News from IPSA Members
24 October 2011
Top win for security team at excellence awards
Sodexo, a leading provider of on-site service solutions, became the ACS Champion of the Year at the Security Excellence Awards 2011, which highlights the very best people, projects and processes across the UK’s security sector.
The ACS (Approved Contractor Scheme) is governed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and is designed to raise security standards for a safer environment whilst promoting good practice by security professionals. The ACS Champion of the Year award is open to all approved contractors and seeks to identify those that have taken exceptional steps to further the spirit of the scheme.
Sodexo in the UK first achieved the approved contractor status in May 2008 and is currently approved by the SIA for security guarding and CCTV.
The judges were highly impressed with the extent that Sodexo promoted and progressed the spirit of the ACS, including its staff welfare, development of working conditions, the reward and recognition programme, the use of newsletters, focus groups and enhanced conflict training.
Simon Pears, head of security for Sodexo, said: “I am absolutely delighted with our win, which has been possible through the collective efforts, dedication and commitment from the Centre of Excellence team at Sodexo.
“We would like to thank the SIA for their effective partnership working with us and we hope to build on this further. We will continue to remain committed towards raising the standards of security everywhere we operate.”
ACS assistant director and an award judge, Andrew Shephard, said: “Sodexo’s active engagement with the SIA, its contribution to the development of the ACS, along with putting local crime prevention and community safety at the top of their agenda demonstrated to the judges that the company are raising their operational standards and are promoting good practice within the industry.”
30 June 2011
Carlisle Sets Standard for Security Industry Professional Memberships
Carlisle Support Services has increased it’s support of the International Professional Security Association’s Employer Sponsored Membership Scheme. One of the scheme’s founders, Carlisle Support Services has both increased its membership numbers by 20% and entered into a two year commitment to support the scheme.
In an industry first, Carlisle Support Services has ensured the management of its three security businesses, Carlisle Security, Carlisle CCTV and Carlisle Events have now all achieved IPSA membership. In addition, the whole senior HR team are now also IPSA members in order that they can engage more effectively in the important security sector of the business.
Commenting on the achievement Carlisle’s Commercial Director, Paul Trendall said: “Being a quality-led business isn’t about nice words, it’s about what you actually do to make a positive difference. If you are serious about being the best, you have to continually invest in quality; and that’s the commitment we give to all our clients”.
12 August 2010
Updates to the Scottish Door Supervision, Security Guarding & CCTV courses
SAFE have now issued a new update to the Scottish versions of Door Supervision, Security Guarding and CCTV Operations training packs, which comply to the new license-linked qualification requirements set out by the SIA (Security Industry Authority) and accredited by the SQA (Scottish Qualifications Regulator). The new license linked qualifications phase in as follows:-
Door Supervision (Scotland): 1 August 2010
Security Guarding (Scotland): 1 September 2010
CCTV Operations (Scotland): 1 September 2010
The new courses now align to the principles of the National Qualifications Credit Framework, which makes it easier to obtain additional licenses without learning duplication. All Scotland packs were also updated to reflect the recent changes in Scottish legislation and include up to date best practice guidelines.
For those organisations where SAFE co-ordinates examination activity, SAFE will cease registration of new candidates on the existing courses when the new qualifications come in to place. Students that have been registered with the existing qualifications will have to undergo testing and gain their qualifications before the 3 month grace period ends.
[Editor's note: IPSA Members get a discount on SAFE products]
12 August 2010
Security Today Appoints SAFE as Its Sales Representative in UK
In a significant development, SECURITY TODAY, India’s most widely read and largest circulated monthly publication for fire, safety & security industry & users, announced that it has appointed SAFE to operate and manage its UK office. SAFE will work to promote SECURITY TODAY and its Indian events, including conferences, seminars and exhibitions to the audience in the European Union. SAFE will also work with UK and European companies wishing to advertise through SECURITY TODAY.
Raymond Clarke, Managing Director of SAFE said he was ‘delighted by this association with SECURITY TODAY. The magazine plays an important and central role within the Indian security market. We look forward to being a part of their team, assisting European security companies that wish to gain exposure in India. The development broadens the services that are available through SAFE and will allow us to develop greater expertise about the opportunities in India for UK and European companies’.
Aman Singh, Associate Editor of SECURITY TODAY said ‘1st ASSET has been working with Raymond since his time at SITO. It is important to us that we have a UK representative that is respected internationally and has an understanding of the Indian security market and in SAFE we have found that partner. The appointment of SAFE significantly strengthens our presence in the UK and service offering to European companies’.
14 January 2010
SAFE Launch New SIA Materials
Training resource materials provider SAFE has launched its new programmes in response to the change in SIA core competence requirements for security officers and CCTV operators. The new packages, which provide all of the materials to run the SIA programmes, have been designed to support both EDI and Edexcel qualifications and are endorsed by IPSA.
According to Raymond Clarke, Managing Director of SAFE, the new materials incorporate many important innovations, with advances in presentation, content and structure. There have also been developments in the product platform, with the new materials available on memory stick to enable netbook compatibility. A new server downloadable format, which is due later in the spring, even offers the possibility of SAFE providing a materials library service for learning materials.
SAFE materials are currently used to train some 15% of candidates undertaking license to practice awards in organisations ranging from major security companies, security departments, and the public and education sectors. ‘We are confident that the extension of SAFE coverage to include EDI awards will further enhance uptake’ said Clarke.
For information on the new SAFE packages, please contact Linda or Laura at SAFE on 01952 585387
9 January 2010
SAFE and EDI’s Collaboration Creates New Force in Security Education
Leading security education provider SAFE has teamed up with awarding body EDI to develop and deliver qualifications in the security industry. This significant development for both organisations will see SAFE providing strategic guidance and supporting learning materials for EDI’s extensive portfolio of security qualifications.
Gareth Phillips, Director of Sales and Business Strategy at EDI said: “EDI has made excellent progress since entering the security industry in 2008, with an offer based upon quality, high levels of customer service and a realistic approach to pricing. EDI now provides some 10% of all SIA license to practice qualifications and this agreement with SAFE is a clear indication of our commitment to the sector. Our association with an organisation with the reputation and presence of SAFE in the industry is not only testimony to the progress that we have made, but also provides an excellent platform for growth.”
Raymond Clarke, Managing Director of SAFE said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement to work with EDI. I have been extremely impressed by the vision that EDI has for its involvement in the security industry and the quality of its product offering and levels of service. There are excellent synergies between our two organisations and most importantly a shared commitment to quality and value. We have no doubt that EDI will be a significant force in security education moving forward and look forward to playing our part in assisting in this development.”
15 December 2009
CELEBRATING IN STYLE
The Golden Shield Security group recently held it’s proud 20th anniversary celebration in the suitably dignified and historical venue of Armoury House in London – the headquarters of the oldest regiment in the British Army, namely The Honourable Artillery Company which was founded in 1537.
This memorable event was hosted by the Chairman of Golden Shield HRH Prince Bala –Tonglélé PhD, and it attracted a truly esteemed audience which included business partners and clients, diplomats, military personnel, representatives of professional associations and senior police officers. The night was also notable for speeches from His Excellency Dr Saraki Dalhatu Tafida , the High Commissioner of Nigeria, who spoke warmly of the links which are being forged with Golden Shield for the internal development of Nigeria; in turn Patrick Somerville QPM of the International Professional Security Association stressed the achievement of Golden Shield in reaching twenty years of quality growth and the need for key industry bodies such as IPSA; and a literally rewarding moment came when the Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Mr Bayewumi Blackson Olaseni Bayewumi presented His Royal Highness with the 2009 Commonwealth Youth Award for Excellence, in recognition of his wonderful success in guiding and employing many young people. His Royal Highness replied in kind, and especially paid tribute to his dedicated staff who were all present and to new members,if you like, of the Golden Shield fraternity such as the Olive Group who are involved in major joint projects.
The occasion also marked the official opening of the new Golden Shield City office in St John’s Square, Clerkenwell staffed by a focused team of security management professionals. This important new facility will focus on the varied security needs of major companies and organisations throughout the City, utilising the extensive Group experience in such matters combined with the special needs and considerations of operating in this key area.
For further details of the Golden Shield Group please call 020 8294 0800; email liz.grant@goldenshield.co.uk or visit www.goldenshield.co.uk
3 August 2009
CARLISLE SECURITY GAIN SEVEN SECURITY EXCELLENCE FINALIST PLACES
Carlisle Security have gained seven Finalist places in this year’s prestigious Security Excellence Awards: more Finalist places than any other provider of security services in the UK.
Following their recent success at the IFSEC Awards, Carlisle Security have gained Finalist places in seven categories in this year’s Security Excellence Awards:
- Small to Medium Security Installer of the Year
- Integrated Security Solution of the Year
- Environmental Initiative of the Year – Merseyrail Electrics Security Team
- Environmental Initiative of the Year – The “3 Rs Campaign”
- Customer Care Initiative of the Year
- ACS Champion of the Year
- Contract Security Manager of the Year
In the first year that it has been a category, it is pleasing to see two Finalist places in the Environmental Initiative category. It is also the second year in succession that Carlisle Security have reached the SEA Final of the ACS Champion and Contract Security Manager of the Year categories.
The eventual winners will be announced at the Security Excellence Awards ceremony which will be held at the Hilton Hotel in London on Thursday 22nd October 2009.
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