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On In By Grace Vincent

Angela Vernon-Lawson appointed CEO at The Security Institute

THE BOARD of The Security Institute is delighted to announce the appointment of Angela Vernon-Lawson CSyP FSyI as the organisation’s new CEO. The appointment became effective on 1 January 2023.

Vernon-Lawson had previously been appointed as The Security Institute’s chief operating officer and was asked by the Board to take on the role of interim CEO in April last year.

The Board has witnessed a number of enhancements to the management of the Institute in the last eight months that serve to strengthen governance (more of which anon), improve operating practices and streamline ways of working.

While the organisation initially held an external recruitment process for the CEO’s role, Peter Lavery FSyI (chair of The Security Institute) stated: “It became very apparent that we already had the right individual working for us. Angela will be able to deliver enormous value to both the members and the wider security sector. As CEO, Angela brings a wealth of relevant and valuable experience from the realms of business and academia.”

Commenting on this development, Angela Vernon-Lawson stated: “It is a great privilege to be appointed CEO for The Security Institute on behalf of its members and build on the work already conducted. Going forward, I’m excited at the prospect of being able to enhance the member experience and explore new avenues for those already working in or otherwise exploring career opportunities within the security business sector.”

Vernon-Lawson holds an MSc in Risk and Security Management gained at the University of Leicester. A magistrate in the South and West Devon local justice area, she’s also a volunteer unit leader for the Police Cadets.

Read the full story here.

On In By Grace Vincent

G4S wins interim security contract for Sizewell C nuclear plant

G4S SECURE Solutions UK has been awarded an interim security contract worth £4.3 million by EDF Energy to protect the Sizewell C nuclear power station, which is being constructed in Suffolk to provide low carbon electricity for circa six million homes for at least the next 60 years.

The project is expected to commence before 2024, with construction taking between nine and 12 years depending on developments at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset, which is also being developed by EDF Energy and shares major similarities with the Sizewell plant.

This news is going to realise the creation of almost 100 jobs for those living in the Suffolk region. To date, upwards of 50 local residents have already applied for positions or are in the process of onboarding.

One individual who fits into the latter camp is James Self. Born and raised in Suffolk, Self joined G4S back in 2018 as a security training manager at Hinkley Point C before transferring to work on the Sizewell C interim contract in role of contract manager.

“It’s so exciting to be working at Sizewell C and be involved in job creation for the people of Suffolk and East Anglia,” explained Self. “There’s going to be plenty of opportunities for those looking to change careers or access the employment ladder, and they’ll be supported by an experienced and friendly team throughout their time with us.”

In terms of specific detail, Self added: “The roles for which we are recruiting are more than just a ‘security officer’. People joining G4S to work on this contract will be looking after the safety of our customers, contractors and their staff, their buildings and assets, while in parallel delivering excellent customer service in a safe and secure environment.”

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On In By Grace Vincent

Johnson Controls moves to acquire CDS and Gem Security Services

JOHNSON CONTROLS has announced the acquisition of CDS Integrated Security Systems and Gem Security Services, the systems integrator delivering intelligent business protection solutions. The acquisition will further strengthen Johnson Controls’ range of interconnected electronic security solutions designed to protect people, property and assets.

Across nigh on four decades now, CDS Integrated Security Systems and Gem Security Services have developed a reputation for the delivery of high-quality solutions. These solutions are designed to meet clients’ specific requirements in a variety of applications. Clients include local authorities, universities, blue chip enterprise clients and Critical National Infrastructure concerns.

Grant Avery, general manager at Johnson Controls UK and Ireland, commented: “We are excited to welcome CDS Integrated Security Systems and Gem Security Services to the Johnson Controls family. This acquisition demonstrates the further strengthening of our holistic security and safety services. This long-established UK business with a strong reputation in security technology integration is led by a world-class team experienced in complex security integrations. Together, we can cater to a wide range of customers across key industries and deliver innovative industry solutions.”

Read the full story here.

On In By Grace Vincent

Government urged to “expand protection” against Chinese State-owned CCTV

IMMEDIATELY PRIOR to the Christmas recess in Parliament, Oliver Dowden (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster) announced that surveillance equipment “produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China” must no longer be deployed at sensitive Government sites. Civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch has subsequently urged the Government to expand this planned safeguarding measure across the board.

Dowden’s statement – also reiterated in the House of Lords by Conservative Life Peer Baroness Lucy Jeanne Neville-Rolfe – begins: “The Government keeps the security of its personnel, information, assets and estate under constant review. In this context, the Government Security Group has undertaken a review of the current and future possible security risks associated with the installation of visual surveillance systems on the Government estate. The review has concluded that, in light of the threat posed to the UK and the increasing capability and connectivity of these systems, additional controls are required.”

The statement continues: “Government Departments have therefore been instructed to cease deployment of such equipment at sensitive sites where it’s produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China. Since security considerations are always paramount around these sites, we are taking action now to prevent any security risks materialising.”

Dowden adds: “Additionally, Government Departments have been advised that no such equipment should be connected to departmental core networks and that they should consider whether they should remove and replace such equipment where it is deployed on sensitive sites rather than awaiting any scheduled upgrades. Departments have also been advised to consider whether there are sites outside the definition of sensitive sites to which they would wish to extend the same risk mitigation.”

In conclusion, the statement reads: “Government will continue to keep this risk under review and will take further steps if and when they become necessary.”

Read the full story here