Dickinson takes the reins at BSIA

Group 4 Falck director David Dickinson has beaten a host of high-calibre candidates in the race to become chief executive of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA). Dickinson’s appointment – which takes effect from 1 April, when current supremo David Fletcher retires – was announced on Friday 4 January.

Most recently director and general manager of Group 4 Falck’s Immigration Services division, Dickinson’s 14-year career in the security industry has taken in policy development relating to regulation and public/private sector partnerships. He has often been called upon to liaise with senior officials within the Government and the police service, and has an excellent working knowledge of the manned guarding industry (having been sales and marketing director of Group 4 Total Security).

Speaking about the appointment, BSIA chairman David Cowden told SMT: “There were a number of very high calibre candidates, which made the selection process a difficult one for the recruitment committee. At the end of the day, each and every one of us agreed that David was the candidate best suited to tackle the Association’s strategic priorities.”

Cowden highlighted Dickinson’s history of “consistent achievement” as a deciding factor. “He brings with him an understanding of security company concerns, coupled with an excellent appreciation of the work of the Association,” added Cowden.

Dickinson is clearly relishing the task ahead. He told SMT: “I’m really looking forward to learning about all aspects of the BSIA, and playing my part in shaping the future of our industry. Some complex challenges lie before us, but so do several exciting opportunities.”

The Private Security Industry Act will be at the forefront of Dickinson’s mind, of course, and it will be extremely interesting to find out where he sees the BSIA fitting in with the work of the Security Industry Authority.

“At the moment, scarcely a month goes by without some form of legislative development that will have a major significance for the security sector,” stressed Dickinson, who is a pro-active member of SMT’s Editorial Advisory Board.

“Recruitment and training have become critical issues in recent times, and must be a central focus of the industry’s response to ever-growing expectations placed upon it by Westminster, the police and clients alike.”

Having worked closely with a number of systems suppliers while instigating Group 4’s popular Patrol and Response service, Dickinson is keen to ensure that the electronic side of the industry is taken to its next stage of development.

“The pace of technological change is placing new demands on all the security companies, their officers and end users,” suggested Dickinson. “That makes the rapid development of standards and protocols a must. The onus will rest squarely on the Association’s shoulders when it comes to predicting trends, developing worthwhile initiatives and presenting the security industry’s perspectives to Government in a cohesive and logical manner.”

BSIA member companies will also be encouraged by the new chief executive’s pledge to “make sure they feel they’re receiving value for money” from their membership. “The Association boasts over 400 member companies. Only 12 of them are publicly quoted,” stated Dickinson. “All of them must be supported, whether they’re a small, medium-sized or larger concern. In this way they’ll be better able to meet the challenges of what is now a tough commercial environment.”