At the AGM of the Midlands Security and Risk Society yesterday, Richard Underwood stood down from the chair and committee after 20 years.
Richard, who works for the insurance company Aviva, said: “When I look back 20-odd years, I am struck by how much my job has changed, in that technology has changed, and security. The key thing is that you have always got to keep your knowledge up to date. I think meetings like this are a very good way to do it.”
A problem, as he acknowledged from replies to a members’ questionnaire, is ‘pressure of work’ and to find the time to attend. Giving his chairman’s report, Richard recalled topics by speakers from the 2016-7 season meetings, from ARC (alarm receiving centre) operations, to the fire prevention sector trade body BAFE, to the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), to new alarm transmission standards, the third party approval body LPCB’s assessment scheme; and toolbox security, which reflected the wide range of members’ interests. The MSRS members range from risk reduction surveyors for insurers to security product manufacturers and alarm installers. Richard asked members to suggest any new speakers or topics that they wanted to hear about. After the AGM proper, Professional Security magazine editor Mark Rowe gave a ‘crystal ball’ view of the UK security sector.
Among committee members, Helen Shaw remains secretary and Cathy Paskins deputy; Mike Tolley, webmaster. The MSRS has an online directory of members, as a way to add value to society membership, for members to look out other members who might be able to help in their work. Pictured left to right during the AGM are treasurer Steph Buckle, and Richard Underwood.
The new MSRS chairman is the vice-chairman, Philip Smith, risk control consultant at insurer CNA Hardy. Lee Wallace (who’s also chair of the London-based AIS, Association of Insurance Surveyors) becomes deputy chairman. Richard closed by thanking committee members for their work: “It’s a cliche, but if no-one does anything, nothing gets done.”
Meetings are held at the Tally Ho sports and social club of West Midlands Police at Edgbaston, Birmingham; the 2017-8 season begins in October, and meetings will run on the second Wednesday of the month, at lunchtime. For more details visit http://www.msrs.co.uk/.
For more, see the report in the July 2017 print issue of Professional Security magazine.
