Security Institute AGM April 2022

The Security Institute AGM provided an opportunity for reflection on 2021, sharing plans for the future and for Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, in her role as their Royal Patron to provide an insight into her interest in public safety and security.

Introducing the Security Institute

The Security Institute is a not-for-profit, professional membership organisation and part of the ‘learned societies’ within the UK, described in the AGM report as: “The professional organisation best equipped to represent a broad spectrum of security professionals from all disciplines of the field. Our strategy to 2025 has been encapsulated into its Purpose statement: Supporting the Security profession by driving excellence in protective security for the benefit of society.”

 Highlights from 2021

The AGM report illustrated in numbers the Security Institute achievements in 2021:

• 4308 members
• 917 group members
• 41 physical and virtual events held
• 50 corporate partners
• 241 Chartered Security Professionals from management of the CSyP Register
• 567 CPD records completed
• 14 Special Interest Groups

Outgoing Chief Executive Rick Mounfield CSyP FSyI highlighted further successes for the Security Institute 2021, including achieving ISO 9001:2015, digital transformation in key processes and a collection of awards,  including six member finalists in the City Security magazine Article in Article of Year Award.

Rick also announced the news that SABRE – the security risk management standard for buildings, infrastructure and managed spaces – owned by BRE (provider of certification for fire and security products) is to be moved under the management of the Security Institute. There are obvious links with current initiatives under the Protect Duty and there are plans to bring this work closer together.

Rick welcomed Angela Vernon-Lawson CSyP FSyI as new Chief Operating Officer and wished her and the rest of the Security Institute staff, directors and members every success.

Chairman’s Reflections

Chairman Peter Lavery FSyI reflected on a great year for the Institute with an increase in membership by 15.6%, the move to new head office in Nuneaton and the news that The Princess Royal had graciously consented to be the Royal Patron.

Peter’s update in the AGM report reviewed a packed year of activity, including Institute events such as the Gala Awards in November, The Young Members’ Group events and the recent launch of the Protecting People in Crowded Places Special Interest Group.

Peter explained how a Director’s Strategy Day led to the development of five, new strategic pillars which will focus the future work of the Institute:  Membership Experience, Professionalism, Next Generation in Security, Influence, Ethics, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I): “The five strategic objectives underpin what we’re trying to achieve in the institute with each of those pillars having two or more directors working together to lead continuous improvement.” A representative director from each pillar provided an update to the AGM.

Membership Experience  – Director Tony Aston FSyI outlined existing benefits including the validation process – which ensures the credibility of all members – and the range of professional development platforms available. He explained the future workstreams including maximising the use of social media and avoiding London centricity

Professionalism – Director Carl Dakin CSyP FSyI highlighted the range of ways the Institute can support members’ professional development, including the CPD scheme, CPD events, the training and learning programme and 14 Special Interest Groups. He also described how the Institute will be continuing to develop tangible outputs including guidance documents, webinars, podcasts, and good practice guides.

Next Generation in Security – Director Paul Barnard CSyP MSyI explained the need for a change in the narrative with young people, to demonstrate that security is relevant to all companies and can be a career of choice. The Security Institute will continue leading initiatives including the NextGen programme and Secure Futures programme.

Influence – Director Andy Watkin-Child  CSyP MSyI– introduced how the Influence pillar aims to influence government, society and industry. There are many stakeholders with knowledge, experience and influence. The ambition is to improve engagement, share information, increase media profile.

Ethics, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – report by Rick Mounfield in absence of Director Richard Woolford CSyP MSyI – outlined that ethics are the cornerstone of the Security Institute. Ensuring that Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are integral to all other pillars is critical to their success.

The Princess Royal at the Security Institute AGM

Her Royal Highness thanked the Institute for asking her to be their patron. She explained how she grew up in an environment where military and policing were part of the family. Indeed, she remembers being on the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Royal Navy nannies stopping them from going overboard!

Her Royal Highness believes it is essential that the Security Institute establishes standards. She commented on its clear set of aspirations on all matters related to protective security, with a particular emphasis on education and professional development.

The Princess Royal believes the membership will continue to increase as security professionals recognise the scope and influence of the Security Institute, together with its experience and interest in standards. She feels that the Institute understands the words security and risk. She also outlined how key trust is in this area and how the education and standards are ones that everyone can trust.

Her Royal Highness also believes it is Important to take a practical approach and to increase the profile of those in the security sector. In response  to the presentations made at the AGM, she felt it provided a great opportunity to come together and review progress.

She felt the Security Institute has overseen remarkable growth and demonstrated a wide body of work and skills sets. She commended the Patrons of the Security Institute for their understanding of the sector.

Her Royal Highness commented on her attendance at the recent NextGen event with a group of young people from the Voluntary Police Cadets (VPC), whilst they experienced hostile environment training and how they are learning important lessons.

Her Royal Highness is looking forward to continued involvement with the Security Institute and thanked them for creating a sense of responsibility and trust.

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