The national winners of this year’s BSIA Security Personnel Awards were announced at the British Security Industry Association annual luncheon in London.
These awards now in their 17th year serve to acknowledge the contributions that security personnel make. The awards recognise exceptional performances within the industry across five categories: Best Team, Outstanding Act, Service to the Customer, Best Newcomer and Best use of Technology.
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, said: “Security continues to play a vital role in safeguarding our nation, and it is people like this year’s winners that help to maintain the industry’s favourable reputation. We at the BSIA pride ourselves on representing the very best in the security industry and the outstanding contributions of our award winners serve to compound this.
“Each year we receive a high number of applicants and the judging is always a difficult process. The standard of applications this year has been as high as ever and we are extremely proud to be associated with the talent displayed by our winners.”
The award presentations took place at the London Hilton on Park Lane on July 15. The awards were presented by serving policeman and stand-up comedian, Alfie Moore, pictured left. The awards have been sponsored by Camberford Law plc – specialist insurance brokers to the security industry – since their inception.
David Ottewill, Managing Director of Camberford Law said: “We are very proud to be associated with the BSIA Awards again this year and would like to congratulate ALL nominees. It is important to recognise and reward the hard work and efforts of those dedicated professionals within the Security Industry. For this reason we are delighted to have been sponsors since the inauguration of these Awards.”
The BSIA would like to thank Camberford Law plc for their ongoing support without which the awards would not be possible. The full list of winners is as follows:
Service to the customer
Mohammed Amal El-Hajji – Mohammed of Mitie Total Security Management has a sterling track record of delivering exceptional customer service. Over the course of a ten year contract, he has regularly received praise by numerous clients, VIPs and senior state figures. His ability to speak fluently in a number of different languages has been commented on as an essential part of his excellent customer service.
Donald Murray, pictured – VSG’s Security Supervisor has been commended for his excellent service to the customer. Through his ability to forge excellent relationships and by empowering his team members through training and development, Donald has achieved consistently high service level agreement scores. This has all been achieved against a backdrop of numerous security challenges which he has also handled with total professionalism.
Richard Farley – Richard of The Westgrove Group, has been praised for his commitment to the client, his proactive approach and his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. He has been described by the client as ‘the jewel in the crown’ of their security service and is well known at the centre where he truly loves his job, and continues to be an invaluable asset to the client.
Outstanding act
Aberafan Shopping Centre Team – Three members of OCS Group UK Ltd’s Aberafan Shopping Centre Team were presented with an award for saving a man’s life when he suffered a massive heart attack. Their quick thinking, composure and skill was undoubtedly a contributing factor in the man’s survival and recovery.
Chris Fielding – Chris, of Securitas Security Services UK Ltd, showed vigilance, professionalism and initiative to save a man from trying to take his own life. Chris had to step in on three separate occasions, despite the man brandishing items he might use to harm the security officers. His actions enabled the man to get the help he needed.
Best newcomer
Clarence Hyman – Clarence, of Corps Security, has been praised for his high standards and his natural willingness to go above and beyond his duties. Despite being relatively new to the industry, he has demonstrated customer service to the highest level and has even provided voluntary mentoring for new recruits.
Paul Wilson – Securitas Security Services UK Ltd’s Paul, a member of an Emergency Medical Team, identified a serious medical condition with a patient during a routine medical check that potentially saved the patient’s life. The patient was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery. Had it not been for Paul’s observations, the patient could have suffered a major stroke.
Robert Love – Robert, of Sight & Sound Security Solutions Ltd, is a Security Officer who is quickly rising through the ranks. Securing two promotions within just two years’ experience in the industry, Robert is now working as an Operations Supervisor – responsible for the manning and operations of over 150 officers.
Use of technology
Marcin Bereza – Marcin, of VSG, has been awarded a National Security Personel Award for the best use of technology for single-handedly designing and implementing an electronic Security Operations Dashboard. The software, which enables managers to plan a much more effective security operation, took considerable time and effort to complete. It has been estimated that if a product which achieved similar results had been purchased, it would have cost in excess of £50,000.
Team
Centrale Shopping Centre Team – VSG’s Centrale Shopping Centre Team consists of 33 dedicated security officers who are committed to providing a service which is second-to-none. They continually improve their skills by taking part in comprehensive training and twenty of the thirty-three officers are first aid and defibrillator trained. They relentlessly seek to add value to the contract by going above and beyond what is expected of them.
ITV Security Team – Wilson James Ltd’s ITV team have been presented with an award for going the extra mile. The team of twenty-three security professionals have fully embraced the culture and values of ITV and become an integrated part of their operations. They often go the extra mile to cover additional duties such as manning the main switchboard during holiday periods, which shows their commitment to adding value to the contract.
