Sponsored by Camberford Law since their inception 13 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 2011, 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 Lynne Featherstone MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal Information) as part of the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane.
Commenting on this year’s awards scheme, the BSIA’s chief executive, James Kelly told SMT Online: “Each of the winners has shown extreme bravery and dedication to their jobs, with evidence that they have often gone beyond the call of duty. This year’s presentation has praised the achievements of both individuals and teams who strive to ensure the safety of their clients and members of the public. Each and every one of them is a testament to our industry, and they should be applauded.”
As always, the awards were presented in the following categories: Best Newcomer, Outstanding Act, Best Use of Technology, Best Team and Service to the Customer.
BSIA National Security Personnel Award: the 2011 winners
Best Newcomer
- Andrew Poulton of Advance Security (UK) won his award for work on nine different mobile operations contracts within the Leicestershire region. His success, motivation to acquire knowledge and leadership skills have allowed him to fast-track to the position of mobile supervisor after just three months on the contract, despite coming from a sales background and having limited relevant experience.
- Jurgita Zongailiene of CIS Security works on a contract at a high profile shopping centre in London. In just one year, Jurgita received three high profile recognition awards for the professionalism she displayed when dealing with the variety of incidents that can occur when working in such a prestigious and busy environment. Jurgita has also considerably invested in her future in the industry by taking part in a number of training programmes.
- Samantha Sadler of Securitas Security Services is the third national winner this year for completely integrating into her new team after just ten months, and assimilating as much knowledge as possible to make sure her contribution is always worthwhile and appreciated. Samantha has also demonstrated great initiative by introducing new processes and undertaking research for the benefit of both herself and her colleagues.
Outstanding Act
- Cyril Tatar of Lynx Security Services took full control of a situation when, on just his second shift at a site in London, he found the permanent security officer who was supervising him lying unconscious on the floor. Cyril’s First Aid skills combined with clear thinking in a time of unimaginable pressure ensured the situation remained under control, and that paramedics were then able to take over safely and instantly.
- Mohammed Shabeer Khan of Securitas Security Services has been a security officer at Chiltern Railways for more than nine years. While on a night shift last year, Shabeer came across a desperate man who threatened to end his life. Displaying outstanding alertness and persistence, the officer took control of the situation, ultimately saving the man’s life and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.
- Laurence Timmins of VSG works at The Mall in Sutton Coldfield. He was not afraid to put himself in danger by helping a youth who was being chased across The Mall by a crowd of 40 people. Laurence’s maturity and composure when dealing with such a difficult incident prevented the situation from deteriorating significantly.
Best Use of Technology
- Jeffrey Evans of OCS Group UK is a national winner in this category for his relentless work in the CCTV Control Room at Aberafan Shopping Centre. His meticulous approach to the role and an extensive knowledge of the CCTV equipment he operates have resulted in Jeffrey being directly involved in solving many of the crimes committed on site. In 2010 alone, his efforts led to the arrest of over 50 shoplifters.
- The Securitas CCTV Operations Team for Northampton town centre has excelled at working in partnership with a number of key players, including Council teams and external agencies such as the police, Neighbourhood Wardens, the Retail Crime Initiative and local businesses. The team members have been praised time and again for their ability to find new and innovative ways of improving CCTV operations for the Borough.
- The VSG Security Team in Slough is also a national winner this year for providing a safe and secure working environment for staff, the business and operations for a renowned client. In particular, the team has achieved an outstanding level of knowledge and expertise in making use of the security systems available on site, completely mastering the technology and ensuring it constantly works at full capacity.
Best Team
- The Royal Marines Contract Team from Corps Security won the award for the excellent level of round-the-clock security they provide to the Royal Marines Camp at which they are based. Recently, all members of the team have proactively helped the RMC cope with additional pressure brought on by heightened press interest, attendance by well-wishers, the return of injured Royal Marines and visits from families of the bereaved and maimed.
- The Bon Accord and St Nicholas Shopping Centres Team from OCS Group wins a national award for the professional way in which all 18 members go about their daily work and handle the number of challenging situations with which they are often faced. So far, these have included a flood on site, a member of the public in danger of choking and a possible terror threat.
- The Tate Britain Security Team from Wilson James is also a winner in 2011 for the first class service each team member delivers when securing staff, visitors and art assets at the gallery in London. The team members recently took on new responsibilities following a Visitors Experience Review, and have consistently delivered the highest standard of support despite an ever-increasing workload.
Service to the Customer
- Lynn Cook of Advance Security (UK) wins for her work as part of the security reception team at BAE Systems. Lynn has shown enthusiasm and dedication to her role by successfully implementing a number of new processes to improve the visitors’ experience when on site, including the creation of a guide pack for visitors from overseas.
- Sarah Williams of VSG is a national winner in 2011 for her work at the Carlsberg Northampton Brewery. After just one year on site, Sarah has designed a number of new operational programmes and procedures. She has also managed a major modernisation and investment programme for the site which has subsequently resulted in a 40% overall increase in production.
- Michael Appleton of VSG is recognised for his work while on secondment at a distribution centre for a high profile general goods retailer. In just 11 months, Michael successfully implemented search strategies that led to a significant reduction in stock losses and theft. He also effectively managed his team during what proved to be a very difficult time.
The BSIA’s annual Security Personnel Awards are open to employees of the Association’s Security Guarding, CVIT, Police and Public Services, Leisure Industry, Close Protection and Crowd Management Sections.
Industry’s finest recognised for outstanding dedication
Outstanding contributions made by security industry stalwarts have also been recognised this week with the presentation of the BSIA Chairman’s Awards.
These prestigious awards honour a selection of the finest individuals from the security industry, and are presented in the following categories: Contribution to the Industry, Services to Export, Contribution to Training and Contribution to Standards.
The winners are personally selected by the Association’s chairman, Julie Kenny CBE DL, and were also presented as part of the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon event.
Services to Export
The Chairman’s Award for Services to Export was awarded to Mike Parry of Remsdaq, who has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to provide advice and encouragement to UK companies looking to gain a foothold in overseas markets.
A long-standing member of the BSIA’s Export Council, Mike’s selfless sharing of knowledge and expertise has helped many fellow members improve their understanding of exporting.
As Chairman of the Export Council for two years, Mike led the BSIA’s Export initiative, and his support of companies attending overseas exhibitions has helped to ensure successful BSIA-led outward trade missions to countries worldwide, including Turkey, Greece, Austria and Scandinavia.
Contribution to the Community
The award for Contribution to the Community is bestowed upon Brian Brown, branch manager for Securitas Security Services, whose voluntary leadership of the company’s Community Team has helped the organization build strong community links while raising money for a number of worthy charities.
For two-and-a-half years now, Brian’s dedication has inspired many of his colleagues to take on various challenges, from bike rides through to boat races, in order to raise money for local causes as well as the two main national charities supported by Securitas here in the UK, namely Help for Heroes and Child Victims of Crime.
Contribution to Training
The Chairman’s Award for Contribution to Training goes to G4S Secure Solutions (UK) in partnership with Skills for Security and Jobcentre Plus for a joint careers initiative that provides job-seekers with a cohesive training plan to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to begin and progress in a long-term career in security.
In the last 12 months alone, over 4,000 employees have undergone training, with most resulting in a nationally-recognised qualification.
Blending in-house training with that delivered through partnerships with training providers as well as educational establishments, this learning and development framework tailors each individual’s career progression from initial employment right up to senior management level, giving each employee the opportunity to maximise their career potential at a pace that suits them.
Contribution to Standards
The award for Contribution to Standards goes to Sir Edward Lister, whose expertise in the field of standards development has been a great asset to the BSIA for many years.
Representing the BSIA’s Security Systems Section on various British and European technical committees, Working Groups and standards bodies, Ed’s knowledge and experience has helped form police policy relating to security systems.
His vast contribution to standards is recognised as Ed leaves the BSIA to become the Mayor of London’s Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Planning.
Unfortunately, Ed was unable to attend the awards ceremony at the Hilton so Martin Harvey, from ADT Fire and Security, collected the trophy on his behalf.
Contribution to the Industry
The award for Contribution to the Industry was deservedly given to Bill Muskin, chairman and founder of VSG, in recognition of his long and established career in security which spans almost 40 years.
Throughout his career, Bill has remained resolutely committed to improving the reputation of our industry, and has devoted an enormous amount of time and energy to numerous industry bodies and initiatives (including the BSIA, the NSI, the Security Industry Authority and CoESS), while his passion for training has led to an active involvement in Skills for Security.
Bill’s relentless pursuit of customer service excellence has extended beyond his own business to have a positive impact on the industry as a whole, and the enormous amounts of time and energy that Bill has dedicated to this cause are duly recognised with this award.
All of us at SMT Online, Info4Security and UBM Live’s Security Portfolio would like to congratulate this year’s winners on their fabulous work and positive promotion of the security sector’s vital importance