IPSA News Archive - 2008
Click here to return to archive
15 December 2008
IPSA Chairman addresses East – West Security Conference in Malta
Attending the 14th East West Security Conference held on 10-11 December 2008 in Malta IPSA Chairman, Patrick Somerville, and several other invited speakers, addressed a distinguished gathering of delegates from the Russian Federation and other Eastern European States on a wide range of security topics.
The Marquis Francis de Piro, Baron of Malta, formally opened the proceedings with a condensed history of the island state and its place in the community of European nations and warmly welcomed the delegates and visitors to Malta.
Under the Chairmanship of Peter Jones, International Director of The Security Institute, speakers from the UK, USA, Russia, Italy and Malta dealt with amongst other topics the management and organisation of security, the exchange of information and cooperation between state authorities and private security organisations and the introduction of regulation of the industry in the Russian Federation.
Corporate security issues including countering fraud and money laundering and effective screening and due diligence procedures to prevent insider crime received the attention of those present representing banking and financial organisations of Russia, Ukraine and Moldova.
Leading the Russian Delegation was Mr Sergey Schevchenko, Senior Security Consultant of the Russian Duma (Parliament) and Head of the Russian Federation Chamber of Commerce and Industry Committee on the formation and regulation of the Russian Private Security Industry.
At the post conference banquet held at Malta’s Westin Dragonara Hotel at St Julians the IPSA Chairman presented Mr Sergey Schevchenko with an engraved Golden Jubilee souvenir marking the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Association in 1958.
These conferences, held three times each year in different countries, are organised by Capricorn Conferences and Exhibitions Ltd in cooperation with The Security Institute (UK), the International Bodyguard Association and the Security Committee of the Russian State Duma and supported by several corporate sponsors.
15 December 2008
SAFE and IPSA Partnering on Course Delivery
SAFE and IPSA have agreed to co-operate in the delivery of a number of joint courses for 2009. IPSA have adopted SAFE materials for two programmes, Risk Management leading to the BTEC Level 4 Risk Management qualification and a Risk Assessment programme meeting the requirements of BS7499. IPSA and SAFE are also jointly revising their pre employment screening programmes, utilising the IPSA expertise on British Standards combined with SAFE’s course development skills. SAFE will assist IPSA in the promotion, sale and delivery of these programmes.
Justin Bentley, Chief Executive of IPSA said, ‘The Association has just launched its 2009 Training Calendar, which has provided the opportunity to build upon our excellent relationship with SAFE by co-operating on these three programmes. This partnership will help us to raise sector skills through increased participation, inform and advise development within SAFE and most importantly, add value for students through independent accreditation of learning events’.
Raymond Clarke, Managing Director of SAFE said ‘SAFE has played a leading role in the development of sector specific management development, and the launch of the new risk management programmes in particular have done much to further strengthen our offering. Recognising that historically management development has been a strength of IPSA, we believe that co-operation between the two organisations will provide a sound platform for both quality learning events and an aid to career progression’.
The first public Risk Management programme will be offered by the IPSA at SAFE’s Telford training centre in March 2009. Screening and BS 7499 Risk Assessment courses commence in January at IPSA’s Ealing venue. Full details of the programme are available on the IPSA web-site www.ipsa.org.uk or by telephone on 020 8832 7417.
12 November 2008
Larger Security Companies join IPSA
The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) has experienced an interesting new trend as several large security companies have joined the Association.
In recent months Carlisle Security Services Limited and GBM Services Limited, two UK companies both with 2000+ staff, have joined ranks with existing members such as ISS Pegasus Security. Other new companies and in-house security teams to join or apply to IPSA this year are Schutzhund Security Limited, Protea Security Limited, Ultimate Solutions (UK) Limited, Metro Guards Limited and Bradford College Security Department.
Currently 57% of eligible IPSA member companies are also registered on the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme with the remaining 43% being inspected for compliance with British Standards by either IPSA inspectors or UKAS accredited inspectorates such as SSAIB and NSI. The number of ACS registered companies re-enforces the Association message that companies should become or retain membership of security associations in addition to whichever of the voluntary quality assurance schemes they choose. This ensures that the have the means of effective representation in addition to direct participation in stakeholder consultation groups.
Speaking about his company’s decision to join IPSA, Richard Chappell, Managing Director of Carlisle Security Services Limited, said “I made the decision for Carlisle Security to join IPSA. I felt that in the changing security world post regulation it is important for our company to align itself with a professional body who I felt could be a voice to champion the industry issues on behalf of its members. We believe that IPSA represents that type of professional body that will challenge traditional thinking and be inclusive to all members. I believe that the industry needs a brighter more modern voice and one that is inclusive.”
Justin Bentley, IPSA Chief Executive Officer, said “We believe that it is important for security companies to be members of a professional or trade association. There are a number of choices open to companies and individuals, and we consider that IPSA offers its members a high quality of service, whilst keeping prices realistic. This is particularly important in the current economic climate.”
Paul Trendall, Commercial Director of Carlisle Security Services Limited, added “It's important to pick your friends wisely and in the case of IPSA we have the pleasure of being associated with the UK's oldest professional body for the security industry. Having been impressed by IPSA's commitment to the security industry, and its selfless approach to working on behalf of its members; recommending to my colleagues that we join IPSA was a pleasantly easy decision to make.”
IPSA Chairman Patrick Somerville says “ IPSA has been working hard to show that it can deliver a good service to both companies and individuals in the industry. These new members have made appropriate commercial decisions and their example should be an encouragement to others to consider the benefits of association membership for their companies and their staff.”
Justin Bentley, Chief Exec of IPSA, presenting Richard Chappell, Managing Director of Carlisle Security, with Carlisle Security’s IPSA Certificate of Membership. |
Presentation by IPSA Chairman Patrick Somerville, of the IPSA Certificate of Membership to Sandra Parr, Director of Business Development and Angela Roberts, Regional Manager Security Services, of GBM Services Ltd. |
10 November 2008
A Loss to the Security Industry
Whilst I can not speak for the whole security industry, in my personal opinion the resignation last week of Michael Wilson is a loss to the industry.
Mike took over as Chief Executive at a time when procedures had been established and the ill-fated move of the application processing contract had already been decided. His job was always going to suffer a rough start, but he willingly took charge whilst simultaneously taking a look at the rationale of decisions made previously. Only a short time before the announcement of his resignation, one of my colleagues was pointing out that he was the first person he had heard from the SIA acknowledge that they would have been better to consider licensing companies first.
As a government body (non-departmental) it was inevitable that when some significant procedural mistakes came to light, that somebody would have to take the blame. As Chief Executive, Mike has taken responsibility for something that whilst unlikely to be his direct responsibility, did as far as I understand occur under his management. In the commercial world, it may have been “get it put right”, but in the world of politics it is “clear your desk”.
The industry has now lost a person who was willing to listen and work with the industry, who would give straight answers, as he demonstrated again last Thursday at the excellent Safer Doors conference, and was showing the kind of ‘open government’ approach that other departments only pay lip service to.
It is now my hope that the Home Office and SIA Board look to appointing somebody equally prepared to engage constructively with the industry, particularly at this time of economic uncertainty and financial constraints.
Justin P. Bentley
Chief Executive Officer
International Professional Security Association
13 October 2008
IPSA and FSA agree strategic alliance to improve industry cohesion
The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) and the Fire and Security Association (FSA) have signed a high level Memorandum of Understanding, designed to improve industry cohesion and provide a sound platform of representation for their respective memberships and the industry as a whole.
Head of the FSA, Stefan Hay said: “ Although the FSA is solely a representative body for companies working in the fire and security systems industry, we recognise that there can be overlaps with IPSA for example in the subjects of CCTV surveillance, alarm response, sector education and risk management to name but a few. This strategic alliance is mutually beneficial in that it allows our organisations to pool expertise, share intelligence and resources and develop a cohesive response, where applicable, to issues affecting our respective members and the entire sector”.
Through this collaboration, the two associations aim to provide reciprocal promotion, recommendation and referral and raise awareness of the advantages and benefits of joining either the FSA or IPSA. Each party intends to seek every opportunity to consult and involve the other in joint events, projects and activities and to demonstrate to sector employers that they and their staff have a choice in determining their sector representation.
IPSA Chief Executive Officer, Justin Bentley said: “IPSA welcomes the opportunity for joint activities and collaboration with FSA and its member companies and the sharing of expertise and representation of an enlarged body of companies and individuals. IPSA is active in promoting professionalism, higher qualifications and participating in the industry bodies at various levels where existing standards are revised and updated. Those engaged in both FSA and IPSA areas of activity will through membership be able to access additional benefits of this working partnership of the Associations”.
6 October 2008
Latest edition of the Red Book published
The 2008 edition of the Red Book is now available – a definitive resource featuring extensive listings on IPSA and JSIC members as well as updated news on products and services for private security professionals. You can read the online version at www.the-red-book.co.uk/ebook |
 |
7 August 2008
New Deputy International Chairman
Mr Dennis Ricketts has been elected as the new Deputy International Chairman of IPSA at the first meeting of the recently elected International Council. The Chief Exec of IPSA, Justin Bentley, the previous office holder, felt it was no longer appropriate to hold the elected position alongside his current executive role in the Association.
Dennis said about his appointment "I welcome the new role entrusted to me and look forward to further promoting the Association whenever opportunities arise and encouraging others to join us in the pursuit of professionalism in the industry."
Other appointments made at the meeting are:
- Mr Bipin Joshi of Shield Security Services Ltd : Honorary Treasurer and Executive Management Committee member.
- Mr David Barratt of SPS Security Ltd : Executive Management Committee member.
- Mr Simon Smith : International Membership Liaison.
The following persons were re-elected:
- Mr Patrick Somerville : International Chairman
- Mrs Lynn Watts-Plumpkin : Quality Manager
9 July 2008
IPSA and SAFE Launch New Strategic Partnership
The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) has today reached agreement with security education specialists, SAFE Ltd, to develop a new strategic alliance to develop a support framework for trainers and co-operate on educational developments in the security industry. At the heart of the initiative is an agreement to develop a specialist grouping for trainers and an agreement to co-operate on new educational initiatives in the sector. IPSA will also recommend SAFE learning materials and courses with SAFE providing a discount to IPSA members.
Welcoming the agreement Justin Bentley, Chief Executive Officer at IPSA said ‘For many years, IPSA has been a significant name in security education. The agreement with SAFE enables IPSA to work closely with a current leader in industry education, in the further development of the Association’s strategy for education and training. The opportunity for IPSA members to benefit from discounts on the high quality products and services offered by SAFE, adds yet another element to IPSA as we continue to strengthen our services to members’.
Responding, Raymond Clarke, Managing Director of SAFE said, ‘I am hugely encouraged by the decision of IPSA to provide representative arrangements for security trainers. This initiative is long overdue and I applaud IPSA for taking a lead on this issue. We look forward to playing our part in making this exciting initiative a major success and indeed co-operating with IPSA on a range of other initiatives in security education’.
Ray Clarke, MD of SAFE, and Justin Bentley, CEO of IPSA
3 July 2008
IPSA announces new International Council
A new International Council was elected at the AGM last Friday (half the members have not previously served on the Council). This follows the change in the Constitution which has the Council members elected at the AGM.
The International Council is:
David Barratt (SPS Security Ltd) - Company member
Justin Bentley - IPSA CEO
Basil Bland - Individual member
Roger Felgate - Individual member
Bipin Joshi (Shield Security Ltd) - Company member
Paul Macarthur (Global World Services Ltd) - Company member
Stuart Naisbett - Individual member
Dennis Ricketts (Spectrum Positive Identity & Training Ltd) - Company member
Simon Smith - Individual member
Patrick Somerville - Individual member and current International Chairman
Lynn Watts-Plumpkin - Individual member
Paul Wiggins - Individual member
Bruce Woodcock - Individual member
Stuart Naisbett, who continues to represent membership on the International Council, said "Exciting times are ahead for the industry, with more sectors falling under the SIA for licensing and with IPSA being one of the oldest associations representing the industry we have the opportunity to further influence how this is implemented"
Simon Smith, who is newly elected to the International Council, said "This is the best jubilee event the Association's members can wish for. We've done a lot, come a long way, achieved much. Today we send a clear message. We build on our achievements but we haven't reached our peak. We are confident of our history, but prepared to shape our structure and change for the future. We warmly embrace tomorrow's challenges as we dealt with yesterday's. We are here, we remain ready and able to meet the day. We are the international association for security professionals. It's what we do. There's no other way."
2 July 2008
IPSA recognises the professionalism of its members
At the Annual General meeting of IPSA last week the membership agreed a new policy allowing individual members to use post-nominal letters to indicate their membership. The IPSA Chief Executive Officer, Justin Bentley, explained "IPSA has always had a policy of being open to all persons working in the security industry, this meant previously that there was no entry qualification other than being of good character and involved with security. Changes over recent years has meant that Security Officers now have to have a Level Two qualification, and this is leading to the security industry being one of the most professional industries in the country - very few industries require everybody to have a qualification. The Association recognises this, with members now able to use 'MIPSA' after their name to indicate their membership of a professional security body"
Other post-nominal letters to be used are -
AIPSA - Associated Members of IPSA - persons not directly working in security, but with a professional interest, including members of the police, armed forces, community wardens, etc.
FIPSA - Fellow of IPSA - usually an experienced security professional and long term member of the Association
HonFIPSA - Awarded to distinguished members of the Association, recognising outstanding service to the industry or the Association.
26 June 2008
Transformation at the International Professional Security Association
Changes to the IPSA Constitution have been approved by members this week, leading to some changes in the governance of the Association.
The International Council, which is the supervisory board of members directing the Association, will now be elected directly from the membership, as opposed to the previous method of electing one representative from each region. The new method ensures a mixture of individual and company members, whilst safeguards still require the Council to include a variety of regional members. With communication to the members being sent directly from the Association office, rather than disseminated via regional meetings, this will mean that the International Council can continue to function as a meaningful body.
The revised constitution has also been a chance to reinforce the business practices adopted by the Association in recent years, to transform IPSA in to a more representative body, assisting members through current challenges. As part of the changes in the document, the title of the person in charge of the daily running of IPSA has been updated from the "Association Secretary" to the "Chief Executive Officer" to reflect the title used in most businesses.
The newly re-titled Chief Executive of IPSA, Justin Bentley, said, "I wish to thank the members for this unanimous vote approving the changes. A new International Council will be elected at the Association AGM taking place later this week and we will be using this opportunity to also launch new initiatives for members. The Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and these changes into a new era of revitalised activity."
18 March 2008
Visit IPSA at IFSEC 2008
IPSA will be exhibiting at IFSEC 2008 on stand 445 in the Security Guarding & Support Services product area.
Now in its third year, the Security Guarding & Support Services area promises to be even bigger and better as a result of its new location in Hall 7, one of the busiest halls at the NEC and will co-locate directly with The Facilities Show.
IFSEC 2008 will also feature a packed seminar programme and a new strategic conference aimed at all professionals concerned with security. Expert speakers confirmed include representatives from the Metropolitan Police, Huntingdon Life Sciences, G4S Cash Services, JP Morgan, London Underground and Essex Police. Sessions will focus on real-life applications of effective security techniques across retail, banking, transport and other sectors. Speakers will be presenting real-life case studies, innovative advances in technology and updates on the latest standards and legislation.
IFSEC 2008 adjoins The Facilities Show and Safety & Health Expo, taking place from 12/13-15 May 2008 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. For more information on the event and to register for free entry, please visit www.ifsec.co.uk/securityguarding.
8 February 2008
The Red Book Security Industry Directory 2008
This year JSIC/IPSA will again publish the Red Book directory and yearbook which will be distributed not only to our members but also to a database of named contacts operating within blue chip organisations across the UK.
We have appointed specialist publisher Ten Alps Publishing to undertake the project management and production of this unique resource. The Directory in the now popular A5 format is a primary reference manual for the industry and its clients as well as serving the needs of the membership bodies of JSIC.
The aim is to produce the directory in time for distribution at IFSEC 2008 in May.
This is a valuable opportunity for IPSA companies and others to promote their products and services to an influential and global market in an extremely useful and targeted publication. To advertise in the Red Book, please contact Ten Alps Publishing (tel. 01625 613 000) for more details.
If you would like to apply for IPSA Individual membership, complete the form below to begin the online application process.
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8832 7417
+44 (0)845 873 8114
Facsimile: +44 (0)20 8832 7418
Email: post@ipsamail.org.uk
Address: Northumberland House, 11
The Pavement, Popes Lane, Ealing, London England W5 4NG
Fill out the form below and we will contact you...
Web Design and Hosting by Opt4Net