Last year, I had the privilege of being invited to join the Judging Panel, and a most interesting experience it was. Examining submissions, discussing the merits of each and then reaching a collective decision as to who should be the outright winners. Some of the innovation and imagination used in security technology was absolutely fascinating, although we must always remember that the human presence is cleverer and somewhat less predictable than hardware.
Some of the ideas adopted by manned security companies were also very interesting. What I didn't expect were no submissions at all from those contractors who claim to be leaders in the field. Most seem to recognise and reward their own officers at company ceremonies, but perhaps those winners should then compete at the Excellence Awards in a new category entitled 'Best Security Officer of the Year'?
Imagine the pride of the officer who wins... After all, it is these members of the team who are constantly in the front line and should be recognised by the security industry.
I also wondered whether or not there should be a separate category for police-driven security initiatives... After all, constabularies have considerable financial, social and people resources which many security companies do not enjoy, and are at something of an advantage as a result. Worth thinking about.
The 2003 Security Excellence Awards evening was of itself a memorable event ('What a magical night!', SMT, November 2003, pp26-29). Necessarily formal but at the same time great fun and brilliantly organised. It was a real pleasure to see the winners take their place on the podium in the knowledge that their product, service or individual qualities had been recognised as a major contributor to security in UK plc.
That said, it was a little disappointing to note that the evening was sponsored primarily by the technology developers. Maybe the Security Industry Authority (SIA) should be a sponsor this time around. And what about one of the major guarding companies?
How about the Joint Security Industry Council sponsoring the 'Best Security Manager of the Year' category? After all, this is an organisation that claims to be representative of practitioners in the corporate environment.
The Security Excellence Awards are the industry's most prestigious event. If the great and good wish to meet with those at the sharp end of the private security sector then the Awards evening is a must-attend event. It must be supported by everyone right across the industry. I challenge those who claim to be at the forefront of developing the industry and its evolution to actively support the 2004 event.
Nick van der Bijl, BEM Trust Security Manager, North Bristol NHS Trust
Many thanks for your letter, Nick. At SMT, we thoroughly endorse your call for the major guarding contractors to involve themselves in the 'Best Guarding Company of the Year' Award, and take on board your suggestion for an officer-based category. These individuals are the real heroes and revenue generators in this industry, and are duly recognised as such each year by the BSIA at its own National Security Officer of the Year Awards. It certainly wouldn't hurt if we were to support the BSIA's excellent work in this area with an award of our own.
Source
SMT