Corps Security’s director of security consulting was honoured by the Association of Security Consultants’ (ASC) Board at the organisation’s Annual Luncheon and Imbert Prize presentations, which took place as always at the Royal Air Force Club on London’s Piccadilly.
The special award came as a complete surprise to Bluestone – The Security Institute’s current chairman – and the select gathering of industry leaders who attended the event, as it’s the first time such an honour has been given by the organisation.
In stating why Bluestone has been honoured in this way, Roy Sutherland (chairman of the ASC) explained: “Mike is a true ambassador for the industry and always strives to improve standards. Of particular note is his vast input into the creation of the Chartered Security Professional designation, which will go a long way towards enhancing the character and standing of the security industry. In light of this, the ASC Board voted unanimously to recognise Mike’s achievements and continuing efforts in this area by awarding him this special accolade.”
Bluestone had been nominated by the British Security Industry Association’s CEO James Kelly to receive the Association’s Award element of The Imbert Prize for ‘contribution to the security industry’, but this category was won by James Willison for ASIS International’s UK Chapter following a nomination by that organisation’s current chairman Mike Alexander.
Lord Brian McKenzie presented the special award to Bluestone, who was also delighted to finish as a runner-up for The Imbert Prize 2011.
Advancement of professionalism
Speaking at the event, Bluestone commented: “I’m stunned to be singled out for praise by my peers in this way – I feel incredibly honoured. To receive an award for services to the advancement of professionalism in the industry along with the runner-up award for the Imbert Prize itself means that today is one of the most memorable and exciting of my career.”
The Imbert Prize is a celebrated annual award named after ASC patron Lord Imbert of New Romney CVO QPM, the former commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service. It aims to encourage the development of ideas for the advancement of risk and security management in the UK, and is awarded in three categories: the university dissertation prize, the security associations award and the ASC accolade for the member that has made the most significant contribution to independent security consulting in the previous 12 months.
Bluestone concluded: “The Imbert Prize is a distinguished accolade. As always, the calibre of the nominees was extremely high this year, which highlights the fantastic work that is going on in all sections of the industry. I would like to thank my colleagues at Corps Security for their support and encouragement leading up to the announcement.”
Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach named as patron of the ASC
Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach KCB CBE BA MPhil DTech DLitt FRAeS RAF has agreed to become one of the patrons of the Association of Security Consultants. He joins esteemed ASC supporters Lord Peter Imbert, Lord James Bethell and Lord Brian MacKenzie as a patron of the organisation.
Sir Stuart is a senior Royal Air Force officer and has been Chief of Joint Operations since March 2009. He was commissioned into the Royal Air Force as an acting pilot officer on 1 September 1974.
Following an undergraduate degree at the University of Sheffield and an MPhil degree at the University of Cambridge, Peach became director of defence studies (Royal Air Force) from 1997 to 1999 and edited books and wrote articles on air power in that role.
In 1999, he was assistant director of the Higher Command and Staff Course at the Joint Services Command and Staff College (of which he is a graduate).
Peach served as Commander British Forces (Italy) 1999-2000 and as NATO Air Commander (Forward) in Kosovo in 2000. He served as Commandant for UK Air Warfare Centre and Assistant Chief of Staff (Intelligence) at RAF Strike Command from 2000 to 2003, and was Director General Intelligence Collection in the Defence Intelligence Staff from July 2003 to March 2006.
Speaking about the appointment, ASC chairman Roy Sutherland said: “The ASC welcomes such a distinguished person as a patron, and we look forward to Sir Stuart’s valued contribution to the Association.”
Further information on the Association of Security Consultants, Corps Security and The Security Institute may be accessed online (click the dedicated web links at the foot of this page)
SMT Online’s full report on The Imbert Prize 2011 will be online in the next few days… so check back for that…