International Professional Security Association - Experts & Thought Leaders

Carlisle Support Services appoints public and private security expert, John Lambert as Managing Director of Security and Events in the North. With a background that stems across 15 years within the public and private sectors, John is well-placed to advise, facilitate, and manage this division for all Carlisle contracts. Responsible for the delivery of the Northern security and events division for the business, he will ensure that the division continues to deliver market-pioneering solutions to the existing contracts within multiple sectors including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail and Transport. Perception of the security industry John’s extensive background extends into several voluntary roles including Chair of the Liverpool City Security Council, Deputy Chair of the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), Director of the National Skills Academy for Security, member of the Security Skills Board, and Director of the National Association of Healthcare Security. John holds member status of the Security Institute and the Emergency Planning Society Alongside this, John holds member status of the Security Institute and the Emergency Planning Society. Within these voluntary roles, John campaigns for better working conditions for front-line team members and aims to improve public perception of the security industry. Contract retention and organic growth Chief Operating Officer at Carlisle Support Services, Adrian White said: “Our Northern Division is our largest revenue driver for security services and covers key strategic regions in Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham. The last twelve months have seen us implement a firm structure and develop clear operational regions for optimal cross-contract collaboration. We have seen good contract retention and organic growth. John's appointment will cement this position and provide us with a platform for growth. John understands this industry and has the mindset and attitude that we want to take Carlisle forward.” On his appointment, John added: “Since joining Carlisle Support Services in February this year, I have been incredibly impressed at the culture of the business, the professionalism and capability of my colleagues, as well as the strong and often long-term relationships we have built with our customers. To be appointed into the Managing Director role within a business of this quality is an incredibly proud moment for me, and I'm excited for the months and years ahead.”

 IPSA is building on its course base for supervisors, officers and trainersThe International Professional Security Association (IPSA) has recently reintroduced a specialist but limited Maritime Sector to deal with the increased needs of the maritime industry as they affect members, and company contracts. IPSA is offering, within its training programme, courses not only at Port Facility Security Officer and Ship's Security Officer level, but also for manned guarding companies involved in the physical security of wharves and docks. This "dry side" of maritime security may not be attracting the high profile of piracy, but is of increasing importance due to the threat of terrorism. Additionally, there is the everyday "nitty gritty" work of security, fire prevention, health and safety and the prevention of damage.IPSA is therefore, building on its course base for supervisors, officers and trainers. However, additionally, bespoke crime prevention, civilian river patrol, bye-law enforcement and, in conjunction with the Institute of Professional Investigators, internal investigation courses will also be available As IPSA is an independent organization, not profit driven, prices will be competitive.International Chairman Mike WHITE explained "We have had requests for both training and assessment both within the UK and abroad. Thankfully, we have within the membership all levels of personnel including PFSO trainers, former forces personnel, former dock and port law enforcement personnel and harbour and river patrollers. With the aid of sister organizations, where necessary, we can deliver training and assessment packages worldwide at competitive prices".

IPSA is also in discussion with purchasers of security servicesThe International Professional Security Association (IPSA) welcomes the Government decision to retain licensing in the security industry, albeit with some changes as to how it is to be regulated. Indeed, as disclosures in the press show, the Government has had a change of heart on licensing, with in some cases press releases changing by the hour, and the industry can be proud of what it has achieved in recent weeks. On behalf of its members, IPSA petitioned strongly, not only to the Home Office and the SIA but also to every MP and key members of the House of Lords, seeking their support and making them aware of the concerns of the people IPSA represents, about the future of the industry and its regulation. At the same time IPSA expressed the desire to work with government in cost-reduction measures without loss of effective regulation.Since last week's announcement, IPSA has agreed to attend the meeting taking place this week of the new Security Alliance. As a long term supporter of the Joint Security Industry Council, IPSA is interested to see whether this initiative will result in a new Lead Body, representing the views of the whole industry. It is certainly clear that where there are a variety of bodies, each seeking representation for their members, there should be some method of reaching a consensus of these views and for this to be taken forward outside the industry. In addition the SIA has invited IPSA to attend a roundtable meeting next week involving those whom the SIA consider to be key industry representatives and IPSA eagerly awaits the SIA's vision of the future. Discussions so far indicate that they see their change of status as a positive move, where they are better able to work with the industry, and are able to continue their "journey" of improving the status of the industry and removing those unwanted elements that in some areas still lurk in the shadows.In a separate initiative, IPSA is also in discussion with purchasers of security services. IPSA wishes to see greater involvement with the people who make the choices, with their understanding the benefits of a professional security service. As all in the industry are aware, a blinkered view of the abilities of security companies and a focus purely on price has made it difficult for providers to move forward. This should not be allowed to continue.There is no doubt that there are changes ahead and IPSA, on behalf of its members, will be continuing its work to ensure that the changes are positive.