Following the merger with the International Institute of Security, The Security Institute (now boasting almost 1,000 members) stands tall as the largest representative body for security professionals in the UK. With the Board temporarily comprising all previous directors, not only will 2008 be a consolidation of the best elements of both former organisations, but it will bring a strong and dynamic approach to a number of new initiatives.
Among them will be an Academic Board chaired by Dr Mark Button (to provide a link between the Institute and Higher Education Institutions) and ongoing Chartered status planning co-ordinated by the super keen Institute chairman Bill Wyllie.
Time to celebrate this monumental news? Yes indeed, and that’s exactly what we did on Tuesday by making the short journey across town from Blackfriars to the gleaming St Pancras International Station for an official lunchtime reception at The Champagne Bar, convened to mark the birth of this most important of organisations.
No sooner had we stepped off the escalator on the ‘top deck’ of the station and caught sight of a Eurostar train and there was Professor Martin Gill, black travel bag in harness. We chatted for a few minutes about SMT, life, the universe and travails with the rail network before Professor Gloria Laycock arrived on scene. We left the two academics to mull over the industry’s current machinations and made for the bar. We are investigative reporters, after all!
As you’d expect, security for the event (expertly provided by Chubb Security Personnel) was tip top. Once we were in, though, there was no stopping us from button-holing the industry’s great and good. Wherever you looked there was a famous face. Bruce George MP, Security International’s Chris Brogan, Lord Carlile of Berriew QC (president of The Security Institute), ASC chairman Colin Braziel, OCS Resolution’s Dai Prichard (sporting his brand new Institute tie!), Skills for Security’s chief executive David Greer, Derek Webster of Postcomm, the Institute’s founding chairman Geoff Whitfield, BTP’s chief constable Ian Johnston, CIA Excel consultant Mike Bluestone, IPSA chairman Patrick Somerville, Peter French (representing SSR and The Company of Security Professionals)… All the movers and shakers were out in force.
Prior to the speeches (delivered by Lord Carlile and Bill from atop one of the banquette tables at one o’clock sharp, no less) we managed to play the room (or rather the narrow space allowed trackside for The Champagne Bar).
First quote of the day went to Fire and Security Association head Stefan Hay. “I’m delighted by the merger. We have all waited for this day for a very long time. Now we can really start to go places in terms of professionalising the discipline of security.”
“It’s a genuine milestone,” chipped in Mike Bluestone, dressed in a supremely smart blue pinstripe suit. “The merger of these two organisations was somewhat inevitable. It’s the logical conclusion of a collective vision of many people who aspire towards making security management a genuine profession in its own right.”
Having daintily consumed a few quail’s eggs and champagne inbetween some feverish scribbling, we thought it best to grab a few words with the chairman. “It’s a great day, it really is,” said Mr Wyllie with a broad grin. “With the creation of the Academic Board we’re developing the underlying skills that will take us forward in the goal of professionalising the business of security.”
Bill wants 3,000 members by 2011. He knows that’s ambitious, but it’s also most certainly achievable as the Institute marches towards the Holy Grail of Chartered status. “What we achieve inbetween now and then is the important thing,” suggested Bill. “First of all we need to solidify the merger, and then work out the Focus Groups and keep on devising vibrant and dynamic programmes of events for members.”
At this point, Derek Webster made a beeline for us in a bid to put over his views. “A Chartered Security Institute has to be the goal, and we are now firmly on our way towards that, Brian,” Derek told me. “Security professionals have to lose these functional fox holes they’ve built for themselves so that the industry can join together as one. We also need a recognised qualification. The good news is that Mark Button is proposing a Masters in Business Security. Once people have completed their PSP or CPP, they could then look at studying for an MBA in security. Businesses need to recognise that security can be and often is a revenue-generating proposition, but at the moment there aren’t enough of us selling it as such.”
A few more scollops later it was time for the speeches. I turned around to see Bill perched somewhat precariously on top of a table but that didn’t stop him from rallying the throng to the cause. He thanked the people who worked long and hard to make the merger happen, namely John Rose, John Allan, David Gill and the two ‘unsung heroes’… The lovely Di Thomas and the equally lovely Paula Stanbridge. “Without Di and Paula there probably wouldn’t be a Security Institute,” suggested Bill. He’s right, you know!
Sadly, Institute Patron Lord Stevens couldn’t be there on the day, but Lord Alex Carlile more than made up for his absence. The Court barrister recalled how he once travelled to St Pancras on a steam train from Manchester. How times have changed, eh? Lord Carlile suggested the merger is important for two reasons. First, what security managers do needs a stamp of approval on top of it, and The Security Institute can provide that. Second, the merger strengthens the link between the public and private sectors. Both parties can now work together under a Badge of Excellence.
With Bill and Lord Carlile safely back on terra firma, Adam Wiseberg then had a chat with us. He talked about everything from the National CCTV Strategy Report through to airport security and even the recent engagement of SMT’s Editor. “You mean you’re going to wait a year before you marry Annora? That’s far too long!” We think it’s just about right, Adam!
Baroness Henig appeared beside us with glass of bubbly in hand. “Oh, yes. This is a great occasion at a fabulous location.” Ruth was in demand (as always), and had to mingle, but it wasn’t long before I found myself talking about my forthcoming wedding once again. Patrick Somerville mentioned the subject of kilts. Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, I must tell you that I have a family tartan. It’s the Clan MacDonnell of Keppoch, and I shall be wearing the red-infused colours of my ancestors with pride next February! As a proud Scotsman himself, I reckon Patrick was quietly impressed by my revelation!
Proceedings wound down at around half-past two, and we made our way back to the office. Nothing could prevent us from feeling that we’d just been privy to an historic occasion in an industry we always strive to serve diligently, and of which we are very, very proud indeed.
Sponsors of The Champagne Bar Reception were Chubb Security Personnel, Whiterock Group, Page Consulting, Esoteric, ARC Training International and Happold Safe and Secure
