SITO’s ‘Spirit of togetherness’

“The future workforce development requirements of the security industry as a result of both Government and end user thinking.” This is the underpinning theme adopted by SITO for its 2004 National Training Conference – entitled ‘Together We Can!’ – which takes place later this month at The Quadrangle Conference Centre inside The Kassam Stadium, home of Oxford United FC.

SITO’s current vision of how the industry should move forward is very much wrapped up in the partnership approach. Interestingly, partnering has been of major interest in the construction sector ever since Sir John Egan’s July 1988 report ‘Rethinking Construction’. The report showed that, in comparison with many other sectors, construction was suffering from low profit margins, low levels of investment in future technologies and the workforce and a high level of customer dissatisfaction. For construction in 1988 read security in 2004.

It’s easy to highlight problems, but not so easy to offer solutions. To his great credit, Sir John did exactly that. For him, the five key drivers for change would be committed industry leadership, a focus on the client, commitment to the industry’s workforce, the adoption of totally integrated processes and teams and an overall agenda driven by quality.

Partnering is not a new form of contract. Rather, partnering represents a management approach to working based on a team ethic, trust, mutual objectives, a joint approach to problem solving and continuous – and measurable – improvement.

Developing in partnership

SITO’s rallying cry for partnering in the security industry is evidenced by the speaker line-up for 19 October. The KeyNote Address, to be given by Sir Ronnie Flanagan of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, will discuss the results of research into the use of non-sworn personnel in policing functions.

SITO director Stefan Hay told SMT: “The fact that Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary has carried out this work is a perfect example of the changing times facing our industry, and the importance of the security sector becoming increasingly professional and well-respected.”

Justin Chamberlain (employer marketing director at JobCentre Plus) will support Sir Ronnie’s address by offering an overview of how his organisation has been working effectively with the security industry across the past 12 months, while the resettlement partnership approach is to be expanded upon by Derek Shaw, director of training at the Ministry of Defence.

If the police and contractors within the private security sector are to work together in harmony, it’s essential that Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing works and works well. Security companies and their clients are champing at the bit for information on how licensing will roll out. Thankfully, SIA chief executive John Saunders will be on hand with the latest developments, while Security Watchdog managing director Terry O’Neil paints a reasoned picture of recruitment in a licensed landscape.

Add in a special address from BSIA chief executive David Dickinson (and Stefan Hay’s delivery of the key points in this year’s SITO Annual Report) and it’s easy to see why the 2004 SITO National Training Conference has much to offer readers of SMT.

SITO National Training Awards

As ever, the SITO National Training Awards will be presented at the conference, this time by the organisation’s chairman Tim Geddes. The Awards recognise outstanding practice in relation to training standards – within organisations, among training providers and as a direct result of partnering.

There’s a specialist commendation (the Open Palm Award) for conflict management and, in response to industry requests, SITO has replaced the Best Training Manager Award with the Best Training Professional accolade.

It promises to be an extremely interesting day. If you haven’t yet signed up to attend, take a look at our information panel (‘SITO National Conference 2004: Pre-registration details, how to get there and timings for the event’).