The Safer Security Conference 2010: what's in store?

05 Jul 10

Following on from the success of the five previous ‘Safer Doors’ Conferences aimed at the leisure security sector, this year’s annual event has been widened to include the guarding and CCTV sectors. Brian Sims reports.

By Brian Sims

The theme for The 2010 Safer Security Conference – which takes place at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire on 29 September – will be to promote the safety of front line security personnel.

It will feature seven detailed presentations courtesy of high-profile speakers from the security sector (more of whom anon) followed by three separate break-out sessions: one for each of the door supervision, security guarding and CCTV sectors.

The leisure security break-out session will focus on the increasing use of body and head-worn cameras by security staff, as well as focusing on some of the latest video technology being produced for use in the security sector.

The BSIA’s 2010 project director David Evans is going to be on hand to explain the many and diverse challenges facing the guarding sector during the run-in to 2012.

In terms of the CCTV session, either Clint Reid (head of profit protection) or his M&S colleague Tony Parry (head of retail services) will examine ‘The M&S Way’: what is one of the UK’s largest retailers doing to ensure that its CCTV operators are properly trained for the job?

During the event, delegates will also be able to visit a first class range of exhibition stands demonstrating the very latest security products and concepts.

Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) director of security and licensing Andy Walker, who’s heavily involved in organising the event and will be hosting on the day, explained: “I’m very pleased with the range of top-level speakers we’ve been able to attract to give presentations at this year’s event. Sadly, the safety of front line security staff is becoming more of a priority as the years go on, and it’s imperative that we all do whatever we can to promote safety to protect our staff.”

Conference speakers and subject matter

Bill Butler (chief executive, Security Industry Authority)

Opening address from the Regulator

Tony Holyland (competency development manager, Security Industry Authority)

An update on the recent changes to training requirements in the security sector

Mike Burke (director of R&D, Skills for Security)

An update on security qualifications, NVQs, apprenticeships and other projects for the sector

Jude Brimble (national officer, GMB Trade Union)

Details of the GMB’s new SafeGuard scheme, which aims to improve the safety of front line security staff (and has been championed by SMT Online)

Alex Carmichael (technical director, BSIA)

An explanation of the BSIA’s recent publication entitled ‘Lone Workers: An Employer’s Guide’

Mark Dawes (National Federation for Personal Safety)

An explanation of the legal and moral use of ‘reasonable force’ by security staff

Digby Dyke (director, Lorica Research)

What to look for when considering the purchase of body armour to help protect security personnel working in dangerous environments

Further information on the venue

Located in 65 acres of countryside, the Heritage Motor Centre is just two minutes away from Junction 12 of the M40, close to the Midlands’ motorway network and, of course, Birmingham International Airport.

The Safer Security event will be held in the Conference and Exhibition Suite, a spacious room with its own dedicated entrance and private reception area.

The full address is: Heritage Motor Centre, Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire CV35 0BJ (telephone: 01926 645040).

Who should attend?

Door supervisors, security officers, CCTV operators, security supervisors and managers, owners and directors of security companies, security training providers, members of the police service, security equipment suppliers and purchasers and trade organisations from the sector are the key audience.

Full details of timings, prices and exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the CPD Events section of HABC’s website (see the right hand panel of this page for a dedicated web link).

Alternatively, you can contact Vicky Entwistle at HABC, Highfield House, Sidings Court, Lakeside, Doncaster DN4 5NU on (telephone) 0845 2260 350 or send Vicky an e-mail: ventwistle@highfieldabc.com

HABC: all about the Awarding Body

HABC is one of the fastest-growing Awarding Bodies in the UK. The organisation’s recognised by Ofqual, DCELLS and CCEA to award accredited food safety, Health and Safety, First Aid, licensing and security qualifications.

HABC continues to draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience from a team of leading subject matter experts in terms of examining, accrediting and certifiying qualifications and learning programes, both inside and outside of the UK.

Importantly, the company’s totally committed to the continuous professional development (CPD) of its members and industry professionals alike.