The Security Commonwealth’s (SyCom) David Clark Award is as unique as David Clark was, writes Joe Connell, former chair of the Association of Security Consultants. Here he recaps the Security Commonwealth’s (SyCom) David Clark CPP PCI PSP FISRM FinstLM Award, for ‘Exceptional Contribution to the UK Security Sector’, in fact two awards – given to an individual; and an initiative or project.
Those who knew David Clark were fully appreciative of his consummate professionalism, coupled with his drive and determination to improve the lives and performance of those within the security sector. He did all this with great commitment, true dedication and infectious humour that went above and beyond the parameters of his professional role. Sadly, David’s life was cut short suddenly through serious illness in 2019. Hence, it is SyCom’s intention to keep David’s strong legacy alive in recognising exceptional individual and group contributions to the UK security sector.
Dr Michael C McDonagh, MD of 6C Consulting Ltd, says: “David was a remarkable leader—his clear-sighted approach, candidness, and vibrant sense of humour left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His strategic foresight and the profound impact of his work continue to resonate. His absence is deeply felt, but the time spent with him was filled with invaluable insights and a shared sense of purpose, always accompanied by laughter and camaraderie. His legacy endures in the enhanced security in the Westminster area and in the hearts of those who had the honour of working alongside him.”
In an environment rich with industry awards, which recognise the diverse professional skills and attributes within security, what sets the David Clark Award apart is that it recognises individual and team efforts, mostly on altruistic grounds, which have the greatest impact on security professionals and the communities they serve. There are in fact two awards, one for individuals and one for programmes and initiatives and it is open to both private and public security sectors. Being recommended for a David Clark Award is an achievement in itself, being selected as a finalist or ultimately, a winner, is a true honour.
Roger Noakes, of Daro Associates Ltd, was David Clark Award (Individual) Winner 2022. He recalls: “Winning the David Clark Award in 2022 was a great honour for me. When you actively represent industry colleagues, whether it’s through trade associations, professional standards bodies or other voluntary roles in addition to your day job, you don’t really do it for recognition. So, when your peers and colleagues demonstrate their appreciation of your efforts by recommending you for an award such as this, it is quite humbling.”
Hannah Wadey, CEO of Safer Business Networks was David Clark Award (Programme/Initiative) Award Winner 2023 for the ‘Ask for Angela’ and WAVE initiative to promote safety of women in the night-time economy. She says: “David Clark was a brilliant man and a dear friend of mine. To win this award which recognises the meaningful difference we are making to the safety of women through the Ask for Angela and WAVE initiative was a huge honour and one I feel Dave would have been very proud of as he always championed women in the security industry. Thank you to the UK Security Commonwealth for this recognition”.
The nomination process is very straightforward via the Security Commonwealth website www.securitycommonwealth.org/dcaward. The only stipulation is that nominations, including self-nominations, must be submitted through and approved by relevant Security Commonwealth membership organisations, which can be found at www.securitycommonwealth.org/about/#members.
Nominations are then subject to a fair and transparent adjudication process by independent adjudicators selected from among the SyCom membership organisations and former close associates of David Clark. It is a pre-condition of the award that the award ceremony is free to attend thus reflecting the altruistic nature of the work that the award represents. The Security Commonwealth is grateful to Professional Security Magazine for hosting the 2024 David Clark Awards at its Security TWENTY 24 event on Thursday, November 7 at Radisson Red Hotel Heathrow, Bath Road, West Drayton UB 70DU.
Picture by Mark Rowe: Erin Bessim, pictured right, receives the 2023 David Clark (programme and initiatives) Award on behalf of Safer Business Networks ‘Ask for Angela and WAVE’ initiative from (from left) Joe Connell, SyCom Chair Jayne King, and Dave’s widow Sarah Clark at the offices of Informa in London in November 2023.
