Always a massively popular event, The Security Institute’s annual Remembrance Lecture for 2011 promises to maintain the series’ proud tradition of being a ‘must attend’ for security professionals who wish to pay their respects to the fallen among our fabulous Armed Forces.
This year’s theme focuses on the utility of force. These are, of course, uncertain days and times for the Armed Forces. They’re poorly structured and under-resourced for today’s conflicts.
While the economic crisis gripping the nation calls for greater priority in public spending, neither Government nor the military seem to have a particularly clear idea over the nature of future war.
For their part, the politicians appear confused as to the value of hard power capabilities. They seem to favour the big programmes – the carriers, the deterrent, JSF, Type 26 frigates – at the expense of UAVs and ‘the land component’ etc. Why is this?
What is the effect of all this uncertainty on the soldier, the sailor and the airman?
General Sir Jack Deverell KCB OBE: the keynote speech
This year’s lecture on Thursday 10 November will be delivered by General Sir Jack Deverell KCB OBE, the former Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces in northern Europe, with Field Marshall Lord Bramall KG GCB OBE and Piers Bishop (the chief therapist at PTSD Resolution) also due to speak.
“The Remembrance Lecture is a key event in The Security Institute’s calendar,” explained chairman Mike Bluestone, “when we pause to think about the efforts made on our behalf by the military, and raise money to support specially selected good causes.”
Bluestone added: “I’m sure the topics covered will be interesting and possibly challenging.”
The venue for this year’s Remembrance Lecture is the London offices of international law firm Allen & Overy, which can be found at One Bishops Square, London E1 6AD (the nearest London Underground/mainline station being Liverpool Street).
Tickets are priced at GB pound 25 for Institute members and their guests. Not only does that cover all the presentations but also includes supper, wine and soft drinks. In other words, it’s excellent value!
On the night there’s going to be a special Charity Raffle, the proceeds of which will be split between Veterans Aid and PTSD Resolution.
Benefiting two extremely worthy causes
Veterans Aid is the leading charity for veterans in the UK who find themselves in times of crisis, homeless or likely to become so.
Helps is provided regardless of how long someone has served in the Armed Forces or whether they were in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, Army, the Royal Air Force or Merchant Service: the charity always does its level best to help.
It can provide direct and immediate help to vulnerable veterans by way of hostel accommodation, financial assistance, food and clothing and advice/advocacy.
Trustees of Veterans Aid – which is based at Buckingham Palace Road in London’s Victoria – include president and chairman Brigadier J F Rickett CBE FInstD, honorary treasurer R P Clinton FCSI FCT, honorary surveyor R Evans Esq Dip Arch RIBA, honorary psychiatric advisor Dr Ian Palmer MB ChB MRCPsych (professor of military psychiatry), General The Lord Walker GCB CMG CBE DL, Col (Retd) Paul Cummings, Mrs Margaret Mervis and Andrew Wallis.
The charity’s partners include Towergate Wilsons – the specialist insurance provider to Her Majesty’s Forces – and Scottish Veterans’ Residences (which provides residential accommodation for all ex-servicemen and women of all ages).
For its part, PTSD Resolution helps veterans and TA who have failed to reintegrate into a normal work & family life because of military trauma suffered during service in the armed forces.
Trauma causes flashbacks, nightmares, anger and depression – often leading to violence, alcohol and substance abuse, job loss, family breakdown and even suicide.
Through a nationwide network of 250 accredited therapists, PTSD Resolution provides treatment to enable veterans to resolve the mental health problems associated with military trauma that obstruct a normal range of family and work relationships.
Resolution therapy is brief, with an average of just three to four one-hour sessions, conducted on an out-patient basis, to support family and work routines.
The programme is complementary to the work of other services’ charities, in that it resolves the mental health issues that are barriers to successful reintegration and settlement.
Event timings on Thursday 10 November
- 18:00: Arrival and registration
- 18.30: Welcome from The Security Institute
- 18:40: Remembrance Lecture begins
- 19:20: Charity presentations and Raffle
- 20.00: Drinks reception and supper
- 21.15: Disperse
Sponsorship courtesy of The Security Group (National) Ltd
This event is kindly sponsored by The Security Group (National) Ltd. This is a security service provider offering premium security services to leading organisations and Government Departments throughout the UK, and was formed by the amalgamation of Bowles Security Services and Alpha Plus Security in 2010.
As stated, Field Marshal The Lord Bramall KG GCB OBE MC, a director of TSG, will be attending the event.
TSG is accredited to all essential industry accreditations and is an Approved Contractor Scheme-registered company with a score that places it in the Top 5% of accredited companies.
TSG offers its clients a wide range of services including security guarding, CCTV, access control, risk assessments, mobile patrols, alarm response, key holding, Front of House, Post Room, concierge and training.
In addition, clients can also benefit from a state-of-the-art Control Room with 24/7 remote monitoring.
TSG continues is strong military and police affiliations, and is well known in the industry for its dedicated Gurkha workforce that consistently provides clients with excellent security services.
TSG is a great supporter of a number of children’s charities including Great Ormond Street and Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund, and continues supporting schools and communities in Nepal that have strong ties to its Gurkha workforce.
In addition, TSG supports several national charities throughout the year, among them Help For Heroes and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine.
To book your place telephone 08453 707717, e-mail: karen@security-institute.org or click here to access the online booking form
Further information is available on The Security Institute website