From 23-27 January, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) set up an exhibition stand within the House of Commons' Upper Waiting Hall to explain to MPs and their staff what the organisation stands for, and where it fits into the security and fire sectors.

The NSI won the right to do so in an open competition, having been ‘in the hat' for some time against a strong line-up of companies (all of whom were vying for their chance to ‘talk to Parliament').

SMT was invited to attend on 24 January for an official reception, at which both Home Office minister Paul Goggins and Theresa May - the constituency MP for Maidenhead and Shadow Secretary of State for the Family - spoke to a select audience along with NSI chief executive Tom Mullarkey. "Crime and security are the major issues in every Parliamentary constituency all of the time," said Goggins. "We want and need better dialogue with the industry from top to bottom. The recent CBI Breakfast Briefing was a great start to that process."

Goggins also mentioned last month's ACS announcement. "The work completed by the NSI in relation to the scheme is by no means irrelevant," suggested Goggins.

Tom Mullarkey expressed his disappointment that the NSI hadn't been fully consulted in the development process for the ACS, but insisted that in 2006 and beyond his organisation wants to work "in partnership" with the Security Industry Authority (SIA), thereby assisting the Regulator in fulfilling all of its "important and laudable objectives." SIA acting chairman Robin Dahlberg was in attendance.

Source

SMT