With almost 70 practitioners from across the industry in attendance at London’s Vintners Hall, the team at First Security took the opportunity to share industry updates and network with other security professionals.
The thought-provoking Security Forum covered security-related topics from identity, loyalty and security through to law and liability and defensible decision-making, with the presentations aimed at widening and stimulating attendees’ views on the issues currently affecting their security regimes.
John Briggs, operations and sales director at the Interserve company, commented: “This is the start of a range of forums that First Security is holding. These events are a great opportunity for us to bring together clients, industry experts and leaders in specific fields to share Best Practice and security updates with them.”
Briggs added: “The industry is moving at a fast pace with rapid developments in technology and communications, and we feel it’s important to share both knowledge and experience with the wider security community.”
He concluded: “On this occasion we were fortunate enough to have Mary Sharpe, the founder of Sharpe Thinking, and Mark Scoggins – solicitor advocate at Fisher Scoggins Waters LLP – to present their ideas, findings and opinions on the importance of processes and behaviours in security management.”
Complexity of human beings
Mary Sharpe’s presentation focused on the complexity of human beings. As individuals we have many identities depending on which networks and groups we belong to by default or association. Sharpe looked at how this affects an individual’s loyalty and influences and their ability to make rational rather than emotional decisions.
“By understanding these neurobiological and social psychological drivers we can better appreciate the challenges in security management today,” asserted Sharpe.
As mentioned, Sharpe is a founder of Sharpe Thinking and has been a consultant to the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme since 2003, as well as being an adviser on counter-terrorism to the Psychology Research Group at the University of Cambridge since 2006.
Sharpe commented: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak to the guys at the ‘sharp end’ of security and share with them cutting-edge research findings, in particular with reference to Internet addiction.”
Law and liability: defensible decision-making
Mark Scoggins’ presentation covered the importance of safety and security strategies in respect to a serious incident, most notably in relation to the importance of pre-event decisions, risk assessments, budget allocation, priorities and individual competencies.
Scoggins’ particular focus revolved around how best to defend the business and the people within it by demonstrating active and continuous leadership on safety and security issues.
As a solicitor advocate, Scoggins represented Thames Trains at the public enquiry into the 1999 collision at Ladbroke Grove, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens and his predecessor Lord Condon, as well as many other high profile defences since.
He’s a visiting lecturer at Bramshill, the Fire Service College, and the Police National CBRN Centre.
Scoggins commented: “It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak to so many senior managers in the security field and share a few practical tips with them.”
Interserve Facilities Management Networking Forum
The Interserve Facilities Management Networking Forum is to be held in London on Tuesday 29 November.
According to Interserve, the event represents “an excellent opportunity for industry professionals to learn and share Best Practice around how collaborative working can solve the current economic challenges.”
Martin Pickard from FM Guru’s presentation is entitled: ‘Troubled Times for FM means Working Together’.
Martin boasts 40 years’ experience in the facilities management field and has twice won BIFM Awards in FM journalism. He’ll be sharing his thoughts on how best to succeed in troubled economic times and the importance of working together.
For delegates interested in developing new sustainability practices within the FM field, Bob Crawford – the sustainability manager at Interserve – will be discussing issues around carbon, energy and renewables’ management.
In addition, Steve Gladwin – director for the Australis Group – will be sharing his thoughts on FM innovation, including the myths and truths about innovation in the industry and how collaboration needs to drive the future agenda.
The breakfast time briefing will begin at 8.30 am and finish late morning. There’ll be breakfast on arrival and a chance to network with colleagues and peers.
If you’re interested in attending please send an e-mail to: hannah.simpkins@interserve.com or telephone 020 7902 2080 by 23 November to reserve your place. Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
The Security Institute’s 2011 Remembrance Lecture: a great success
The Security Institute’s third annual Remembrance Lecture was held on Thursday 10 November and kindly hosted at the prestigious London offices of Allen & Overy in Bishop’s Square.
The lecture is a key date in The Security Institute’s calendar: a juncture when members and their guests pause to remember and celebrate our war heroes, both past and present.
Members and guests arrived early to enjoy a drink and network with their colleagues before the lecture started.
First on the agenda was a warm welcome from The Security Institute’s chairman Mike Bluestone, shortly followed by the presentation of certificates. These were kindly presented by Field Marshall the Lord Bramall from The Security Group (TSG), the main sponsors for the event.
Those receiving certificates were Stewart Kidd (who was appointed an Honorary Vice-President of the Institute in June, and who also received his certificate of admittance to the Register of Chartered Security Professionals).
Also being admitted to the Register was Richard Stones of the Nottinghamshire Police Authority.
The final presentation was a special Honorary Fellowship awarded to Keith Lawrey JP, who was delighted and honoured with his award.
Sir Jack Deverell on the Utility of Force
Lord Bramall spoke passionately before introducing the main speaker for the evening, General Sir Jack Deverell KCB OBE.
The General left the Army in 2004 having spent much of his career involved in operations and training. In his final appointment as Commander in Chief for Allied Forces North, he was responsible for the accession and integration of new NATO nations and the operational direction of the NATO 1 SAF in Afghanistan.
The General’s topic of discussion for the evening was ‘Utility of Force’, and his delivery was well received by everyone present.
The Security Institute was pleased to support two UK-based charities at the event, namely PTSD Resolution and Veteran’s Aid.
Formed in 2008, PTSD Resolution provides immediate free, local, outpatient therapeutic support to ex-service personnel who have post-traumatic symptoms, while the much larger and more established Veterans Aid organisation last year provided 19,739 nights of accommodation for veterans who would otherwise have been on the streets.
A charity raffle raised over GB pound 1,000 thanks to the generosity of donated prizes from Wilson James, Global MSC Security and Mike Bluestone. In addition, The Security Institute offered a ticket for its 2012 summer afternoon four-course luncheon and boat trip on the paddle steamer PS Dixie Queen – an event which is being relaunched on 7 June.
The evening ended with a light supper of canapes and wine, and an opportunity for members and guests to spend some time reflecting on the event itself.
The Security Institute would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening such a success for the charities, and is looking forward to an excellent festive evening on 1 December when its annual Christmas Curry Night is held