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Early in June we saw another fantastic event, with our first ever
Careers Fairs, in support of veterans and serving personnel
at the Victory Services Club, London. Our guest of honour, as
many of you will be aware, was our Royal patron, Her Royal
Highness, The Princess Royal, who gave generously of her
time and spoke with many in the room and listened to several
presentations. We hope this event that is an event that will
endure and grow overtime.
The Secure Futures programme was launched by the Institute
in late 2020 in collaboration with the EY Foundation and
expands upon its #NextGen initiative. The Secure Futures
programme will support 16-18-year-olds from low-income
backgrounds to access invaluable experience within the
security industry, empowering them to consider pursuing
careers working within the sector. The latest cohort went
through in London in June and I want to thank Chris Smith CSyP FSyI for all his work in supporting the
program this year and moving forward. You can read more about this on Page 30-31.
Well, that time has finally come as I’ve reached the end of my time as chair of the Security Institute and as
you will have seen in most recently announcements the chair-elect is Julie Nel MSyI who will take over on
the 24th of July 2023.
I’ve truly been honoured to have had this role, it’s a real honour to be involved with a group of fellow
professional leaders as Directors and Volunteers who give their time freely to contribute to the industry
for the betterment of our members, to give back to society and contribute to protecting the public. These
words I echoed when I took on the role at the beginning of 2021, when we were halfway through the
pandemic.
The institute was heavily involved in the consultation of the ‘Protect Duty’, and a strong advocate for
‘Martyn’s Law’ as evidenced when I added my signature on behalf of the Institute to the Government for
which we received a response from both the Home Secretary announcing the foundational policy for
Martyn’s Law was being laid before parliament (Dec 22) and later from the Prime Minister. I think we all
must acknowledge and applaud Figen Murray ASyI OBE and her tireless campaign. More recently, I have
been digesting the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) draft Bill for the last 2 months, with numerous
seminars and webinars, as well as watch the hearings of the Home
Affairs Select Committee (HASC) hearing submissions before the
committee. There is now an expected report back to Government
over the summer/autumn, before we hope to see the likely
amended legislation laid before the UK Parliament.
I’m proud of the work the Security Institute does and the
contribution it makes, and I know you will support Julie in the same
way as you have supported me. Many thanks to all of our members.
I will remain on the Board until the end of the year when I complete
my term.
Lastly, to the Head Office team and Angela Lawson as our Chief
Executive, my sincere thanks for all the support you have given
me as Chair and of course to the Board, it certainly does not work
without you all. Thank you!
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