IPSA News - 2005
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12 October 2005
From the Scottish Executive:
JAMIESON OUTLINES NEXT STEPS ON PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY REGULATION
Regulation of Scotland's private security industry moves a step closer today with the first meeting of a new project board to oversee the implementation of licensing across the country.
The board, set up by the GB wide Security Industry Authority (SIA), will work with the industry in Scotland to ensure it is fully geared up for the new arrangements. It will include two representatives from the SIA, an official from the Executive's justice department and a project manager who will be responsible for planning the day to day implementation of licensing.
This will begin from September next year, with training for those already employed or seeking employment in the sectors of the industry which are now or soon to be regulated in England and Wales - including door supervisors, manned guards, body guards, CCTV operators, those involved in transporting cash and valuables, private investigators and security consultants.
Licenses will be made available to applicants working in those areas from February 2007 and it will become an offence to work in such posts, without a licence towards the end of that year.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said:
"The private security industry encompasses a wide range of activities and individuals - from those involved in guarding people and property, to private investigators, CCTV operators, security consultants and door stewards. Given the nature of this work, we are determined to provide greater protection and assurance to anyone - the public or private companies - hiring staff in these areas."
"Regulation, through the SIA, will provide that reassurance by preventing unsuitable people from obtaining positions of trust in the private security industry. It will ensure that security personnel are fit and proper people who are competent to perform their duties. It will also benefit legitimate private security businesses and staff in driving up standards and driving out the small minority of operators who are tarnishing their good name by using the industry as a front for illegal activities.
"The project board will play a key part in taking this project forward and help us in delivering a consistent licensing regime throughout Great Britain which enables the Scottish security industry to thrive while giving the public the increased assurance and protection they need."
Andy Drane, Depute Chief Executive of the SIA, said:
"Regulation in Scotland by the SIA will ensure standards of training and professionalism in the private security industry are the same across Great Britain. The public will benefit from one regulator and one licensing scheme which will allow them to have confidence in a regulated and trusted industry, and Scottish security businesses will not be disadvantaged in a competitive market."
26 September 2005
Regulatory Impact Assessment on Approved Contractor Scheme
The Home Office has published a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on the Approved Contract Scheme (ACS). The RIA outlines a list of options for the ACS and your comments on the paper will be used to help determine the recommended option as well as the details surrounding the scheme’s operation.
A copy of the RIA can be found on the Home Office website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/inside/legis/rias/rias.html#2005 or on the SIA website at http://www.the-sia.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/79541DB6-9A73-4087-8E31-1950D17C9D8C/0/sia_acs_ria_v1.pdf
Please note that your replies have to be received by the Home Office by 17 November, 2005.
21 September 2005
Consultancy Study on future of Joint Security Industry Council (JSIC) of which IPSA is a full member
As part of the ongoing review of JSIC an opportunity is being undertaken to examine the need for and role of a body such as JSIC to represent the non core stakeholders of the industry. To this end an independent study has been commissioned jointly by the SIA and JSIC and is required to report by the end of October 2005.
The purpose of this tightly timed study is to establish the need for a representative body, whether it could be an effective conduit for consultation and communication within the industry and between the industry and government, and how such a body should be organised and financed. In essence whether JSIC or a body such as JSIC is the appropriate vehicle for facilitating dialogue with government
This is an important project through which stakeholders should address their concerns and expectations about how JSIC should function. Therefore I am asking that you take it seriously and forward your views and comments to the Consultant for his immediate consideration so that he can consult with you directly if he needs further clarification.
In particular the key issues that the study is tasked with investigating are:
What are the strategic implications, commercial opportunities and threats facing the private security industry today
What are the needs of the UK Security industry in terms of its dialogue with UK Government
Is there a need for an organisation such as JSIC to facilitate this dialogue and if so what should it look like how should it operate.
This is a unique opportunity for JSIC members and other stakeholders to declare your views on this important set of issues so that we can as an industry work towards a solution that enhances the position and status of the industry and provides a credible method of consultation with government agencies and departments. We have to provide the evidence upon which future policy decisions on representation will be made.
9 September 2005
Association AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the International Professional Security Association will be held on Wednesday, 12 October 2005, at 11.30am at St Andrew’s Hall, Royal Over-Seas League, Overseas House, Park Place, St. James’s Street, London, SW1A 1LR
25 July 2005
Just published – 2005 Revision of BS 7960 Door supervisors/stewards. Code of practice
Gives recommendations for the organization, staffing, operation and management of companies providing door supervision services to licensed premises and/or outdoor events, and to other individuals, companies, organizations and licensees who provide or employ door supervisors.
Supersedes 1999 edition
Click here for the IPSA publications order form
19 July 2005
Europe’s premier aviation and maritime security show
Now in its 4th year, APTS is firmly established as the premier event for aviation and maritime security professionals. APTS provides the industry with a much needed opportunity to gather, debate and exchange ideas on best practice and up-to-the-minute innovations, as well as giving security professionals the chance to experience for themselves the latest products, services and solutions available.
APTS offers high-level conferences, an exhibition of the latest products and services, a free workshop programme, the inaugural APTS dinner plus a host of networking opportunities.
12 July 2005
BSI Business Information seminar: Private Security Industry Summit
Resolving Current Concerns to Increase Future Profits
2-Day Conference, 29-30 September, London
This event brings together all the key players in the private security industry to debate:
- The latest trends
- New regulations
- Staff recruitment and retention
- Consolidation.
Some of the key issues being covered are the future of the security industry, how to deal with increasing financial pressures, implementing growth and business change strategies, recruitment and retention and how to convert problems into profits.
There will be opportunities for delegates to take part in open discussions and debates led by our panel of expert speakers.
The Conference will be preceded by a ½ Day Pre-Conference Workshop on the afternoon of 28 September: Understanding and Implementing BS 7858.
8 July 2005
Joint Security Industry Council (JSIC) - new chairman appointed
The Joint Security Industry Council at its Annual General Meeting held at the Middle East Association in St James's on Wednesday last elected Patrick J Somerville QPM of the International Professional Security Association (IPSA) to the post of Chairman consequent upon the retirement of Richard Flenley QPM from his position as Associate Director of Canary Wharf Management Ltd. on reaching the required age limit.
The Council expressed their appreciation for the sterling work carried out by Richard during his short term of office in successfully overseeing a review of JSIC's administration and restoring it to financial stability.
Members were unanimous in their support of the continuing role of JSIC as the principal representative body of the fifty plus associations and other organisations from various sectors of the private security industry that make up the membership body.
Recognising the range and diversity of their activities in both the private and public sectors and the challenges faced by regulation introduced by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, there is an even greater need for coordinated and effective representation at the highest level.
Speaking after accepting the appointment Patrick Somerville said
"JSIC is not as some would have you believe a spent force. On the contrary there is a renewed vitality about the Council and an encouraging pledge of cooperation from members and other organisations that augers well for the future. We aim with vigour and determination to respond to the clear desire and needs of the membership.
JSIC working groups contributed significantly to the early consultations with the Home Office and the SIA about regulation.
We are still in regular contact with the SIA with a view to identifying how JSIC will fulfil its role in a fully regulated industry.
There are many issues which are yet to be settled through consultation. It is JSIC's job in the absence of any other credible industry body to help the Associations and other organisations to gather the views and concerns of their members and effectively present them to government departments and the Regulator.
Some associations have remained outside the JSIC family, perhaps unaware that there is a place for them within it, and that it can enable them to have their say and be heard on matters that affect their businesses and how they will operate under the new conditions. We need to raise awareness and bring them around the table too.
The spectre of terrorism has been visited on London. JSIC has been involved in counter terrorism initiatives and supports the involvement of the private security industry in joint projects with the police to strengthen the capacity of the Cities of London and Westminster to respond to terrorism incidents. These arrangements have been tested in recent days and demonstrate how the industry and the emergency services can and will work together to protect the community.
It is not the time to abandon this important work or seek alternative structures, rather it means that all Associations should join JSIC, enter into the dialogue, contribute to the policy decisions and influence regulations that will be made in spite of us if we do not come together to protect and promote our legitimate interests and those of the communities we serve."
9 February 2005
Message to all Member Companies from the International Chairman and the Chairman of the JSIC
The Red Book Directory 2005
Re-launched jointly and successfully by IPSA and the Joint Security Industry Council (JSIC) in 2004, the “Red Book” was warmly welcomed by the industry and generated much interest and favourable comment.
Preparations are now under way for the 2005 edition which again is timed to appear early in May just ahead of the International Security and Fire Exhibition (IFSEC 2005) to be held from 16th to 19th May 2005 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.
The Directory is distributed to all members, member organisations and associates of both IPSA and JSIC and at IFSEC and at other events during the year thereby achieving a broad and international circulation. This year it is expected to be distributed on an even wider scale and hopefully reach more of the client market.
The Directory contains a number of leading articles dealing with topical subjects affecting the industry at this time. It will also list the specialist services offered by IPSA and JSIC members. It is however open to any company or organisation to take advantage of the opportunity to promote its products and services.
The “Companies Profile Section” is especially suitable for companies; there you can publish a company profile, editorial and accompanying advertisement. The profiles may include such information as the company background, current activities, new products and services, and highlight recent achievements and future directions.
The publishers, Smith Regent Press Ltd., with whom you should deal direct, have advised that they are now ready to accept advertising for the 2005 edition.
On behalf of IPSA and JSIC I invite all those who supported the 2004 edition and all other companies in receipt of this approach to discuss now with Smith Regent Press Ltd.
(Tel: 020 8952 1110) how you can secure a space in the publication to advertise your business, market your security products and services and at the same time support the IPSA/JSIC initiative.
The “Red Book” has resumed its place as a well known and respected reference work for the industry and we ask you to give it a special place in your advertising and promotional plans for 2005. By supporting it you will be assisting both bodies in their efforts to represent the industry and promote the high standards that are sought by both the government and industry at this time.
Patrick J Somerville QPM, International Chairman
Richard Flenley QPM, Chairman
If you would like to apply for IPSA Individual membership, complete the form below to begin the online application process.
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