Security officers involved in the aftermath of the London bombings on July 7, 2005 were recognised at a ceremony held by the British Security Industry Association.
The BSIA’s Special Awards for Outstanding Service, sponsored by the Security Industry Authority, acknowledge the security officers who played a key role in assisting the public during the London bombings. The regular BSIA Annual Security Officer Awards 2006, sponsored by specialist security industry insurers Camberford Law plc, recognise security officers in the categories of Service to the Customer, Outstanding Act, Best Newcomer, Best Use of Technology and Best Team.<br><br>What they say<br><br>BSIA Chief Executive, David Dickinson, says: "On the day of the London bombings, not only were the emergency services key to the rescue of the thousands of people – and we salute them – but so too were security officers who were on hand to play their part in the rescue mission. The Special Awards for Outstanding Service pay a much deserved tribute to those security officers and I commend their brave actions on that day. The key roles that security officers and teams play in business and public life all year round are underlined by our Annual Security Officer Awards. I am always impressed by the standard of the entrants and this year was no different as the winners demonstrate their commitment to professionalism, high levels of customer service and bravery. It is only right to recognise their contribution as we are doing today."<br><br>John Saunders, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority, adds: "I never fail to be impressed by the achievements of individuals and organisations across the industry who contribute so much. The awards were richly deserved and truly inspirational. The SIA is truly proud to be associated with such impressive accomplishments."<br><br>Both sets of awards were presented by Sir Ken Knight, Commissioner for the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. Also awarded were the new blood of the security industry, in the BSIA’s annual Apprentice Installer Awards presented at the association’s annual luncheon. Winners were: Steven Duncan of Initial Fire and Security (overall winner); Jak Clark of Classic Security Solutions (national winner); Vincent Kirley of ADT Fire and Security plc (national winner). The BSIA would like to thank Dedicated Micros for their kind sponsorship of the awards.
The winners of the British Security Industry Association’s Chairman’s Awards 2006 went to individuals and organisations that have made a special contribution to the security industry.
The Contribution to Training award winner was Jane McKenna, National Training Manager for Chubb Security Personnel, for her work on "Living with Confidence". This initiative is a DVD and accompanying training package, which gives safety awareness advice for women. It was produced in association with the City of Westminster Police and the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO – now part of Skills for Security).
The Contribution to the Community award went to the robbery reduction initiative Raid-control. It involves police, security and retailers.
The award for Services to Exporting went to Syed Zaman, Senior Trade Investment Office at the British Embassy in Riyadh. He has been active, the BSIA reports, in promoting the UK security sector within Saudi Arabia for the last ten years, including bringing delegations to IFSEC. He has also sourced excellent opportunities for UK companies to pursue within the Saudi market and has provided invaluable advice and support on how to conduct business in the country.
The Promoting the Industry award winner was Lord Mohammed Sheikh of Cornhill, chairman and chief executive of Camberford Law plc. His company has supported the annual security officer awards for eight years.
The Contribution to Standards award went to Brian Harrington of Castle CareTech and Paul Phillips of Cooper Security who have worked with the BSIA technical department, to produce material.
