include several other countries such as Benelux, Canada, France, India and South Asia, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, Southeast Asia, and the USA. The OSPAs distinguish themselves by their commitment to ethical standards ...

Based on the recommendation of the current Board Members, three new Directors were recently confirmed at the committee meeting of the Security Commonwealth. The new Directors are Darren Carter CPP, Nicholas Reed FSyI F.ISRM S.IIRSM SRMP-C CBCI TechIOSH, and Claire Humble MlntlSy MSyl CPOI. David Ward and Houdah Al-Hakim have stepped down from their positions on the Board in recent months. Claire Humble, talking about her appointment, said she joined the SyCom Board to shake things up, make positive changes, and support new ways of working in the securit...

The G4S Fire and Security team is collaborating with Briggs & Forrester, an award-winning building services contractor, on three prominent real estate projects throughout the UK. The projects, namely The Cocoa Works in York, 135 Park Street in London, and Phoenix in Leeds, encompass a combination of residential, office, and retail spaces. The emphasis of these projects lies in sustainability and urban regeneration. G4S has been enlisted as the systems provider responsible for supplying and installing fire and life safety systems for all three projects, as well as security systems for Th...

The British Security Awards, hosted by the BSIA (British Security Industry Association), made a triumphant return to the live stage, honoring the dedicated efforts of security officers and businesses in safeguarding people, property, and places over the past 18 months. Celebrating its 26th year, the prestigious event took place in 2023 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, with tickets sold out well in advance. The industry came together to recognize and commend excellence in security, with a total of 18 awards bestowed upon outstanding security officers and businesses. Esteemed clients and promine...

The Security Minds Matter campaign has been award the prestigious Security Campaign of the Year Award at the 2023 Fire & Security Matters Awards. The Security Minds Project was established to address the increasingly concerning state of mental health and well-being within the security sector, particularly among frontline security personnel. Given their role as the public face of security, security officers play a crucial part in protecting individuals, property, and assets. They require a broad range of skills and education, but they also need support, training, and education to effecti...

James Gribben has been appointed as the Commercial Director of Skills for Security, a prominent organization in the security industry. With his extensive experience in leading companies within the sector, James is expected to play a crucial role in driving the company's growth trajectory. His expertise will be particularly valuable in expanding Skills for Security's customer base in fire and security, specifically in the areas of apprenticeships, commercial training, and sponsorship. In addition, James will lead the organization's efforts to enter adjacent markets. David Scott, the Manag...