News

Laurie Doust

ASC Honorary Member, Laurie Doust, passed away on March 29th, 2024.

Laurie, who was 81 years old, retired from the Metropolitan Police in 1994 and went on to establish a successful consultancy in Buckinghamshire, where he provided security advice to a diverse range of clients.

Laurie was a longstanding member of the ASC. Many will have fond memories of him and remember his commitment to the ASC and its professionalism. He was an ASC council member and vice-chairman between 2002 and 2004 and later became the ASC Secretary until stepping down in 2011. He was went on to be made an Honorary Member of the ASC in recognition of his contribution to the Association.

Sadly Laurie had been unwell for some time and was recently hospitalised for several weeks before being transferred to a local hospice, where he passed away on March 29th, 2024.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. ASC Director, Ken Graham said “Laurie was a great servant of the ASC over many years and always willing to assist and offer advice. He was particularly helpful to younger members, as I once was when I first joined, and Laurie was Secretary. He will be sadly missed.“

Laurie's family has requested that those wishing to make a contribution in his memory support the Woking & Sam Beare Hospices https://laurencedoust.muchloved.com/.

May Business Group Meeting & AGM

Book your free place now!

Next event: ASC Business Group & AGM

Times: 9 am to 3:30 pm

Location: IET, Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL

Date: Wednesday, 15 May 2024

The Business Group Meetings are an opportunity to support your continued development and stay at the forefront of the industry, as well as to meet up with friends, colleagues, and peers within the wide spectrum of the security industry that make up the membership.

May’s event has a packed agenda and all the elements needed to make it a successful ASC Networking. For those who can stay for the whole day the Business Group will be followed by the Association of Security Consultants AGM. An opportunity to hear from the Chair and the new Board about their plans for the ASC and the changes they have already implemented.

The overarching theme for the Business Group is ‘Identifying & Countering Insider Threats’.

The day will include input from:

- Lisa Lewis, Business Development Manager at Idemia, on the Benefits of using Biometrics as opposed to RFID Cards for security.

- Cat Johnston, Head of Customer Relations at Commend UK Ltd, about the benefits of professional security and intercom communication in a host of different environments.

- An update from Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of Counter Terrorism for London.

- Clarke Jarrett, Director of Special Projects at AHNA Group.

- A word from our sponsor for the day, David Dorton at CIE Group.

We will be filming during the day so that those who are unable to attend will have an opportunity to view some of the content post-event.

To secure your place go to events

ASC Director, Ross Harvey, has been nominated for the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Security Award’

ASC Director, Ross Harvey, has been nominated for the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Security Award’ in memory of George van Schalkwyk.

The winner will be announced at the Security Institute's Gala Awards Dinner on Wednesday 24^th April 2024.

Ross was nominated for his exceptional dedication to the security industry. His commitment to elevating industry standards and his pioneering initiatives.

The submission to the Awards Panel spoke of Ross's visionary leadership extending to many projects across the sector and anticipating the evolving needs of the security sector. It highlighted his holistic approach to supporting the industry's workforce, addressing vital areas such as mental health and career development.

Ross's unwavering advocacy and role as an ASC director, demonstrate his genuine passion and innovative contributions to the industry.

SJUK Leaders in Security Conference

The ASC are pleased to be an Intellectual Partner for the SJUK Leaders in Security Conference, taking place at The Hilton Deansgate on Tuesday 16 July.

The event promises over 30 speakers, with a fast-paced agenda covering multiple topics, from cybersecurity to supply chain, with panel discussions ranging from analysis about strategy to market challenges and opportunities.

The ASC was asked to become an Intellectual Partner because of the value they can add to the conference. Many CSOs rely on consultants to help achieve their aims. Using a trusted register of professionals is vital to ensuring the correct service levels are contracted.

Gary Thomas, ASC Chair “We are thrilled that we have partnered with SJUK for their Leaders Conference.

“The Association of Security Consultants (ASC) is known for being the premier professional organisation for independent security consultants in the UK, what many people don’t realise is that we have also introduced a Corporate Membership for those employed in a senior security role in large organisations – private or public.

“We highly value supporting events of this calibre to ensure our members remain up to date with developments in threats, technological solutions and industry best practices, helping to shape the security landscape of the future.”

To find out more about the conference and the opportunities to attend go here

National Cyber Security Centre

Who are the NCSC?

Launched in October 2016, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), is a UK Govt Agency that brings together expertise from CESG (the information assurance arm of GCHQ), the Centre for Cyber Assessment, CERT-UK, and the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure (which became the National Protective Security Authority, NPSA, in March 2023).

What do they do?

The NCSC:

Ø provides practical guidance

Ø responds to cyber security incidents

Ø Utilises industry and academic expertise to help secure the UK’s cyber security

They also provide a single point of contact for SMEs, larger organisations, government agencies and the general public.

The Second Consultation For The Terrorism Bill Has Opened

The second consultation for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, has been launched.

This is an important opportunity for everyone to express their opinions. The proposed revisions include the removal of the requirement for the standard tier to complete a standard tier evaluation or terrorism awareness training for relevant workers.

Many organisations have already carefully considered Martyn’s Law and its impact. Now is the time to be heard and ensure that it is implemented in a way that will save lives in the future.

Your chance to have your say

National Protective Security Authority

The NPSA and the Home Office have developed three tools to support those involved in the safety planning, management and security of venues and public spaces.

They can be seen here

The Outstanding Security Performance Awards

At a gala dinner, held at the Royal Lancaster in London, and hosted by award-winning comedian and actress Zoe Lyons, the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) were awarded to the winners, acknowledging, and rewarding exceptional individuals and companies in the security sector.

Trusted Research Guidance

The United Kingdom has a flourishing research and innovation industry that attracts international investment. The National Protective Security Authority has introduced Trusted Research Guidance to support the credibility of the system of global research collaboration and the ongoing prosperity of the UK's research and innovation industry.

Find the guides here

2023 Dec Awards Dinner

A fantastic night of celebration at the ASC Annual Award Dinner.

Distinguished guests from the security sector gathered on Wednesday evening for the highly anticipated ASC Annual Award Dinner. The elegant event, held at the renowned House of Lords, brought together representatives from across the security industry and the authors of the very best dissertations relating to the security industry. The evening sparkled with conversation and excitement, as participants eagerly awaited the announcement of the prestigious Imbert Award winner. Gary Thomas ASC Chair said “From themoment people arrived, and they were handed a glass, the room was filled with the sound of conversation and laughter. Thank you to everyone who attended and made the evening truly special.”

The ASC Annual Award Dinner is a premier event in the security industry's calendar. It serves as an opportunity to acknowledge excellence in the world of academia, exchange insights, and network with key decision-makers.

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Imbert Award winner. The ASC was honoured that @Simon Imbert, son of Lord Imbert, attended in person to present the award to @Dennis Roe, who won the Imbert Award, and @Rosi Nicholson and @Marie Zeimetz, who were worthy finalists.

The prize is awarded annually to the best master’s degree dissertation on a security-related subject. It is fiercely competed for by students at universities across the UK.

The award has been running since 2005, it is awarded in memory of the ASC’s former patron, Lord Imbert of New Romney CVO QPM JP, former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service and Lord Lieutenant of Greater London.

The Award Dinner would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors. A very special thank you goes to Total Security Protection Ltd, Genetec and CIE-Group, their contributions have helped make the event a striking success.

As everyone enjoyed their coffees, after the most delicious meal, Sir Hugh Orde spoke to the guests and reflected on the ASC and the security landscape before presenting Joe Connell with his ASC Honorary Life Time Membership in recognition of his time as the ASC Chair.

As the event concluded, participants walked away reflecting on another great ASC event.

To catch a glimpse of the memorable moments from the evening, visit the ASC website's photo gallery. securityconsultants.org.uk/events/gallery

Winner Dennis Roe

University of Portsmouth

How ‘Risky’ are the surveyors who design security and surveillance solutions?

(A critical evaluation of the competency of UK Security Sector personnel relating to the design proposal and supply of risk aware and risk based electronic security systems.

Rosannagh Nicholson

Cranfield University – School of Defence and Security

The ‘Golden Thread’: An Exploration of the Relationship between Climate Change, Conflict and Terrorism.

Marie Zeimetz

University of St Andrews

(Don’t) Let Them Return

A Qualitative Analysis of French and British Media and Political Framings of Female Jihadists Detained in Syria since 2019

The ASC welcome Rick Mounfield MSc CSyP FSyI RISC to the Board

The ASC Board are pleased to announce that Rick Mounfield, has accepted a place on the ASC Board, and will become the Director leading on Professional Development.

The ASC are the leading industry organisation for independent security professionals operating across the UK. For over 30 years our network of highly skilled professionals has been ensuring clients get the very best advice for their particular security requirements.

Gary Thomas, the ASC Chair, said, "Rick is an excellent fit for the ASC. With his wealth of knowledge, experience in both the private and public sectors and expertise in creating career-enhancing development and training opportunities, we are thrilled he accepted our invitation to join us and help us support our network of highly skilled security professionals. Our members benefit greatly from the networking and professional development opportunities we offer, and I'm confident that with the board's setup and Rick's skills, we will take this benefit to another level."

Rick Mounfield replied ´ Having previously led the Security Institute through 5 years of exponential growth, I chose to return to the security consultancy sector joining Optimal Risk Group as a Director, I feel the time is now right to return to working with an association and to give something back to an industry that has been my life. I'm very excited about the work of the ASC and how I can contribute to its growth.”

Rick will be attending the ASC Business Group in February and meeting some of the membership.

NY Message from Gary Thomas

As we reflect on 2023, I would like to express my gratitude to the ASC Board, our valued members and friends for their unwavering support.

As Chair, I aim to ensure that the ASC’s position as a vital industry leader continues. 2024 will see some exciting new changes - beginning with a new location for our upcoming Business Group seminars and networking events. We’ve managed to secure the Institution of Engineering & Technology, just next to Waterloo Bridge, to make the events even more accessible and convenient for our speakers and a growing number of attendees. The future focus of our business group meetings will be the professional development of members, our industry cohorts and to effectively network with like-minded individuals.

We’re pleased to announce that our first guest speaker for the February meeting will be Dennis Roe - this year’s ASC Imbert Award winner - who will present his dissertation on the topic of how 'risky' surveyors are when designing security and surveillance solutions. We’ll also be including an open table session for members to contribute their thoughts and industry insights and solutions in this field.

To secure your space at this year’s Business Group meetings, drop us a line with the dates you’ll be joining us:

Thursday, 22nd February 2024
Thursday, 16th May 2024
Thursday, 19th September 2024
Wednesday, 13th November 2024

During my last few months as Chair, I’ve been reassured to see that our ASC members remain a professional and sought-after group of subject matter experts (SMEs) who play a pivotal role in advancing understanding and innovation within the security sector. As SMEs our members produce a significant volume of current and relevant material which the ASC now intends to archive as a definitive resource, preserving valuable insights. Archiving our research, academic insights and collateral ensures the continuity of knowledge and serves as a roadmap for defining industry best practices. This, in turn, contributes to the evolution and improvement of practices within the security sector. With the development of our website – www.ascuk.org - this vital repository will become a searchable resource, providing a significant membership benefit, and supporting continuing professional development and competency.

Many of you will remember that during lockdown, we held several successful and thought-provoking webinars. We now plan to expand on these accessible online sessions in the coming months, and our Board Lead Ross Harvey, will update you with details soon.

One of our other Board Directors, Simon Crane, has been busy conducting a feasibility study on an overseas membership program. The program aims to expand network opportunities, shared experiences and knowledge for members both domestically and internationally. Again, more details will be shared on our website soon.

An additional exciting change will see the ASC Awards Ceremony merge with CONSEC 24. Next year’s venue will be The Hilton, Heathrow T5, allowing us to accommodate more exhibitors and delegates than ever before. CONSEC 24 will take place on October 17th and allows us to finally mark our slightly ‘Pandemic-delayed’ 30^th Anniversary. CONSEC 24 will include a celebration dinner to celebrate 30 years of CONSEC in style, with a presentation of both the Imbert and Mike Cahalane Awards.

The ASC is also honoured to be announced as the main sponsor of the Women in Security Awards on September 23rd at the Underglobe in London. This is an important industry red-carpet event, and we are thrilled to be hosting the awards in 2024.

Finally, for those who enjoy the opportunity to dress up, our Annual End of Year meal will take place at the House of Lords on Friday 6^th December. I would like to thank everyone who attended the meal this year, as well as our sponsors, TSP, Genetec and CIE, for making it a fantastic evening.

Congratulations to Joe Connell, the previous ASC Chair, who received his Honorary Lifetime ASC Membership, and to the three finalists of the Imbert Award.