David Clark served in the Welsh Guards and having left the military he entered the security industry as a security officer and worked his way up through the ranks to the role of chief security officer. David was known for reaching out to support and inspire the people who worked for him, improving their working conditions. He also impressed and inspired the employers of these people by demonstrating how security adds to the overall resilience, value, and growth of a business. But David did not only keep this philosophy within his own work environment, but he also shared it across the entire security sector using his position as Chair of both ASIS and the Security Commonwealth to inspire others.
It is because David always went above and beyond, to serve the security industry and the people within it that the David Clark Award was created, it's not for being the best in any particular area but is awarded in recognition of contribution to the security sector as a whole. This year's nominees all exceeded these criteria, and we congratulate them for the high standard that they maintain in order to be considered worthy of being nominated.
The ASC would like to congratulate the Safer Business Network ‘WAVE and Ask for Angela Initiative who won the 2023 Group category, and the ASC’s very own Ross Harvey who won the individual category.
Following the announcement Ross was presented with the award by David’s wife Sarah.
Gary Thomas ASC Chair said “David Clark was a truly special leader in the industry. I am so pleased that an award created in his memory has been awarded to Ross who is an inspiration to anyone who knows him and embodies the commitment to the security industry that the majority of ASC members feel.”
On receiving the award Ross said “I'm deeply honoured to have been presented with the David Clark Award. The significance of this accolade is profound, as it carries the name of a man who was not only a true inspiration to our industry but also someone that was held in great esteem by many within the industry.
“To receive this award in the presence of David’s wife added a touching and personal resonance to the occasion. It was a privilege to be part of such a poignant moment, paying tribute to his memory and legacy within the security sector.
“I am beyond grateful and truly humbled by this recognition. It is a reminder of the collective spirit and dedication that underpin our industry. This award is not just for me but for all my peers who work tirelessly to advance our profession. It fuels my commitment to uphold the values and standards that this award embodies.”
The ASC would also like to extend congratulations to Caroline Bashford who was presented with a special commendation.
This year’s individual nomination finalists were:
Daniel Pike who is UK Divisional Security lead at NG Bailey, a highly experienced security professional who has risen through the ranks to security management. and is actively supporting and inspiring his workers.
Ross Harvey is a Northern Ireland based security consultant who is also a lecturer and mentor specialising in electronic security asset protection, risk management and mitigation. Ross is active across many of the UK security associations including the ASC where he was appointed as a director earlier this year.
James Willison is a project and engagement manager, and founder of the Internet of Things Security Foundation is internationally recognised as a leader in security conversions and enterprise risk management.
Theo Nicolaou is a business leader with over 20 years experience in the security sector and very much involved in collaborative initiatives across the City of London especially collaboration between the private and public security sectors.
Caroline Bashford is a Director of ASIS, Chapter 208 secretary, and is heavily involved in training within the UK’s security sector. Caroline is due to stand down this year after a long and loyal service to the UK ASIS chapter.
Bennett Arron is an award-winning writer and comedian which demonstrates how diverse the skillsets that people within the UK security sector possess. Bennett was actually the victim of identity theft which led to devastating personal loss. He is now devoting his professional communicating skills to sharing his victim knowledge and experience with the security and public sector aimed at fraud prevention.
This year’s Group Nomination finalists were:
City Security Council ‘EDI Filming Project’. This initiative filmed over 300 security personnel from across the board demonstrating and championing the wide-ranging diversity of professionals that exists within the security sector, and the sector's commitment to equality diversity and inclusion.
We Are Waterloo Business Improvement District ‘South Bank University Criminology
Initiative’. This district has existed since 2006 and comprises of 430 businesses. This initiative is in collaboration with the South Bank University criminology students, to expose them to the security sector and provide them with experience within the sector, to encourage future careers and career opportunities.
Safer Business Network ‘WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement) and Ask for Angela Initiative’ which is a programme being delivered to over 15,000 staff and 1,000 customer facing businesses to raise awareness of people that may be vulnerable under certain circumstances. By training staff in WAVE and implementing Ask for Angela the initiative plays a role in helping to prevent and reduce sexual violence and vulnerability within the night-time economy and beyond!