I recently attended the WCoSP (Worshipful Company of Security Professionals) Master’s Lunch at the beautiful Drapers Hall in the heart of the City of London.
I sat next to one former Master Brian Hughes (2013-14) and opposite another, Nigel Churton (2011-12). It wasn’t long before we were talking about the progress that the company has made over the past 19 years. One thing that was noticeable was the number of women in attendance at the lunch and the growing number of new female Liverymen coming through the company compared with almost 20 years ago.
I was recently honoured with the official title of ‘First Lady of the Company’ which I hope will help to send out a strong message that women are recognised for their work within the WCoSP and encourage more women to get involved with the Livery movement. The other major topic of conversation was the perceived reduction by the private security involvement compared to when we first started. The industry contribution was the foundation of the WCoSP and it was their input and sponsorship that enabled the GSP (Guild of Security Professionals) to race towards our financial goals to attain Company (without Livery) and full Worshipful Company status. As we chatted I informed Brian and Nigel that I had spoken to one of our largest industry sponsors some time ago and that he had commented that he no longer felt at home in the company and that in his opinion we had moved more towards the military and blue light sectors, rather than the private security profession? Brian Hughes immediately confirmed this was not the case statistically. He assured me that it was a perception and not actually the reality that less private security industry folk are involved…but perception is the reality as far as some people are concerned.
The private security sector has made a huge difference, but the opportunities for the future are vast. The Fellowship opportunities at our events are enormous for the private security organisations and we can all make a difference with the money that is collected and distributed via the charitable trust. All the money that is raised is in the name of security professionals within the wider world of security. One example of this disbursement was brought to light at the drinks reception before the lunch. While enjoying the fellowship of the gathering, I met Andrew Knights, former treasurer of the WCoSP, and his son David. David Knights is one of the young members of the Company. He had also been installed as a Freeman that day. David has an even stronger connection to the company; from January to December 2017 he was at Sandhurst training to become an officer in the British Army. Then in November 2017 in Germany in the “Final Attack” exercise he suffered a serious, potentially life changing, brachial plexus injury to his left shoulder. He was lucky enough to be airlifted back to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Birmingham and received first class surgery.
It is hoped that most of the functionality will return to his arm and hand over time due to the great care that David received. As a result, he was able to commission in December 2017 and has joined the Intel Regiment. The rehab David has been receiving has been taking place at Headley Court where he is one of 11 servicemen and women from all parts of the services with similar injuries who are being looked after using items of equipment supported by donations made from the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Charitable Trust. What a connection to the WCoSP…it is great that the Charitable Trust in not only helping Security Professionals and service members every year, but also its own members through the facilities it has helped to provide … all of which is thanks to the money raised by the wider world of security. I then spotted Roy Penrose (RP) who was the first recipient of the RMP Provost Marshal (Army) Sword. I feel that the WCoSP are greatly indebted to RP, due to his strict observance of the company’s ordinances.
Being such a custodian is not an easy task but with RP’s attention to detail and his relaxed manner he has helped steer the company through the City of London’s requirements on our journey from Guild to Worshipful Company status. Before we repaired to the Hall for lunch I was pleased to be able to see Adrienne Hall, GM Microsoft. Adrienne is a former recipient of the Professional Security Magazine Women in Security (WiS) Award. It was also great to catch up with Richard Monk the excellent former chairman of the charitable trust who has the unique position thus far of serving twice as the chairman. We were deep in conversation when the announcement for lunch was made and we all proceeded towards the magnificent surroundings of the Hall.
New Master
The lunch was a magnificent affair and I implore more private security professionals to become involved if they are not already. The WCoSP is considered the charitable arm of our profession and just by attending a lunch or event an element of the money can be transferred to the charitable trust. We are grateful to our sponsors, without whom the company would not have been as successful as it is. We are apparently now the fifth largest members Livery Company in the City. That is all thanks to the people who have dedicated themselves to charitable endeavours while at the same time having fun.
For those who are not involved with the company it is time to do so. I want a ‘Call to Arms’ not in a military sense but a symbolic ‘Coat of Arms’ sense. The coat of arms represents the private security profession from the electronic and private security officer sectors, and the services to the locksmiths! We have always welcomed the wider world of security, but we must not forget from whence we came; the private security industry.
The new Master, Phillip Hagon (pictured, with consort) has a private security background having worked for Sainsbury’s, as Head of Corporate Security from 2005 to 2015. He decided to set-up his own company. In 2015 the Phill Hagon Consultancy Limited was established to provide guidance and advice on security matters to organisations wishing to review or improve their protective regime. Hagon is also a trained lifestyle coach. Earlier, he was a Commander in the Metropolitan Police, having spent 33 years in service and being awarded the QPM (Queens Police Medal). Now he is the Master of the WCoSP. With an exciting year ahead of him.
After a superb lunch the Masters first speech of his ensuing year began. He informed all those present: “Now let me tell you just a little about my ambitions for the forthcoming year. I really believe the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals is both very special and entirely relevant to the current difficult and dangerous world in which we live. Despite being a relative newcomer to the Livery movement I believe we are by membership the fifth largest. Our members are our lifeblood and under Wes Harper, the chair of the membership committee we will review our recruitment process to both increase numbers and make it even more representative. We can take pride in the raft of events we put on over the year but, again, nothing must stand still, and our committee chairmen will review both our offer and our financial strategy. Within the Company we have a huge font of experience, knowledge and wisdom and I wish to tap into this with a proposal for a ‘Tell the Master’ suggestion scheme. As I said, there is much to be proud of within the Company, but we should never rest on our laurels so ‘gems in the WCoSP crown’ like the Whittington Course for disadvantaged young people will be reviewed to see how we may improve further.”
He went on to say: “Throughout my year I aim to communicate not just what I am doing but the implications of being Master including the time commitment and the cost. By perhaps ‘de-mystifying’ the role I have the objective of encouraging as many as possible to put themselves forward. My theme for the year is ‘Fellowship’. What do I mean by that? Well, I want to further develop and foster our relationships between the private security industry, law enforcement and other blue light services, and our friends in the military and the law. I want to further develop our young people; our apprentices and those embarking or pursuing a career in the wide spectrum of roles within security.
“I want to encourage the building of trust, fellowship, and respect within the 500 or so people who make up the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals. In our respective careers we deal with serious things, but I am mindful that we are, with few exceptions, volunteers and being in the Company should be fun! It goes without saying that I want to continue our charitable endeavours and I am so proud of the work we do for so many compelling causes. In short, I want to enhance our reputation as one of the friendliest, most inclusive and supportive Companies within the entire Livery.”
One of the most important aspects of the Livery is the Fellowship, not only within the company but throughout the Livery Movement. It is a unique environment and one that can be beneficial to its members in many ways. The speech was excellent, my personal favourite was the touching tribute to the now IPM (Immediate Past Master), Air Commodore Stephen Anderton. Philip Hagon said: “I know that many past masters are present in this room and know what it feels like to be in this position and I am mindful that I stand on the shoulders of the truly excellent people who have held this position in the past. Air Commodore Stephen Anderton is a notable example and I pay tribute to his dedication, professionalism, and the excellent way he has represented the Company. He has been a great ambassador for the Company. Of course, during his year he has benefited from the tremendous support of his wife Judith who has made a truly splendid ‘Master’s lady’. So, may I ask you all to stand and drink the health of the Immediate Past Master, Stephen Anderton.” The Hall erupted with applause.
The Master is right … the IPM is a hard act to follow. However, I am sure that in a year the now Senior Warden will be feeling and espousing the same sentiment when he takes the Masters chair. I would just like to say, good luck Master with your ensuing year.
Photo by Gerald Sharpe Photography, courtesy of the WCoSP.
