The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) is all set for a minor transformation following the members’ backing for proposed changes to the organisation’s Constitution, which will affect the way in which IPSA is governed.
The International Council – the Supervisory Board of members directing the Association – will now be elected directly from the membership, as opposed to the previous method of electing one representative from each region. The new method ensures a mixture of individual and company members, while safeguards still require the Council to include a variety of regional members. With communication to the members being sent directly from the Association’s office, rather than disseminated via regional meetings, this will mean that the International Council can continue to function as a meaningful body.
The revised constitution presents IPSA with a perfect opportunity to reinforce the business practices adopted in recent years, to transform the organisation into a more representative body and assist members in facing up to current challenges.
As part of the changes in the document, the title of the person in charge of the daily running of IPSA has been updated from the ‘association secretary’ to the ‘chief executive officer’, neatly reflecting the title used in most businesses.
The newly re-titled chief executive of IPSA, Justin Bentley, told info4security: “I wish to thank the members for this unanimous vote approving the changes. A new International Council will be elected at the Association’s Annual General Meeting later on today, and we will also be taking this opportunity to launch new initiatives for members. The Association is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, and these changes are but the beginning of a new era of revitalised activity.”
IPSA: a specialist service for industry and commerce
IPSA was formed to ensure professionalism in the management of security operations. it’s an established and recognised worldwide professional organisation providing – in accordance with growing demand – a specialised and unrivaled service to industry and commerce. The Association operates within the framework of 14 regions (including many overseas countries). The Association has no Trade Union or political connections or aspirations. IPSA is an independent body controlled and paid for by its members.
Membership is available to:
*persons wholly employed in the industry
*persons who are preparing to enter the industry (ie police officers, members of the Armed Forces, etc)
*security guarding organisations
*door supervisors
*businesses engaged in the manufacture or supply of security equipment
*training companies
*consultant companies
*organisations who employ their own security staff.
IPSA offers membership to those employed in the industrial or commercial security arenas, and to those companies who supply services or materials used in connection with industrial or commercial security. The Association also provides a number of training courses for Industrial or Commercial Security personnel and management.
For further information contact the International Professional Security Association, Northumberland House, 11 The Pavement, Popes Lane, Ealing, London W5 4NG (e-mail: post@ipsamail.org.uk, telephone 020 8832 7417, fax: 020 8832 7418)