The Scottish Security industry was toasted at the Skills for Security annual Scottish conference on May 28, at an appropriate venue – the Auchenstoshan distillery in Clydebank. Delegates heard a variety of speakers, saw the winner of the Skills for Security award for the best contribution to skills development in Scotland, and could sample the famous malt whisky. Bob Doyle of SfS writes.
Proceedings were hosted by Skills for Security’s chief executive, David Greer who, in his opening address, touched upon the current difficult business environment. Recalling earlier difficulties, he reminded the audience that the industry has weathered economic storms in the 1970s and 80s, and that those crises proved that companies who continue to invest in their people emerge better placed to take advantage of the upturn when it comes.<br><br>Greer then turned to Skills for Security’s recent work on behalf of Scottish employers. These include the completion of a new apprenticeship framework for the systems sector in Scotland; research to better understand the Scottish labour market; the appointment of a Glasgow-based manager; formation of three new employer consultation groups and assistance with planning to meet the skills needs of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, when Scotland will mount its largest ever security operation.<br> <br>First of the guest speakers was Andy Sim, managing director of security systems company Sim Ltd, who explained why his company considers training to be the essential ingredient in service delivery, and the benefits that his company has derived from taking a professional approach to staff development.<br><br>Presentation titles reflected the venue chosen for the conference, none more so than Stuart Lowden’s "Don’t dilute, distil!". The Wilson James managing director supported Andy Sim’s approach to training. His own message was that companies should be a little more altruistic, accepting that investment in training will sometimes mean that people will take their newly acquired skills elsewhere, but that those skills will not be lost to the industry. Only when employers agree to create a properly skilled and knowledgeable workforce, said Lowden, will the sector be able to compete on quality of service rather than price, and our industry will reap the respect and rewards that flow from professional status.<br><br>"Is the mix right?" asked Gordon Ferrie and Paul Mackie of Camerawatch. Discussing the "big brother" debate on the widescale use of CCTV, the duo highlighted the need for companies to ensure that their systems are compliant with the raft of regulations governing the use of CCTV, and the serious consequences of non-compliance. Regulation in this area, they warned, is growing, not diminishing.<br><br>Compliance also featured in Robert Buxton’s "No Short Measures" presentation, though, as he was speaking on behalf of the Security Industry Authority, he was referring to different legislation. The SIA is now firmly established in Scotland and Buxton shared with the audience the regulators experiences during implementation, reflected on how the organisation is performing and what the future may hold.<br><br>Hugh Lawson of Scots-based installer Pointer took the conference back to the training agenda with a talk entitled "Bottling Talent". Pointer is heavily engaged in delivering the Scottish apprenticeship programme, and Lawson was able to demystify the mechanics of the scheme and explain the long term benefits it delivers for individuals, employers and customers in Scotland’s security systems sector.<br><br>"Full strength partnerships" was the theme of Chief Inspector Brian Connel’s presentation, in which he spoke of the effective partnership developing between the police service and the private security industry in Scotland. Reminding the audience of just how much traditional police activity has been transferred to the private sector, the Chief Inspector’s view is that the initiative has been remarkably successful and, while the future holds challenges, it also offers opportunities for those companies who can demonstrate capability.<br><br>Before delegates were given lunch and a tour of the distillery, Dr David Hutchinson presented the Skills for Security award for contribution to skills development in Scotland. The award, which is sponsored by the awarding body NOCN following the decision of a panel of independent judges including from Professional Security magazine, was presented by David Greer, to Pointer Training of Glasgow, pictured. A typical comment from the judges was "They are excellent. I have to a numerous clients who’ve worked with this organisation – they are all hugely impressed."<br> <br>In closing the conference David Greer congratulated the Scottish security industry on its success. "However," he said "In today’s climate it cannot afford to start compromising on standards. It is companies that invest in their people, like the ones we have heard from today, that will survive and prosper and emerge from the present difficulties stronger, wiser and more capable than ever. Skills for Security is here to help you do that in any way that we can."
