Una Riley as the one with the idea that made the Professional Security Magazine Women in Security awards is gradually introducing you to each of the WiS Academy Board members.
The interesting spread of talent and experience will be of enormous benefit to our influencers. We have expertise in Academia, Law, Hospitality, Business Entrepreneurs Military, and event organisation. This month it is Liz Lloyd, Events Manager, Professional Security Magazine.
I have worked with Liz for years, but it is only at times like these when you sit down and interview people that you find out so much more about them. I asked where she worked before PSM (Professional Security Magazine) and how did she become involved with the security profession? Liz responded: “I will start at the beginning. From college I entered into the finance sector and worked in the pensions industry for 13 years. It wasn’t the most scintillating career, but it gave me some good analytical skills which have helped me in later life. Redundancy gave me the opportunity to try something different and I went to work for a training consultancy, organising training courses. That was the game-changer as it exposed me to the events industry. Redundancy number two (brace yourself as the third is on its way!) led me to work for a security consultancy where I discovered the sector, I wanted to work in. From day one working with the industry, I was fascinated by the technology and bowled over by the amazing people I met. For six years I got to hone the skills of organising events aimed at security whilst being immersed in the sector.”
I exclaimed that it was unfortunate to have been made redundant twice!” Liz smiled and went on to say: “Now comes redundancy number three, where the planets truly aligned. I was hosting my last event with the consultancy (prior to redundancy) and a chance conversation with Roy Cooper resulted in him saying those words; “you ought to come and work for me”. The rest as they say, is history.”
I smiled as I asked Liz to explain to me her role in PSM, the event side and the world of media.” Liz said: “I’ve now been working for Professional Security Magazine for over ten years organising the Security TWENTY events. It seems like a lifetime ago when we hosted our first Security TWENTY show (then called Security TWENTY 13) at the Forest of Arden Hotel near Birmingham. It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster since, and we are now hosting seven ST roadshows each year throughout the UK and Ireland as well as our annual meet the buyer style Special Event at Twickenham Stadium. On top of that, I have been extremely fortunate to work alongside the Association of Security Consultants for over ten years helping them organise their annual conference, Consec. That is truly an incredible event to work on as the calibre of speakers they attract to speak at the conference is superb. Consec takes place in October at Twickenham Stadium.” I know for one how busy Liz is with the host of events that occur during the year…it is not easy slotting in dates for WiS projects…but we always seem to manage.
Industry bodies
“What are your achievements outside PSM”? I asked. Liz replied: “Aside from working for the magazine organising events, I am a member of the Security Institute and a member of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals (WCoSP), I will shortly be coming a Freeman of the Company and am about to join two of their committees, New Membership and Events. I am really looking forward to getting involved with this amazing organisation and hopefully will be able to use some of my skills. I will also be able to learn from working alongside industry legends who are involved with the company, including our own Roy Cooper.
There really is so much history and tradition at some of the company events. I cannot recommend enough jumping at the opportunity to attend an event such as the Master’s Installation Lunch or the Annual Dinner. They are truly a sight to behold. The Christmas Lunch at Stationer’s Hall in December will definitely get you in the festive spirit! If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals or in hearing about the amazing charity fundraising events that they host, please go online to contact the Clerk of the WCoSP. We talked at length about the WCoSP and Liz’s future involvement with the Company…with her hard work and commitment I am sure she will be heading towards becoming a Court member in due course.
Now that Liz is a mentor within the Academy, I wanted to ask who have been influencers on her in security. Liz replied: “I have met some inspiring people. However, I have loved working with Roy Cooper and yourself, to organise the Women in Security Awards. To see how the WiS Awards have grown over the last ten years is inspirational and testament to the tenacity and hard work involved by our great team. Every year we receive more and more nominations, and the inspirational stories never fail to move us. The event itself has also grown to become a star date in the industry’s calendar. It makes me extremely proud when people tell me that the WiS Awards is their favourite awards event. People feedback on what a great time they had and what an amazing celebration it is to recognise the contribution that women have made to the profession. The WiS Awards is such fun and everyone enjoys dancing the night away. At last year’s event we provided a ‘Goody Bag’ which included ‘flip flops…this went down well, as any woman will know after a night In high heels! This year’s Women in Security Awards takes place on September 12 at Shakespeare’s Underglobe in London. Nominations for the awards are open via the magazine website. The closing deadline is August 4 … so get those nominations flowing in.”
The Academy
The introduction of the Women in Security Academy on the tenth anniversary of the first round of the awards has been a fantastic next step in the journey. The Academy will be bringing together all the finalists and winners from the past and will include all future finalists and winners into a group where they can network, share ideas, mentor, and support each other within the industry
Liz said: “ I’m very honoured to have been invited to be one of the board members of the Academy, where hopefully I can use my experiences and networks to help members where needed. When we hosted our inaugural meeting in February at the offices of Informa (pictured), it was wonderful to see so many women come together and share ideas. We have a private networking group on LinkedIn that we encourage members to join and would also suggest that if any members have ideas or questions that they drop us and email as we have a great board of directors whose expertise covers pretty much every area. We are looking to organise more networking and educational events over the coming months and are also looking to introduce a CPD scheme to help members with their development. We will also be looking at developing a mentoring programme for members and are developing working groups aimed at tackling female specific issues such as safety whilst travelling, the menopause and maternity support as well as wider issues which affect us in the industry. There are lots of exciting things planned in the pipeline which we will be updating you on as the Academy continues to grow and develop. However, we have had an issue getting the current contact details for all the eligible Finalists and Winners from the past…who have moved on to other companies…and are no longer contactable on the original nomination details.”
Liz has done a great job tracking down former Finalists and Winners on LinkedIn. She explained: “LinkedIn has been a very useful tool for tracking some people down but there are still some that we have not managed to get in contact with.” If you are were one of the finalists or winners between the years of 2012 and 2022 and we have not been in contact with you about the Women in Security Academy, please can you make contact with us, so that we can induct you as an official member and keep you updated ….
WCoSP: Any one wishing to enquire about becoming a Livery member please go on Web: www.wcosp.org.uk email the Clerk: [email protected].
For the Consec conference: details on the Association of Security Consultants website: securityconsultants.org.uk.
If you’re a Women in Security winner or finalist and we’ve lost touch, contact: [email protected] or [email protected].
