British Security Industry Association (BSIA)

The newly formed Security Guarding Leadership Group (S12) met with Security Minister - Dan Jarvis MBE for the first time at the International Security Expo, Olympia London, and announced Paul Evans (CEO, Carlisle Security) and Peter Harrison (FGH Security) as Chair and Deputy Chair of the Group, which brings together a diverse team of elected leaders from across the security industry.  The Group will regularly engage directly with the Minister, Homeland Security and the Security Industry Authority (SIA), offering a voice and insight from all areas of the industry. Its mission is to raise industry standards, help shape policy, accelerate the implementation of critical legislation and ensure that a diverse range of voices are heard to inform future decisions. Implementation of critical legislation Members range from the largest national providers to small and medium independent firms plus representation from industry trade associations. Each member is a senior security executive and will serve a minimum two-year term within the Group, meeting at least once a month. Each S12 member will lead on at least one industry initiative and seek to create enlarged sub-working groups from the widest possible reach into the industry. Transparent records of their objectives and actions will be found on the newly created website. Highest professional standards The S12 will meet with the Security Minister and engage with the SIA on a regular basis The S12 will meet with the Security Minister and engage with the SIA on a regular basis to drive the highest professional standards, drawing on industry wide data, and insights from trade associations, as well as supporting with the establishment of the Security Skills Academy. During his speech at the International Security Expo, Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “I am very pleased to announce the formation of the S12, a new industry-led initiative to bring together various parts of the private security industry to be able to speak to Government with one voice.” He adds, “Earlier this morning we had a good and constructive meeting with the elected leaders who make up the S12. I was able to listen to what they had to say about how we can organise to improve standards within the security industry. I am keen for the government and for the SIA to work closely with them.” Enhancing public protection Paul Evans, Chair, Security Guarding Leadership Group (S12), said: “This Group has been built on the principles of inclusive representation, accountability and action. We recognise this is a critical time for our industry and the sense of collaboration has never felt stronger. However, we also face rising threat levels and there are still unfortunately reports of malpractice and shortcuts being taken which simply will not stand up against new legislation.” He adds, “A core part of our mission is to equip security professionals with tools and training that reflect the changing landscape and to improve standards that will further enhance public protection. With the support of the Security Minister, we look forward to making a lasting difference and making the country a safer place for all.”

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has appointed Pauline Norstrom and Uzair Osman as new non-executive directors of the Association’s Operating Board. Pauline Norstrom Pauline, the CEO of Anekanta®AI and Anekanta®Consulting, and a former Chair of the Association, has driven good practice for security sector technology for over 20 years. She has a background in leadership, innovation, and commercialisation, and in her current role at Anekanta®, has created the architecture for several AI risk and governance frameworks featured by the UK Government, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Institute of Directors. Uzair Osman Uzair Osman is a corporate executive with over 18 years of experience driving transformational growth and operational excellence across diverse sectors, including construction, security, digital innovation, and consulting. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Surveyors and is a Project Management Professional(PMP) with the Project Management Institute.  He is also the Managing Director of Galliford Try Asset Intelligence, an award-winning provider of integrated physical and electronic security, active fire, and artificial intelligence solutions direct to Critical National Infrastructure, high-value assets, and strategic estates within the built environment sector. Invaluable independent insight As non-executive directors, their appointments will add invaluable independent insight into board matters As non-executive directors, their appointments will add invaluable independent insight into board matters, with their respective specialist knowledge offering an invaluable contribution to the Association’s overall strategic direction. Uzair Osman, Managing Director, of Asset Intelligence, said, "I am delighted to join the BSIA Operating Board as a non-executive director and look forward to contributing to enhancing the brand of the BSIA in its mission of advancing the professional security industry." AI and remote biometrics “In this ever-changing landscape, I am excited to work with the Board and our members to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Osman.Pauline Norstrom, CEO, of Anekanta Consulting, said, “I am honoured to be appointed as a non-executive director of the BSIA. I look forward to bringing my perspectives to the board regarding the responsible use of AI and remote biometrics in security to influence policy and create opportunities while minimising harm." Video analytics-based AI technologies “I have worked with the BSIA for over 20 years, to pioneer guidance for the safe use of emerging video analytics-based AI technologies including facial recognition software." "It is a pleasure to be working with the Association to continue the journey to promote good practice. I am also delighted to see more women in statutory and senior leadership roles, compared with 20 years ago.” New appointments Martin Watson, BSIA Chair, said, “We are delighted to welcome Pauline Norstrom and Uzair Osman to the BSIA Operating Board as non-executive directors." “With their collective years of expertise and professionalism within the security industry - and the wider business realm - our new appointments will provide a long-term term benefit to the overall direction of the Association and their contributions will be highly valued.” Pauline and Uzair will take up their posts immediately.

The delegates of Euralarm’s Services Section have elected Dave Wilkinson as Vice-Chair of the section. He follows in the footsteps of Brian Cunningham. Robert Thilthorpe, Chair of the Services Section, stated, “I’d like to thank Brian for his efforts as the previous Vice-Chair and I am sure that Dave will be given the support that our delegates have always given Brian and I, to help us to move the Services Section to the next level." Development of service standards Thilthorpe added: "Dave has been a long-standing contributor to the work of Euralarm and previously held the positions of Vice Chair & Chair of the Security Section from 2015-2019.” Asked about his new role within Euralarm Dave commented: “The Services section has proactively and successfully contributed to the development of services standards and guidance. The work has been focused on the services for fire safety and security systems as well as remote services for fire safety and security." Services section Dave added: "When it comes to digitalisation the Services Section is at the forefront of the developments. By monitoring these emerging technologies and identifying the possibilities these technologies offer to our members, along with the challenges they bring to the market, the Services section continues to facilitate innovation. I am delighted to be part of the team.”  Dave Wilkinson represents the Euralarm member BSIA, the trade association for security manufacturers, installers and ARCs.