Month: February 2024

The OSPAs are intended to be impartial and inclusive, allowing outstanding performers, whether buyers or suppliers, to be recognised and their achievements celebrated. The winners of the OSPAs are selected by judges who are security experts with substantial experience and knowledge of working within the country’s security sector. Gary Thomas, ASC Chair, and ASC Director Ross Harvey were privileged to represent the ASC in the OSPA judging panel. Commenting on the event, Gary Thomas said, “As always, the quality of the entries was exceptional, and the winners should be justifiably proud of their accomplishments. It was great to see the ASC well represented, with Optimal Risk Group, Rick Mounfield and Dean Wormleighton, being awarded Outstanding Security Consultant, and the Lifetime Achievement Award going to Bob Martin, former ASC Treasurer and Lifetime Honorary Member.  I am thrilled that he has been recognised for the commitment and dedication he has given to the industry” Ross Harvey added, “The OSPAs are a unique celebratory event to recognise the outstanding performance of individuals and organisations within the security industry. I had the honour of being a judge in this year’s OSPA’s and the calibre of entrants was truly inspirational. In a world where so often the focus is on things that go wrong, it was great to have an evening celebrating the people who have left a positive mark upon the industry and improved UK security as a whole”. 

Founder of the OSPAs Professor Martin Gill said: “We have been overwhelmed by the amount, and the quality of the entries that we’ve received. The security sector has truly embraced the OSPAs, and it’s inspirational to see so many individuals and businesses wanting to be recognised for the significant role they play in keeping us and our businesses safe.” Gill added: “I would like to thank the forty independent judges – and the different security associations they represent – for reviewing and scoring the many nominations.”

The Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Martin, JP, CSyP, FSyI.

Lifetime achievement award read ………….

Bob Martin is a distinguished professional in the security sector. He stands as a paragon of excellence and dedication and deserves formal recognition for his lifetime of exemplary service. With a career spanning over four decades, Bob’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the field, reshaping and elevating the standards of security practices. His commitment, expertise, and visionary leadership have not only propelled the industry forward but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue excellence in their security endeavours.

Winners of the 2024 UK OSPAs Announced! | UK OSPAs (theospas.com)

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.