The Outstanding Security Performance Awards 2022 was held on February 24th 2022 to much fanfare at the Royal Lancaster London. The event was black-tie as usual with guests coming from all of the largest security and security adjacent businesses. Paul Sinha was welcomed back as the presenter for the event which seemed to be at capacity. The winnners of the 2022 OSPAs awards are listed below:
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director – sponsored by Bidvest Noonan
Laurence Perkins – University of Leicester
Laurence, as Head of Security, has transformed the University security department in both technology and staff. He has developed the team and provided a career path for staff progression which has resulted in 8 out of 10 of his management team receiving internal promotions, produced an innovative demand-led shift pattern and invested in training. Laurence has also developed a new Control Room, Command Room, changing facilities and interview/briefing rooms. Laurence is a strategic leader and obtained investment for a CCTV suite, an integrated security platform, and not least Safezone. Judges felt that Laurence made a demonstrable difference, someone who clearly cares about his staff, and is an innovative and proactive thinker who makes sure the University’s security department is well equipped to deal with any situation that should arise.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director – sponsored by Altia
Chris Middleton – ABM UK
Despite taking on a newly created and demanding role at the start of the pandemic, Chris has led his team with distinction. He has not only developed new business opportunities and growth, but with the support of his frontline colleagues, he has implemented new training, including Mental Health First Aid. He also involves himself with associations, industry initiatives and security campaigns. Chris has been instrumental in the introduction and implementation of many initiatives, which have benefited his company, colleagues, and the industry as a whole. Judges felt that Chris should be acknowledged for wanting to support change within the industry and identifying opportunities to gain funding to roll out these changes.
Outstanding Security Team – sponsored by TrackTik
Valero Energy Team – Profile Security Services
Profile’s account management team, led by Colin Beaver and Paul Thomas, have successfully managed the Valero account since its award in June 2019. During this time, they have supported the client on a number of special projects, both operationally, receiving special mentions for exemplary performance, as well as from a charitable aspect, which has seen hundreds of thousands of pounds raised for charities. The team are deployed to 4 locations, and all have received enhanced training to cover extremely varied roles. Improvements have been made to service delivery from both an operational aspect and also regarding internal procedures which have resulted in significant cost savings.
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) – sponsored by Team Software
Mitie Security
It’s been an incredible year for Mitie Security which saw the acquisition and integration of Interserve whilst continuing to deliver exceptional services to the UK Government, supporting the COVID relief effort. In addition, they maintained their position as an industry leader and continued to win new business in key sectors. Their industry leading GSOC were instrumental in protecting customers during the Extinction Rebellion protests, delivering actionable intelligence, enabling them to implement mitigation measures and reduce the risks to people, assets and environments. Mitie continues to develop collaborations with the wider security industry, enhancing relationships with the Police, NBCC, Crimestoppers and more. Judges felt that Mitie had demonstrated outstanding performance to their impressive client portfolio.
Outstanding Security Consultant – sponsored by CIS
Sibylline
Sibylline is a strategic security intelligence consultancy, dedicated to helping decision-makers identify opportunities and mitigate risks in their operating environments. As the largest truly independent provider, focused on the “so what” for business, they are widely recognised as expert, professional, and trusted partners to over 200 blue-chip security functions. Unrivalled growth, largely via word of mouth, is underpinned by a commitment to service, innovation, and excellence in delivery. This is based on their exceptional ethos, where leadership, fairness, and pride in their work are more than watchwords. Sibylline is a true partner and exemplar of what consultancy should offer. Judges felt that Sibylline’s focus on excellence in its core business is a lesson to all.
Outstanding Customer Service Initiative – sponsored by Securitas
Project Zeal – Mitie, Co-op and Nottinghamshire Police
Mitie, Co-op and Nottinghamshire police have devised a ground-breaking initiative to combat retail crime in a scalable and effective way, to reduce offences, and to create a greater feeling of safety among retail colleagues in store. Project Zeal is the first project of its kind, combining the collective resources of retail, security, and law enforcement, providing a model that can be followed by others within the retail sector. Judges felt this was a first-class crime prevention initiative involving a collaboration between numerous parties.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative – sponsored by Skills for Security
Virtual Reality Training – Corps Security and MoonHub
In 2021, Corps Security piloted virtual reality training, in partnership with Moonhub, for its security officers at three London sites. The pilots proved so successful that they introduced the product to all employees. Corps are now working with Moonhub to create a suite of security modules to share across the security sector. The training simulates the officer’s exact experience of an incident on the site in which they work, and PwC research proved it to be four times faster than traditional training. Knowledge retention rates are also higher – up to 75% compared to 10% for standard training and it’s 64% cheaper. Judges felt this was an example of innovation at its best.
Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator – sponsored by NSI
Sicuro UK
Established in 2012, Sicuro specialise in monitored alarm solutions covering mainly the construction industry and vacant property sector. They pride themselves on excellent customer service from sales through to operations, which is well evidenced by the many commendations received from their clients, including Bellway, Coinford, Redrow Homes and Taylor Wimpy. Sicuro recognise and reward the hard work of their employees and provide a positive, nurturing, and supportive approach. Judges commented that they had clearly demonstrated their commitment to customer service and the delivery of results.
Outstanding Event Security Team – sponsored by Lodge Services Group
Edinburgh International Conference Centre Team – Croma Vigilant
The Croma Vigilant team working within Edinburgh International Conference Centre have proved to be hardworking and resilient. The success of the team was enhanced by the roll-out of bespoke customer service training when a gap in the market was identified. As a result of the training, the team have become more versatile and multi-skilled as individuals. As Covid hit, the venue became a vaccination centre and the team adapted to the front-line challenge, putting themselves in danger, while mitigating risk and infection and keeping the public safe. Judges felt that the team had an empathetic and positive customer friend approach, alongside the need to ensure and enforce security safety for the public.
Outstanding Security Partnership – sponsored by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives
Birmingham City Centre Partnership – Mitie and West Midlands Police
A partnership between shopping centres, local businesses, the West Midlands Police and local Business Improvement Districts, working collaboratively to ensure there is a joined-up approach towards crime and anti-social behaviour. Intelligence sharing has allowed the city centre teams to be proactive, and target those who cause the public and business the most concerns and issues. Due to this partnership working, there have been numerous arrests, community protection warnings, and community protection notices issued. The partnership continues to evolve and changes its operating methods with the changing needs of the city centre. Judges felt this was a great example of a partnership that had benefited the whole community.
Outstanding New Security Product – sponsored by NSI
Essential IP – BT Redcare
BT Redcare is a key player in the UK’s alarm signalling industry, with an evolving Next Generation portfolio that has innovation at its heart. Redcare is simplifying the shift to all-IP, making it easier for installers, ARCs and end-users to implement future-proofed solutions that are ECHO-ready and third party LPCB-certified. Such capabilities are reflective of the deep expertise and quality that the brand prides itself on. Redcare knows security isn’t about one organisation, but an entire ecosystem working to ensure the safety of premises and people. As such, it supports the entire industry through educational campaigns and lead generating schemes. Judges felt the entry had demonstrated good recognition of future challenges and related solutions.
Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer – sponsored by International Security Expo/The Security Event
Heald Ltd
Heald is a designer and manufacturer of hostile vehicle mitigation systems that aim to prevent targeted attacks on high-profile sites such as embassies, airports, and shopping centres, along with pedestrianised areas, such as city centres. Their range of innovative products, most of which are patented, include road-blockers and bollards to reduce the devastation caused by vehicle attacks, a growing threat on both home soil and across the world. Operating on a global scale from their HQ in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, over 70% of its products are exported overseas to countries including the USA, Norway, Netherlands, Singapore, and Australia.
Outstanding Security Officer – sponsored by Corps Security
Hasan Afzal – Atlas Security
With an attitude of continuous improvement, coupled with incredible levels of drive and self-motivation, Hasan has forged a culture and security environment at Kew Retail Park, London, that is a shining example for all retail security operations. Hasan has a relentless desire to make the retail park a safe environment for all those who visit, and through forging excellent relationships with the stores, the Police and the local residents, he has achieved that objective. From recovering thousands of pounds of stock to assisting in the investigations of local drug dealing gangs, Hasan’s work ethic consistently goes above and beyond, and can be truly described as Outstanding.
Outstanding Young Security Professional – sponsored by ADS
James Bradley – Mitie
James is part of the Co-op Crime Intelligence Team, winners of the BSA Regional Best Team 2021 for the Midlands. He is also the author of an article entitled ‘The Continued Threat of Urban Exploration to Business’, which appeared in the Spring 2020 edition of City Security Magazine and was a finalist in the 2020 City Security Magazine article of the year. James is also the lead Crime and Intelligence Analyst on Project Zeal, a collaboration between Co-op, Nottinghamshire Police and Mitie, using intelligence to reduce violence and crime against the Co-op by targeting prolific offenders and OCGs. Judges commented that James’s pioneering work had achieved great results for other young security professionals to aspire to.
Outstanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative – sponsored by Assist Group and supported by SyCom
Corps Together Campaign – Corps Security
Despite having a diverse workforce, in all forms of the word, there was previously little in the way of active equality, diversity and inclusion engagement within Corps Security until they launched their Corps Together campaign, which aimed to build an organisation which treats inclusion as an expectation, not an aspiration. Thanks to a programme of activities, including an EDI charter, mandatory training for everyone, magazine, website, celebratory events, and an awards scheme, among other activities, there is a growing understanding and appreciation of other people’s backgrounds and views, and people feel not only included, but a sense of belonging. Judges felt that Corps had a great understanding of the many initiatives that can assist in the progression of EDI and that their initiative was well implemented.
Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by The Security Institute
Graham Bassett
Graham has spent 30 years within the security sector. In this time, he has been a constant influencer in many areas and formal settings, and his voluntary contributions to the development of the security sector are second to none. Increasing awareness, bringing stakeholders together, and raising funds for many charities and the wider crime prevention network are just a few of his accomplishments. The vast list of boards, committees, and special interest groups that Graham has devoted his time to is unrivalled. He is a true champion for the understated Security Professionals who makes our industry thrive every day. A deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award