A total of 15 awards were handed out at the ceremony to commend bravery, innovation and excellent customer service.
“The BSIA’s Annual Security Officer Awards demonstrate that professionalism is at the heart of the security guarding industry in the UK,” said BSIA Chief Executive David Dickinson, addressing the crowd at London’s Hilton hotel.
“It is clear to me from the achievements of the officers and teams that we are recognising today, that security officers make a very real difference to the day-to-day lives of ordinary people. They are unsung heroes, but are essential to the functioning and well-being of UK plc and deserve to be recognised for their achievements.”
Sir Ronnie Flanagan GBE MA, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, presented winners with the awards, which fell into five categories.
Outstanding Act
Sajid Hussain
Sajid works for Regent Group and is based at the Brent House office block in Wembley. He was nominated for the courage shown when he intervened after a man armed with a machete had poured petrol around the site and was threatening to set it alight. Due to Sajid’s quick thinking, the man was calmed down, prevented from starting a fire or using the machete, and subsequently handed over to the police. Sajid was able to calm a very volatile individual and to avert an extremely dangerous situation.
Susan Porter
Susan works for Federal Security Services and was nominated for her life-saving actions when she tackled an armed man who forced his way into the building in Northern Ireland where she works. Unconcerned for her own safety, Susan restrained the man until the police arrived. When faced with this very difficult situation, Susan acted quickly and decisively, putting the safety of her team and the public before her own. She is a remarkable individual who went beyond the call of duty and thoroughly deserves this award.
Karen Potter
Karen works for G4S Security Services (UK) and is based at a Jobcentre Plus site in Leeds, part of the LSTrilium contract. Karen was nominated for her life-saving actions when a man in the public waiting area of the building covered himself in petrol and threatened to set himself alight. Karen, having instructed her team to evacuate the area of the building, selflessly stayed with the man and calmed him down until the emergency services arrived. She is a remarkable individual who went beyond the call of duty, acting quickly and decisively.
Service to the Customer
Andrew Beaver
Andrew works for Vision Security Group Ltd (VSG) and was nominated for his work at Carlsberg UK’s brewery in Leeds. A talented security officer, Andrew’s professionalism, along with that of his team members, has resulted in a total of 16 intruders being apprehended and arrested by the police. Always one to go beyond what is required of him, Andrew took it upon himself to produce a useful research report into the increasing incidence of false fire alarms at the brewery. The findings led to a 30% reduction in fire alarm activation.
Kenneth Ellis
Kenneth works for Reliance Security Services Limited and was nominated for his work as front-of-house security officer in a prestigious building in London’s Shaftesbury Avenue managed by Arlington Property Services. A dedicated security officer, Ken has constantly provided an exceptionally high standard of customer care. Customers and tenants alike relish his presence, professionalism, courtesy and quiet confidence. The customer has praised him for always going above and beyond the call of duty as nothing is too much trouble and he always goes the extra mile whenever he can.
John Scott
John works for MITIE Security and was nominated for his commitment to delivering outstanding customer service on the company’s Tower of London contract. John has proactively built up a rapport between the security team and the local community, delivering presentations to local schools and clubs in his own time. His approach to security far exceeds the expectations and commitment levels of a team leader. He always leads by example and maintains good morale within the team. He has been described as a rare breed of security manager.
Best Newcomer
Wendy Andrew
Wendy works for OCS Security Services and was nominated for her work at the Xscape leisure facility in Braehead. A natural security professional, Wendy’s potential was soon recognised as she was promoted to senior supervisor and then to security manager. In addition, she now acts as one of the site’s duty managers. Wendy radiates confidence and personality and has the ability to win people over at every turn. She has been praised for having come a long way in a short period of time.
Danny Bradford
Danny works for Vision Security Group Ltd and was nominated for his work at B&Q in Nottingham. A talented security officer, Danny’s potential was soon recognised as he was promoted to B&Q National Training Officer. From his Mansfield base, Danny was instrumental in delivering on site training programmes to retail security officers throughout the B&Q contract. Danny successfully carried out this position until very recently when he was promoted yet again to B&Q Retail Area Manager – all in the space of 18 months!
Laurence King
Laurence works for Vision Security Group Ltd (VSG) and was nominated for his work on the company’s B&Q contract. Despite being a new recruit to VSG, Laurence’s potential was soon recognised as he was promoted to Senior Retail Officer. As well as successfully carrying out this role, Laurence went on to volunteer to serve as acting Area Manager during an interim period – a responsibility handled with great success. His work ethic and approach has been described as extremely professional, diligent and conscientious and he has been praised for having made a positive impact on the business.
Best Use of Technology
BAE Systems Submarines Team
The Reliance Security Services team, based at the BAE Systems Submarines site in Barrow, has been commended for the way in which it has used technology to improve security by developing an interactive map of the site, which assists in training security officers, planning new security operations and developing health and safety strategies. The map and the subsequent improvements on site were developed as a result of these individuals recognising shortfalls in the system. The team’s ability to “think outside the box” and use technology so adeptly is testament to their skills.
David Evett
David works for Reliance Security Services and was nominated for his work at the Salisbury city centre CCTV control room, where he has used his technical knowledge to excel in his role as a CCTV operative. On one occasion, David responded quickly when one of the town’s security officers was threatened with a knife. The officer pressed a panic button which was linked through to the control room where David was working. He reacted immediately, ensuring that the police were sent to the scene and the criminal was apprehended.
Slough CCTV Control Room Team
The Reliance Security Services team, based at the Slough Estates CCTV control room, has been commended for developing procedures to link CCTV technology with security patrols and the police service in the area. Excellent results have been achieved, with the number of incidents having dropped considerably, thanks to the CCTV operators’ timely identification of suspicious activity. The dedicated, professional and enthusiastic employment of technology by the control room team, coupled with their experience and intuition, is a significant force in combating crime.
Best Team
Aberafan Shopping Centre Team
The OCS Resolution team is based at the Aberafan Shopping Centre and has been recognised for its dedication and enthusiastic teamwork with this award for the third year running. Last year, officers were instrumental in the largest single haul of drugs found on a person in the South Wales area when they assisted police by skilfully gathering CCTV footage of heroin deals taking place. All seven officers are Welsh Ambulance First Responders, which enabled the team to provide advanced first aid to over 200 patients in 2006.
HBOS Belfast Team
The 26-strong team works for Reliance Security Services Ltd and is based at the HBOS Gasworks and Dundonald sites in Belfast. The team was nominated for the high standard of service it has provided to HBOS, its staff and visitors. The HBOS buildings accommodate 1650 employees daily and the team prides itself upon thoroughly knowing the site and its staff. The team has been recognised for being consistently motivated and always striving to supply the best possible standard of customer service and is willing to go that extra mile on a regular basis.
High Chelmer Shopping Centre Team
The team, works for Vision Security Group Ltd and is based at the High Chelmer Shopping Centre in Chelmsford. The team demonstrated its professionalism when it acted swiftly and calmly when dealing with a potential suicide case. Officers managed talk a woman down from the edge of the top floor of the shopping centre’s multi-storey car park, from which she intended to jump. In addition to this, the team has effectively and professionally dealt with 589 reportable incidents so far this year and has been responsible for 140 arrests.