Security manager

Winner: Dennis Ahern (Tate Modern)

Security at Tate Modern – the busiest art gallery in the world, and currently attracting something in the region of four million visitors every year – is the responsibility of in-house security and safety manager Dennis Ahern. Dennis necessarily has to exhibit a broad range of management skills in relation to manpower on site, which entails a significant contracted resource at Tate Modern (courtesy of Wilson James and Trident Safeguards) and an in-house, unionised security workforce at Tate Britain. Different management techniques involving negotiation and diplomacy all come into play (very often on a daily basis) while managing the sensibilities and expectancies of an established in-house team. Technology at Tate Modern takes in CCTV (circa 300 cameras). In addition, the various uses of alarms for asset protection need constant attention. Ongoing security reviews ensure that resources are commensurate with activity levels.

“Dennis manages security, Health and Safety and fire protection in a high risk public building to excellent standards. Commendable. A worthy winner”
– JUDGES’ COMMENT

Runners-Up

Mike Hughes is an integral part of the security management team at MBNA Bank in Chester – the European headquarters of the world’s largest credit card bank. He has risen rapidly through the ranks since joining the company back in 1997, working in many different roles. Mike has strong people management skills, and is meticulous in managing the security team’s appraisal and incentive programmes. Mike, who’s currently studying for a diploma in criminology, championed the introduction of a malicious call trace system that allows customer-facing representatives to transfer hostile or difficult calls to the security team. He also leads the medical response operation.

Andrew Jacques (Safe-Sec)
With a security career spanning two decades, including a position as specialist adviser to the RAF, Andrew Jacques brings a wealth of experience to his role as head of national operations at guarding contractor Safe-Sec Security. Ultimately, he holds overall responsibility for the company’s manpower, technology and contracts, including Safe-Sec’s partnership with security systems supplier Century Electronics. Thanks to Andrew’s exhaustive interview process – including telephone and formal interviews, as well as home visits to assess the suitability of candidates – the company is now enjoying enhanced staff quality and performance.

Bill Mottram (Securitas)
Bill Mottram is a former British Army officer now employed by private sector guarding contractor Securitas. Since 1996, Bill has managed hospital security – primarily at Southmead Hospital in Bristol. In 2000, the hospital was instrumental in founding the North Bristol NHS Trust. The Trust is now one of the largest in the country, comprising two acute hospitals and five smaller ones. Nominated by current Trust security manager Nick van der Bijl, Bill is in charge of a 20-strong team with two officers on duty covering every 24-hour period. Bill also manages a security team for a mental health Trust, and is a trainer in healthcare security-related topics.

Tracey Papworth (Wilson James)
Tracey Papworth is an account manager at manned security solutions provider Wilson James with overall responsibility for the operational and commercial management of eight key clients (who provide a combined contract value of over £4 million). One of Tracey’s main roles since she joined the company in 2001 has been the development of a range of added value services that complement the core security service (including hq reception and car park staff).