15 dedicated security professionals have triumphed in the national round of this year’s BSIA Security Personnel Awards, presented at the Association’s Annual Luncheon at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Sponsored by Camberford Law since their inception 14 years ago, the British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) Security Personnel Awards recognise the Cream of the Crop when it comes to security officers, be they individuals or members of bespoke contract teams.
Each year, the breadth of achievements demonstrated by the award winners – and, indeed, all of the finalists and regional winners – is a testament to their ongoing professionalism and dedication to the cause.
In 2012, the Security Personnel Awards – which really do celebrate the excellent work and vital contribution that those operating in the security industry are making right across the country on a daily basis – were presented by Sir Hugh Orde OBE QPM, president of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) at the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon, held yesterday at the Hilton Hotel on London’s Park Lane.
The Security Personnel Awards really do provide an exclusive platform to showcase excellence and outstanding performance by employees of BSIA member companies.
BSIA CEO James Kelly explained: “Private security companies play an essential role in protecting the UK’s national infrastructure, which is why the BSIA is always keen to make sure that the many talented personnel that contribute towards maintaining high standards in our industry are appropriately recognised and rewarded.”
He continued: “Each year the calibre of the nominations we receive exceeds our expectations and makes the job of selecting the overall winners particularly challenging. From intelligent use of technology to outstanding customer service and impressive acts of bravery, all of our 15 winners have demonstrated an ability to think flexibly and go above and beyond what’s required of them in their everyday duties.”
As always, the Security Personnel Awards were presented in the following categories: Best Newcomer, Outstanding Act, Best Use of Technology, Best Team and Service to the Customer.
In conclusion, Kelly stated: “These awards are now in their 14th year, and their presentation has become a key date in the security industry’s calendar. This continued celebration of our industry’s successes would not be possible without the generous support of our kind sponsor, Camberford Law plc – insurance brokers for the private security industry – who have supported the awards from the very beginning and whom I would like to thank once again.”
BSIA Security Personnel Awards: the 2012 national winners
Service to the Customer
- Ike Chime from MITIE Total Security Management (TSM) provides a first class level of service, always taking the time to get to know regular customers, greeting any visitor and tending to their needs if he can. Ike maintains his pleasant demeanour with suspected thieves that operate in the area, although always keeping a watchful eye. His mature and professional outlook means he has an ability to remain calm and courteous when facing incidents, never allowing the situation to escalate or impact negatively on in-store operations.
- Simon Sherwell of VSG has been on a contract at the Bristol Mail Room for Lloyds Banking Group for the past seven years, successfully working his way through the ranks to the role of supervisor. Simon is considered by fellow staff, the client and his employer as one of the main reasons for the smooth running of operations on site, and has a reputation for being a man who doesn’t shy away from responsibility and is always available to help in whatever way he can. His drive and dedication are also passed down to the whole of his team who completely trust his judgment and are prepared to back his decisions.
- Susan Willis works for VSG at Lloyds Banking Group. During her 12 years on the contract she has successfully worked her way up from a Mail Room operative to the position of senior officer/supervisor at one of the most prestigious sites in Birmingham. Her remarkable career progression is a direct reflection of her professionalism and efficiency, which have not gone unnoticed. Currently in charge of overseeing her own site as well as officers at another four locations in the city, Susan has been time and again hailed for her dedication to delivering the highest standards of customer service.
Outstanding Act
- Naheem Rehman and Salim Miah both work for MITIE Total Security Management (TSM) in Ansty. Both officers were on duty during a night in 2011 when a car crashed into a tree near the main entrance to the site. Quick to react, one officer ran to the scene to help free the passengers from the burning vehicle while the other remained in the Control Room to secure the rest of the site and alert the police. Both then proceeded to work together to control the spreading of the fire until the arrival of the emergency services. As a result, they saved the passengers’ lives.
- Ben Munton and Sam Holliday, both from VSG, work on a contract at Queensgate Shopping Centre. On 1 September 2011 they looked after a man who had collapsed on site. The pair quickly treated him by applying their security and First Aid training, administering CPR and making use of an on-site defibrillator. The officers handled the high pressure situation with laudable professionalism and focus, and the emergency services later told the victim how he had died and been brought back to life by the decisive and timely actions of these two brave men.
- Lee Tooey is an employee of VSG, and had been on the contract at the Royals Shopping Centre in Southend on Sea for just over three months when he and his colleagues were alerted to the presence of a male inside the centre who was wearing a balaclava and carrying a knife. Having attended the affected area, without fear for his own safety Lee quickly took control, diverting the suspect’s attention to allow his colleagues to safely evacuate and cordon off the area. Upon arrival of the police, the man surrendered his knife and was arrested. Lee’s bravery in engaging with the man played a crucial role in preventing the incident from escalating.
Best Newcomer
- Terence Ford, from MITIE Total Security Management (TSM), began as an operation support administrator in 2009 before deciding to make the move to a security role for the Marks & Spencer (M&S) contract in April 2011. Starting as a crime intelligence officer, he was promoted to the role of security and shrinkage analyst after just four months, having played an integral part in protecting M&S against fraud and shrinkage. His achievements include simplifying incident reporting procedures and supporting police efforts to target local criminals and organised crime groups, helping to reduce theft and creating a safer environment for customers in which to shop.
- Paul Bosanko works for OCS Group UK as a security supervisor at the Aberafan Shopping Centre. After just ten months in the role, Paul was promoted to security supervisor for his significant contribution to the operations of the site, which include developing new systems for morning duty requirements and simplifying the training procedure for new high-tech security equipment. As a former infantry soldier, he has been praised for applying the highest standard of morals to his new role, seamlessly adapting to the new environment and effectively integrating with the existing security team.
- Parvinder ‘Parvy’ Harrar joined the VSG contract team at Lloyds Banking Group in Birmingham only nine months before being nominated for the award, having already managed to establish himself as an essential part of the security team on site. From the onset he has been commended for his great leadership qualities and ability to motivate and influence people around him. He is considered by many of his colleagues as the gel between security and reception, having spent time learning both roles and is recognised for delivering the same impeccable service even at busy times.
Best Use of Technology
- Oliver Cross from OCS Group UK started his career at the Cabot Circus retail park as a member of the cleaning team, and successfully worked his way up to the role of security team leader. He is in charge of overseeing the whole of the deliveries and permits procedure for the extensive premises, and has used his knack for technology to improve a number of processes on site. In particular, Oliver designed, programmed, tested and implemented an innovative database that is used by the company and police to monitor trends as well as review crime statistics, Health and Safety and welfare issues and also act upon them.
- Simon Webber and Chris Prince from VSG work on a contract at a global goods and distributor, and were inspired by a popular videogame to create an innovative “heat map” to track patrols and incidents. The map allows officers to proactively change activities on the ground as they are tracking themselves, and to adjust to the operational needs of the business. Its ease of use and updating is what has made it such a valuable tool for on site operations, and was exhaustively welcomed by both fellow colleagues and the client. The pair are now ready to further develop their project into a smartphone application.
- Siemens and Wilson James CCTV Team, London Borough of Bexley. Since 2009, the Siemens and Wilson James team has managed the extensive CCTV services for the London Borough of Bexley and has demonstrated considerable skill in dealing with a wide range of incidents. The team’s mission is to do their utmost to create a safe environment across Bexley for residents and visitors, as well as reduce the fear of crime and this proactive approach has already led to a commendation from the Police Borough Commander. In 2011 Bexley became the safest borough across London and saw the largest drop in burglaries and violent crime across the capital.
Best Team
- Royal Navy Commercial Guard Contract Team: The Corps Security team provides round the clock civilian guarding services at four Royal Marines barracks, one Army Commando Unit and a Commando Training Centre. Due to the profile and sensitive nature of the sites, officers are expected to deliver the very highest standards of vigilance at all times, whether dealing with press interest, attendance by well-wishers, returning injured Marines, visits from families of the bereaved and maimed as well as Commando training. With officers’ resources often stretched to the limit, the team always enthusiastically embraces the necessary changes to their role and works extra hard to maintain the same level of exceptional service.
- One Stop Shopping Centre Team: The team from MITIE Total Security Management (TSM) provides 24/7 security to the shopping centre and the retail park via 35 CCTV cameras and regular patrols. The nine officers are all recognised for being self-starters who enjoy responsibility and going the extra mile to provide a safe and secure environment for shoppers and tenants. Their work so far has resulted in the defeat of drug crime in the centre, and in positive relationships being developed with local police and the Birmingham Retail Crime Operation, as well as retailers, local contractors and centre management.
- The team at Lloyds Banking Group, Lovell Park: Beverley, Ian, Brian, Dennis, Lamin, Jason, Trevor, Alan, Shafqat, Zbigniew, Glynis, Margaret, Sheena and Andrew work for VSG and have been Lloyds Banking Group’s Lovell Park’s security team since April 2011. This diverse and talented team of individuals has been hailed for the superior ability of all of its members to deliver “quality first time every time”, and their constructive approach to their individual roles. This has resulted in them making a number of suggestions for improvements to both the client and VSG, some of which have been implemented not only on their site but also across the conurbation.