Over the copurse of the past decade, the consequences of public order and global terrorist threats have led to the development of new methodologies and better-informed practices in respect of how large venues in both the private and public sectors are initially developed, planned and then managed. Legislation and guidance pertaining to public order and safety issues has been published with a view to the early involvement of security and safety practitioners, and ways in which holistic solutions might then be delivered ‘on the day’.
With London set to host the 2012 Olympic Games, and major developments – including The Emirates Stadium, Ascot Racecourse and the new National Stadium at Wembley – either completed or on the horizon, it’s safe to say that event security is high on the security agenda.
That is why, in 2006, the Association of Security Consultants has entitled its Consec Conference and Exhibition programme Major Project and Event Security.
Taking place on Thursday 16 November at The Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon, the Conference – targeted at security directors, project managers, consultants, contractors, designers and technicians – is structured to explain the security threats that these projects face in today’s environment, how those threats impact on the eventual design of the built environment and how (through both private and public sector stakeholder participation) project designs may continually evolve with respect to the physical and operational domain.
Following a KeyNote Address from Lord MacKenzie of Framwellgate, Graham Fulcher – a member of the Major Projects Team with the Metropolitan Police Service – will review the impact of security on special projects.
Countering vehicle-borne threats is the subject of Paul Forman’s presentation. Paul is well-versed in the subject, and currently serves with the Vehicle Highways and Traffic Portfolio at the NSAC. He’ll illustrate the evolving nature of vehicle-borne threats and the protective security countermeasures that might be embraced.
Prior to the first break of the day, Peter Heath – associate director at consultant Atkins – is going to look at the implementation of what he calls “streetscape security”. Peter is both an architect and town planner with over 20 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors.
The KeyNote Speaker at this year’s Consec is David Crump, the head of construction and project management at Quintain plc. The company is a major developer, with the Greenwich Peninsular and Wembley environs part of its portfolio. There will also be a presentation from Wing Commander Peter Fiddy of the Royal Air Force Police, in which he will offer security specialists a detailed appraisal of how they might organise (and execute) their security policies at major international and national events.
On the day, there is also going to be an as-yet-unnamed Guest Speaker representing the UK’s response to the holistic security and safety solution that a national, major project is required to achieve. The presentation will offer due consideration as to how a safe and secure environment is deliverable for major events by taking account of the necessary statutory, regulatory and Best Practice requirements.
