Page 13 - the SyI Quarterly 13 - (V4)

Know your Institute
Know your Institute

A Day with the Hinkley Point C Some of those that decided to travel west the

night before and book into the Court were in for
a real treat. Using the e-mail addresses provided
by the overnight delegates, Luke Pearce [the HPC
New Nuclear Build Security Construction Manager], invited a handful of

guests onto a twilight tour of the site. This involved
donning an illuminous suit of personal protective
equipment and visiting the vast concrete cavern
that will soon house the nuclear reactor. Prior to the
Site-Based Security Team ground tour, there was just enough time to visit the
security control room and traverse the ‘corridor-of-
knowledge’ down which all the supply chain Project
Directors and senior execs are ‘educated’ on the

- By Frank Cannon CSyP FSyI behavioural-based security programme employed at
HPC.

Once outside, the thunderous storm and rapidly
“Yes Al, I’d love to co-host The Security Institute at HPC vanishing light made for an eerie vibe more suited
again.” So, that was it, the decision to invite the SyI Events to a Stephen King film set; the rain was pelting
team to collaborate with Al McBride MSyI, the Accounts down making the aluminium temporary steps and
Director from our G4S Security Service Provider [a polished concrete walkways even more hazardous.
project long Partner], Simon Martindill —the G4S Fortunately, the sturdy steel toe capped boots
Security UK & Ireland Events Manager, and my Hinkley and rubber coated gloves that Jane Jefferies [our
Point C construction site security team in a regional Personnel Security Lead] had provided ensured none
networking session scheduled for 6th September 2022. of our goggle-eyed guests did not negatively impact
This would provide a fantastic opportunity for Al and our impeccable safety record. The feedback from this
me to showcase how much our project had moved on two-hour adventure made it all worthwhile. Well done
since 2019 when we previous hosted ninety Institute Luke and Jane as this discretionary effort is what
members. makes the HPC high-performing security team a joy
to be a part of.
It was of course necessary to seek permission from our
executive to bring so many visitors onto the new nuclear The next morning saw Angela Vernon-Lawson CSyP
build site, the largest construction site in Europe, but FSyI, the SyI acting Chief Operating Officer, and
this was waived through without hesitation; just another Becky Bills from the SyI Events team preparing to
sign of the confidence and respect the Security function receive our members whilst, in the background,
has across our leadership. The HPC culture is to share Simon Martindill and Noah Price, the Director of the
experience and seek learning wherever you can, so G4S Global Academy, were rehearsing the running
to invite a considerable body of experienced security order for the day. The Cannington Court facility
professionals to a knowledge-sharing event was a no- management team and Al McBride were also busying
brainer. themselves crossing the tees and dotting the ‘eyes’ (if
you get what I mean).
The day started at our 17th Century Court and walled
gardens situated at the heart of the rural village in It was Simon who kicked the show off, “Hello ladies
Cannington, nestled under the protective shield of the and gentlemen, welcome to the Hinkley Point C
Quantocks Hills in West Somerset – just a few miles security conference sponsored today by G4S Security
south of the mega-construction site itself. The Court Services UK & Ireland. There are no planned fire drills
boasts a fantastic amphitheatre, which was to play host …” well, you know the rest.
to our conference, beautiful courtyards and gardens,
and two dozen ensuite bedrooms.

12