Pictured is Janet Williams, one of the speakers at the Women’s Security Society launch. For more about the Women’s Security Society: WSS, visit www.womenssecuritysociety.co.uk.
Una writes in our April 2013 print magazine:
At the Association of Security Consultants’ event Consec at the RAF museum in November I ran into Sue Seaby, one of the recipients of the 2012 Professional Security-Women in Security (PSM-WiS) awards. Sue gave me all the news associated with having won the award and she mentioned that she had been approached by a couple of female security professionals to become chairman of a new Women’s Security Society: WSS. It sounded really interesting and I wanted to know more. The WSS was officially launched on February 26 from a stylish venue in the City of London. It is a new and exciting society with a mass of talent, of women representative of all inter-connected security disciplines. They are dynamic women working across many sectors of security Their aim is to encourage the advancement of women across security, to work together to inspire convergence across the profession. The two women that originally approached Sue to become chairman were the principal founders and board members, Jane Wainwright and Charlie Timblin. On the night of the launch they with the other board members welcomed guests from the wider world of security. The room was rocking and there was an excitement and buzz in the air that was not reminiscent of any other security event. Each of the board members wore a boutonniere of wild flowers to identify them to the guests (that were generously provided by Sue Seaby as a ‘thank you’ to all the board members). The food and wine was plentiful and the guests were charged by the energy in the room. The keynote speakers were presented by Sue Seaby. Frank Gardner OBE the BBC’s Security Correspondent and author was the first. His outline speech was motivating and funny. He said: “I was delighted and honoured to be asked to help inaugurate this society. The amount of collective knowledge and experience in the room was truly formidable … it was a pleasure to attend”. Janet Williams, former Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Specialist Operations of the Metropolitan Police was the next speaker. She spoke of her experience as a security professional in relation to lifestyle balance. Her motivational tips were welcomed by many who could relate to the situations she so aptly outlined. She finished her presentation by proposing a toast to the WSS. With champagne in hand the guests raised their glasses. The room was pulsating with the enthusiasm and anticipation for the future of this dynamic society. Janet Williams said: “I want to be associated with the WSS going forward … the passion and energy demonstrated by the board is infectious.” I can second that. After the launch Charlie Timblin said: “We are looking forward to capitalising on the WSS launch, with more exciting, upbeat and dynamic events to follow. These events and initiatives will support women working within or entering the security profession and will advocate security convergence. Guests who attended the launch remarked how refreshing it was to be able to network with individuals who represented all industry disciplines and how our keynote speakers’ words resonated with them. The board and most importantly our guests, who truly believe in this vision, are now the ambassadors of tomorrow’s security industry.” And Jane Wainwright said: “It was always ‘just a plan’ until the day itself. The success of one off events is always difficult to pre-judge, however it was very quickly realised from the comments made by the guests during and after the launch that we had excelled in promoting the vision and values of the WSS through the choices we made throughout the planning phases. This feedback has further confirmed to me that we absolutely have the best in class on the WSS board and I am positive that the success achieved to date is a minuscule representation of the achievements and accomplishments yet to come.”
I asked other board members for their thoughts. Letitia Emeana said:“I found the launch event to be a truly inspirational evening mixed with fantastic people and ambience. The evening brought home how many streams of security exist but some of the pressures and issues are the same. This forum allows those various backgrounds to converge and offer a rounded advice centre to members”. Suzanne Rodway said: “The buzz of the night was incredible. It proved that the convergence of security disciplines under one roof is something that has clearly been missing for too long. There is clearly huge support for the WSS’ aim to encourage, support and develop the next generation of women in this exciting and rapidly changing discipline.” And Sarah Harvie said: “Words alone are not enough to describe the energy and enthusiasm experienced at the WSS launch and it was clearly evident the WSS concept will bring another distinct angle to networking in security. Members of the board and guests of the launch have proven that we are great but together we are far GREATER and it is with anticipation we await the launch of the WSS website to receive our first members.”
Visit www.womenssecuritysociety.co.uk
The first Sheriffs’ Award for bravery was introduced in 2006. The launch of the Sheriffs’ Award 2013 was a prestigious affair attended by people who all had one thing in common: the recognition of bravery. This is presented annually to an individual who has acted in a brave manner to confront danger to another person or their property and to celebrate such selflessness. The beneficiary receives a trophy, a framed certificate and a cheque for £2,000. Also by order of the Sheriffs the receiver has their name permanently inscribed on an honours board and in a book of honour, on permanent display at the Central Criminal Court, inside the Old Bailey in the City of London. This was created by Master Emeritus Steve Neville OBE of the WCoSP. The original vision came from a breakfast meeting with Peter French MBE when they were bemoaning the fact that once Sir David Brewer ended his year of office as Lord Mayor, in 2005, the company would lose the only contact it had ever had with the Lord Mayor’s Office. They wanted to retain that link with the City … they thought about how they could achieve such an on-going relationship. After more discussion came the idea. Steve Neville said: “I had been nurturing an idea following the London tube and bus bombings. During the emergency, many ordinary people performed tremendous feats of spontaneous bravery and kindness; however when it came to taking the glory, it was the officers and senior personnel who were recognised and honoured. I was outraged and just wanted to do something that, for once, recognised the achievements of an ordinary person, conducting extraordinary acts of bravery in the course of their everyday life. This is how I sold the idea to Sir David Lewis (just as he was about to become Sheriff) and also to Sir David Brewer as Lord Mayor. They both supported the concept of the Sheriffs Award as being for the ordinary person going about their everyday life.” Trevor Vaughan MBE, CEO of the Sheriffs’ Award Committee said: “A 70-year-old lady wields her handbag to save young a man from being stabbed, a 16-year-old man tackles a machete wielding man in a club … these are just two examples of how the Sheriffs of the City of London with the WCoSP have said thank you for not only showing bravery but a willingness to help a fellow person in trouble.” The private security bodies are rallying around to search for that ordinary person performing an extraordinary act of bravery. Two past recipients were nominated by the BSIA. James Kelly, BSIA CEO said: “We will be on the look-out for members of the public who are deserving of this award.” And Jeff Little OBE, CEO NSI said: “We will be including the award in our newsletter and linking to the nomination page on the WCoSP website … we applaud this inspirational award for members of the general public.” Stefan Hay, Head of the FSA said: “We have a reach of 30,000 electricians, drivers and systems practitioners who are on the streets across the country. We will be including the award in our e-newsletter ‘The Source’ and will be asking people who bear witness to acts of bravery and courage by members of the general public and to nominate them. In fact I can think of someone right now that I will be nominating.”
To nominate go online to www.wcosp.org and click on Sheriffs’ award for an online or downloadable nomination form.
