Interviews

New IPSA chair

by Mark Rowe

Front-line security and technical workers in the UK are to be offered free membership of the International Professional Security Association (IPSA). That’s among changes aimed at the UK’s longest-running security associations and was agreed at this year’s AGM on Wednesday, October 21.

Other plans include a new website, a new app; and broadening representation to include systems and fire sector technicians who support the industry and front-line.

IPSA Board member, Simon Pears, pictured, came up with the proposals in July, after his predecessor, Jane Farrell, announced her decision to step down as chair. He won the backing of the Board to drive them through after being elected as Chair at the AGM. He will be supported by a new Chief Executive, Una Riley, and a re-organised Board of Directors.

Simon said: “This vision is inspired by the hard work and commitment that front-line services offer the public to help keep them safe and secure. The free membership of IPSA is our ‘thank you’ to them. We want to become the voice of security front-line workers.”

Members can sign up for a free app. This will include all the benefits, certification that past executive members have benefitted from – and the right to include the postnominal after their name. IPSA will be on the phone of every member. The app will provide guidance, welfare, training modules and a network of approved suppliers. A ‘One-Voice’ link on behalf of security front-line members will include capturing data and trends about unreported incidents, mental well-being, injuries, diversity and disability – all of which, as developers point out, will allow for a picture of incidents affecting security officers and the wider community, and impact businesses.

While the app will launch initially in the UK, it will be rolled out to other countries with the USA being the next scheduled release.

Simon said: “This will be first-hand anonymised data which will allow us to be vocal within the industry and to government. We hope that in turn, corporate companies will want to be part of us to help improve security and how to meet the needs of frontline staff.”

IPSA will have front-line security worker representation on the board. To avoid being London-centric, IPSA began their search in Scotland; Deborah Stewart was nominated by her employer, Securigroup. A mentor is already lined up to support her. Each term will last six months, when they will take part in a board meeting and chair their own ‘Front-line Forum’. That chair will then report back to the board as a voice of what issues face workers.

Simon added: ““IPSA was the first security trade association and it will be the first to revolutionise and recognise front-line workers in this way.”

Una Riley said: “I am confident that Simon and the restructured board will ensure that IPSA rapidly evolves to becoming the largest digital trade association of its type. Security is a credible and professional career path but, sadly, it is so often misrepresented by some organisations and the broader media. We want to welcome members who are interested in personal and career development. We want IPSA to be driven by their needs…their voice…their association.”

Simon paid tribute to the outgoing Chair, Jane Farrell. He said: “Jane has been fundamental in stabilising IPSA over the last three years and has driven the organisation with a passion and determination that have allowed IPSA to continue the next part of its revitalisation. As Jane was the first woman to chair IPSA in its more than 60-year history, she can be proud of what she achieved both personally and professionally. IPSA has a renowned global reputation, and I am proud and honoured to be continuing the journey to make IPSA accessible to all who work so hard in this fantastic industry.”

Visit https://www.ipsa.org.uk/.

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