During IFSEC, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the UK certification body for the security and fire safety sectors, officially launched this year’s Women in Security Awards (WiS). The occasion was a VIP drinks reception on day two of the three day show in London Docklands. NSI is the host of this year’s black-tie ceremony, on September 14 on board the Harmony cruise boat of Bateaux London, in association with Professional Security Magazine.
The awards, now in their sixth year, celebrate the contribution of women to the security sector. Industry figures at the launch included Una Riley, WiS founder and the first woman managing director of an NSI approved company; and Elizabeth France CBE, Chair of the SIA (Security Industry Authority), the UK regulator; as well as judges, previous winners and representatives from companies and industry bodies across the sector.
Chief Executive of NSI, Richard Jenkins, encouraged industry people to submit nominations, highlighting how the awards dovetailed with NSI’s commitment to working together to raise standards by recognising and celebrating success.
Una Riley shared her original vision when establishing the awards, saying: “In 1985 when I started Euro Alarms Ltd I wanted immediately to be recognised as a professional installer … the route to business was to become NSI (then known as NSCIA and later NACOSS) approved and become a member of the BSIA trade body. Those were the credentials at that time to assure the consumer that the organisation they were choosing had been through a third-party inspection process. There were no ISO standards then or Investors in People…all the quality platforms were on the horizon and when the NSCIA transformed into NACOSS that is when the professional journey began. NACOSS was instrumental in improving standards in the security industry and the wider world of security.
“As an installation company owner for 23 years I was very involved with NSI from the beginning of the formation of my company. My company was being inspected whilst NSI (then NACOSS) gained accreditation from UKAS for the first time. Euro Alarms Ltd was one of the top ten companies to attain BS5750 through NACOSS and I was the first NACOSS Southern Regional Chairman and instrumental in helping define the difference between the services that the BSIA and NACOSS had to offer. NACOSS had a revolutionary impact on the systems sector.
“Since its early beginnings in 1971, NSI has gone on to become the recognised leading certification body for the security and fire protection sectors in the UK. I am proud of my association with the NSI from 1985 to now. I created the Women in Security Awards in order that women are recognised not only for their contribution to the industry by doing a great job but for women who shape the industry by their involvement with their ILB’s (Industry Lead Bodies).”
Roy Cooper, MD of Professional Security Magazine and event organiser, announced tickets for the event were on sale and encouraged the whole industry to submit nominations for all those women who go above and beyond their roles, in the wider interests of the industry.
There are four categories: front line; manager; technical; and contribution to industry. The entry deadline for nominations is August 11. Tickets to attend the evening are available at £105 including VAT.
Details on the nomination process and how to book your place at the awards ceremony are online at: www.professionalsecurity.co.uk/wis. As host of this year’s gala dinner, NSI is offering NSI approved companies an exclusive ‘2 for 1’ ticket price via [email protected].
Pictured left to right: Richard Jenkins, NSI chief exec; Una Riley; and Roy Cooper.
