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12 November 2001 - New International Chairman
At the International Council meeting held on the 10th November, Mr. David Mackie tendered his resignation after two years at the helm. Mr. Patrick Somerville has been elected as the new International Chairman, though has left the option open for a change following the Regional AGMs next year. Mr. Justin Bentley was then elected as the Deputy International Chairman.
Mr. David Mackie had stated earlier in the year that it was his intention to resign once the office move and various other matters had been completed, due to increased work commitments.
Patrick Somerville on being elected International Chairman for a term, which at his own request will expire at the first International Council meeting after the AGM to be held early next year, said " David Mackie took over the management of the Association at a most difficult time. He dealt with some very intractable problems and had to guide the Association to make some far reaching decisions, which have cleared the way for a fresh start in the year ahead".
"I take the opportunity on behalf of the Council and all the members, to thank David for his commitment and determination to see IPSA into the recovery phase in which we are now engaged, and to wish him well with the plans he has in mind to serve the community in another capacity when he eventually leaves the security industry. In doing so we extend those good wishes to his wife, Fiona, and the whole family who have supported him during his term of office".
In other changes at the meeting, Mr. Terry Sore has taken over as Quality Manager. This appointment recognises his work and experience in updating the Association Inspectorate.
1 November 2001 - IPSA Office now open
The IPSA office is now open!
The telephone number is 020 8832 7417 and the fax number is 020 8832 7418.
17 October 2001 - Conference on Terrorism
Terrorism. From Threat Assessment to Countermeasures. Effective ways forward for police, community safety, emergency planning, public protection, private security and risk management services. Chaired by Michael Welpy, Chief Executive, Joint Security Industry Council. Speakers include Alan Fry, Head of Anti-Terrorist Branch, Metropolitan Police Service. To be held at Infolog Conference Facilities, Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London on 7th November 2001. Please ring 020 7290 0850 for further details.
9 October 2001 - New dates for Training Courses
New dates have been added for IPSA run courses. Click on the Training icon for more information.
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5 October 2001 - New Office for the Association
Details have been finalised for the new office of the Association. The new office will open on the 1st November 2001.
Initially, until the Association can carry out an assessment of staffing levels required and recruit as appropriate, the office will be manned on Tuesday - Thursday from 10am to 4pm, and occasionally at other times. Voice mail services will take messages when the office is unattended and out of office hours.
The Postal address is as follows:
International Professional Security Association
Northumberland House Business Centre
11, The Pavement
Popes Lane
Ealing
London
W5 4NG
Post can be sent to the above address with immediate effect.
New telephone numbers will be notified once available.
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4 October 2001 - Noble Security Services UK's GUARDSAFE partnership
IPSA Press Release
The International Professional Security Association is pleased to offer their congratulations and support to Noble Security Services UK, long term supporters and members of the Association, and the Joint Security Industry Council, of which IPSA is a member, in their partnership with Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, Greater Manchester Police, Trafford Park Security Initiative and Trafford Park Business Watch in their GUARDSAFE scheme.
At a time when the majority of the Security Industry is still working out the necessary changes following passage of the Private Security Industry Act, we must commend Noble Security Services in their proactive actions.
While many companies, including all IPSA member companies, already work to the British Standard for screening and training of employees, it is not compulsory to comply with these guidelines. The Government Licensing will eventually change this voluntary aspect, but until then it is companies such as Noble Security Services that are leading the field in improving the standards.

Justin Bentley (IPSA) and George Mensah (Noble Security) at the GUARDSAFE launch
Click here to see the GUARDSAFE article at SecurityPark
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4 September 2001 - NEW INSPECTORS TRAINED FOR THE IPSA INSPECTORATE
IPSA's recently appointed Assistant Quality Manager, Terry Sore, arranged a qualifying/refresher course for Inspectors on 1 September in London. The Inspectorate conducts the periodic inspections of member companies and inspects new companies aspiring to join the Association. The role of Inspectors is not only to ensure compliance, but also to act as mentors and advisers to help owners and managers to develop their businesses to the highest attainable standards appropriate to the scale and range of their operations. The Inspectorate has recently seen a drop in the number of inspectors through retirement and other factors,
Patrick Somerville, Deputy International Chairman, welcomed eight participants and their instructors, Terry Sore, assisted by Alan Bradley, and Lynwood Newman, Inspectors with considerable experience. The participants were first interviewed by a panel of selectors, led by the Deputy Chairman. The Course itself included the administrative and other procedures of inspection and a detailed exposition of the 39 Steps to Certification, which forms the basis of all inspections. Companies wishing to embark on this process may obtain copies of the "39 Steps" by application to IPSA and payment of the required fee*.
In his closing remarks, Patrick Somerville said, "IPSA has been through a difficult period, and is emerging with a new dynamism and determination to re-establish its position as the primary association, for the individual employed at any level in the security industry, and for companies, which wish to demonstrate that they too are committed to the highest standards in the employment of operatives and managers in the manned guarding sector of the industry. You as Inspectors will make a very significant contribution to raising and maintaining standards. It is both interesting, rewarding and immensely important work, particularly at this time in the development of the industry. "
The new Inspectors will be named and commence their work after successfully completing some post course assignments and having their appointments confirmed by the International Council.
* "The 39 Steps" is being currently revised to take in to account recent changes in legislation and the soon to be released revised British Standard 7499. This item will be listed on the Products page of the IPSA website when reissued
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21 August 2001 - E-Security Conference
Secure Computing Magazine have arranged an e-security conference in London, 18th - 20th September 2001. The conference is advertised as "This conference gives you the technical and business answers PLUS a step-by-step strategy to implement your e-security infrastructure when you get back to your office". If you are interested, you can get more information from their website at www.westcoast.com/conference or e-mail the Events Manager at devans@westcoast.com.
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17 July 2001 - IPSA House sold
The sale of IPSA House in Devon was completed today. New premises are now being sought in a more central location. Post can still be sent to the Association by sending it to the Devon address - this will continue until a new office has been set up and all IPSA members and any persons, companies, organisations etc. have been notified.
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7 July 2001 - New Management Committee
It was decided at International Council to expand the Management Committee of the Association. It was felt this was necessary to focus the Association's planning in our core areas.
The Management Committee now includes Bridget Matthews (Quality Manager - Inspectorate) and Dennis Ricketts (Membership Secretary).
As previous, the Management Committee includes the International Chairman (David Mackie), Deputy International Chairman (Patrick Somerville) and Association Secretary/Treasurer. The position of Association Secretary/Treasurer is currently vacant, with the Deputy International Chairman covering duties.
