Category: Events

Continues to lead ASC’s international development strategy

The Association of Security Consultants (ASC) has announced the appointment of Simon Crane as the organisation’s new Vice Chair, at the recently held ASC Board meeting. Simon has served on the ASC Board for the past two years as International Development Director, a role he will continue to hold alongside his new position. As the Vice Chair, Simon will be supporting the ASC Chair, Gary Thomas, in the development of the Association and the growth of its networks. 

With a deep commitment to raising the profile of British security consultancy worldwide, Simon has been instrumental in forging key international partnerships. During his tenure, the ASC has signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and entered into close partnerships with organisations across a number of continents, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the ASC’s ties within the global security community. 

Stepping into his new role, Simon said: 

“I am truly honoured to have been asked by Gary to take on the role of Vice Chair, and I look forward to supporting him as he continues to drive the ASC forward. The British security brand remains highly respected, and we are working closely with organisations such as the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the UK Government to ensure consultants are seen as a vital part of the security export conversation.” 

Simon’s strategic vision has led to greater alignment between the ASC and several prominent international organisations, including the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) in the United States and the Professional Security & Safety Alliance (PSSA) in the UAE.

He is also actively developing relationships across Europe, Saudi Arabia, the wider GCC, and the Asia-Pacific region, with the goal of broadening ASC’s reach and impact. 

This appointment follows the transition of Roger Noakes, ASC’s long-serving Honorary Vice Chair, to the distinguished position of Board Member Emeritus. This title recognises Roger’s longstanding contribution to ASC’s leadership and the board. 

Welcoming this new chapter for the Association, ASC Chair, Gary Thomas, said: 

“Simon’s commitment to developing the ASC’s international reach makes him a perfect fit for Vice Chair, and I’m privileged to have him alongside me as we work to drive the ASC’s vision forward. Roger’s contribution over the years has been immense, and his new role allows us to continue drawing on his wisdom and steady hand. Together with the other Board members we have a strong and dedicated team, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead.”  

Simon is also leading ASC’s exploration of an international membership model, which may include reciprocal partnerships or the establishment of ASC chapters overseas. His initiatives have already broadened ASC’s appeal through live-streamed events and digital outreach, making the organisation more accessible to members across borders. 

The ASC welcomes Simon into this new leadership role and looks forward to continued momentum in both domestic and international spheres. 

A significant milestone for the professional security industry.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Association of Security Consultants (ASC) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) came together at ASC’s Spring Seminar to discuss how this strategic partnership will benefit not only their members but the wider industry.

ASC Chair, Gary Thomas, and Director, Simon Crane, were joined by the BSIA’s CEO, Mike Reddington, and Chief Commercial Officer, Patrick Kyle, for a focused discussion on the shared opportunities created by this collaboration. At the heart of the partnership is a mutual commitment to advancing professional standards, promoting best practices, and strengthening engagement across the security community.

One of the key benefits of the partnership is that ASC members will now have the opportunity to comment on and provide feedback to BSIA-developed guidelines and frameworks. This gives ASC members a stronger voice in shaping industry standards, while offering the BSIA valuable insight from the UK’s leading independent security consultants.

This two-way dialogue aims to enhance the relevance and quality of guidance across the sector and encourage a more unified, informed approach to security challenges.

“Security consultants play an important role in not only helping the businesses build their resilience, but also in safeguarding the community at large,” said Gary Thomas, Chair of ASC. “ASC’s aim is to give these experienced professionals a platform to share expertise, solutions, and knowledge; but above all, it is getting these consultants the recognition they deserve. This partnership is another big leap for our members, enabling them to actively contribute towards the development of industry standards by sharing experience-based feedback and suggestions with the BSIA.”

Patrick Kyle said “In the security industry, collaboration is essential to ensure that the sector speaks with one voice and shows a cohesive and united approach to improving standards and professionalism. The BSIA is looking forward to working closely alongside the ASC and its members.”

This collaboration marks the beginning of a more connected and responsive security industry, where member voices help shape national frameworks and guidance. Both organisations are committed to building on this momentum with practical initiatives that deliver real value across the sector.

Thank you to everyone who came to the May Business Group. We are delighted that so many people attended and contributed to an informative and enjoyable day.

 We hope those unable to attend took advantage of the live streaming service offered for the first time.

 Our speakers for the day Lisa Lewis, Ian Langmead, Judy Atkinson, Dominic Murphy, Clarke Jarrett, and Dean Haydon who took part in the closed session, brought with them their extensive expertise and knowledge for the audience to contemplate.

For those unable to attend, the sessions was recorded, and is available on the ASC YouTube channel. The ASC Business Group Meetings are an opportunity to support your continued development, stay at the forefront of the industry, and connect with friends, colleagues and peers across the security industry, The next Business Group takes place on the 19th September.

The ASC Board would like to thank the CIE-group for sponsoring the Business Group. The contributions and enthusiasm of Dorton, Edwards, and Williamson were important to the day’s overall success.

The Association of Security Consultants [ASC] have written to Universities and invited submissions for the Imbert Award.

The Imbert Award is awarded annually to the best master’s degree dissertation on a security-related subject. It is fiercely competed for by students from universities across the UK. 

The Imbert Award recognises outstanding master’s dissertations. The entries are evaluated by a panel of experienced judges and the Award helps to promote innovation and excellence in the security industry. The award is named after Lord Peter Imbert. Lord Imbert was a former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. In recognition of his outstanding service to policing and public life, he was appointed a life peer in 1999. In that same year, he became the Association of Security Consultants’ first Patron, a position he held until he died in 2017.

The dissertations are reviewed by a panel of expert judges who themselves possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. A rigorous set of criteria such as originality, critical analysis and overall contribution of knowledge to the field are employed to ensure a comprehensive yet equitable assessment is made. The aim is to recognise dissertations that not only meet high academic standards but also push the boundaries of knowledge, marking a commitment to promoting innovation and excellence in the field of security.

Those who are chosen by the judging panel as having produced the most outstanding entries will be invited to an elegant and formal black-tie ceremony where the winner will be announced. In addition to this, all winners and finalists will receive complimentary membership to the ASC. This membership will provide them with a wide range of professional development and networking opportunities that will greatly aid them in their chosen careers.

Application process

Please send synopsis for consideration to secretary@securityconsultants.org.uk

The synopsis should be based on the abstract and be no longer than 500 words.

 The very best submissions based on the synopsis will then be invited to submit their completed dissertations for consideration.

Timeline for submissions

 30/05                 Deadline for synopsis to be received

19/07                   Dissertations to be received [from those invited to submit their full dissertations].

16/08                   Judges decision to be made

29/08                   Finalists informed

10/10                   Imbert Awards Dinner

Who are the NCSC?

Launched in October 2016, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC),  is a UK Govt Agency that brings together expertise from CESG (the information assurance arm of GCHQ), the Centre for Cyber Assessment, CERT-UK, and the Centre for Protection of National Infrastructure (which became the National Protective Security Authority, NPSA, in March 2023).

What do they do?

The NCSC:

Ø provides practical guidance 

Ø responds to cyber security incidents

Ø Utilises industry and academic expertise to help secure the UK’s cyber security

They also provide a single point of contact for SMEs, larger organisations, government agencies and the general public.

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.