Here’s the line-up of speakers for the seventh Thought Leadership Summit, on the afternoon of Thursday, February 20, ahead of the UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) in association with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI).
This annual event, chaired at the Royal Lancaster London by OSPAs founder and criminologist Prof Martin Gill, seeks to help shape the future of the security sector. Last yearโs event was fully booked so organisers ask that you book to secure your place at: https://uk.theospas.com/ospas-thought-leadership-summit/.
Becoming a common denominator in a commercial environment: resetting security value to C-suites; by Paul Bean, Director of Security and Business Resilience – Royal Mail Group
Perceptions in organisations have changed and for many the pandemic was pivotal in that. Corporate security has become more about resilience of the business, and in so doing it means security has to be credible to the C-suite. Paul is to discuss the challenges to this transition, including those that relate to business, and to how security positions itself, and why personalities are important too.
Benefits and drawbacks of AI in camera systems; by Edward Barge, General Manager – EMCS
AI offers the potential for more detailed, faster and more reliable analysis, reducing human error. The opportunity to integrate with other technologies adds multiple benefits. Yet very real concerns about data privacy, regulatory compliance, the costs as well as inherent dangers of over-reliance on automation are just some of the barriers. In this talk Ed will guide us on the opportunities and challenges of AI in Alarm Receiving Centres like EMCS.
The role of HMRC in ensuring the security sector is compliant; by Colin Duffy, SIA Partnership Lead; and Liam Emmerson, Senior Tax Specialist – HMRC
In the absence of business licensing the need to find alternative ways of ensuring security companies are tax compliant is pressing. HMRC has introduced proposals designed to mitigate fraud and prevent worker exploitation. This session will examine these measures and consider whether they provide an effective lever to tackle those security companies who are responsible for the sectorโs poor image.
Maximising the value of security: how can the public benefit? By Paul Furnell, Director Safeguarding and Safer Communities – Mitie; Brogan Lowe, UK Guarding & External Partnerships Manager – Tesco, Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Williams – National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Protect and Prepare; and Charlotte Howell, Research Manager – Perpetuity Research.
Security professionals are omnipresent protecting the places where the public work and spend their leisure time and they play a crucial role in safeguarding the national infrastructure. However, most members of the public are unaware of their presence, and many seem indifferent. There is no meaningful Government strategy to harness the work of this sector for the public good. While some partnerships with law enforcement exist, there are not many. Building on the recent Security Research Initiative report, this discussion will address:
ยท Why is the work of the security sector viewed as marginal?
ยท Does it really matter, and if so, why?
ยท What barriers need to be overcome to rectify this perception?
ยท What are the triggers that could bring about change?
What the bosses say: what issues are occupying the minds of security leaders? By Fiona Walters, CEO UK & Ireland, G4S – An Allied Universal Company
Bosses will share their insights on the issues occupying their minds today. Why are they important? How are they being resolved? What does the next year look like for them?
Breaking Down the Barriers to Security Skills Development; by Adrian White, Deputy Chair, the Skills Board
Labour exploitation, low wages and a buying community that often prioritises cost over quality continue to hinder the sectorโs growth. In the absence of an industry standard guiding skills development, even simple tasks like search protocol and physical intervention have many variants. The โProfession Mapโ and the National Skills Academy are key developments, but will they provide meaningful change?
Doors open to the event at 11:30am where attendees can enjoy an exhibition of security products and services, and lunch will be provided. The event will end around 5pm, to give those attending the summit and the awards dinner time to change into evening wear. For the dayโs full agenda and ticket bookings visit: https://uk.theospas.com/ospas-thought-leadership-summit/.
