David Wilkinson

During the section meetings following the Euralarm General Assembly, Joakim Söderström has been appointed chairman of the Security Section. As chairman he will also join the board of Euralarm as Vice President. Following in the footsteps of David Wilkinson, he will continue the journey that the section started. Milan Ceeh, vice chairman of the section and representative of the Czech association AGA will remain in his position. Security Solutions Expert Joakim Söderström is general manager of Säkerhetsbranschen, the association of the Swedish security industry (www.sakerhetsbranschen.se). He started his career at the Swedish police force where he held several (management) position. He then became general manager of the Swedish association for safety and security. In his new role of chairman of the security section he will build on the foundations that were laid by his predecessor. When asked Joakim says to be thrilled to become the chairman of the Security Section. “With our new strategic priorities and challenges document we have the foundation in place where we can now continue to build on. After defining our strategy, I feel proud to contribute to turning the strategy into action. I’m happy with all the section members and their enthusiasm and professionalism. Together we will make this work!”

Tavcom Training, a subsidiary of Linx International Group, is celebrating the first anniversary of its Certified Technical Security Professionals (CTSP) Register, which aims to raise standards in the security and fire industry. In the last 12 months more than 500 engineers, contractors and vendors have applied to have their competence officially recognized. The Register has been endorsed by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). Assisting Security Professionals David Wilkinson CTSP, Director of Technical Services at BSIA, states: “We are proud to support the CTSP Register to promote the technical competency and professionalism our security personnel have to offer. Such recognition is important in ensuring the fire and security industry can demonstrate its proposition as an attractive career path to what is a highly technical and diverse industry sector.” A new Vocational Application Pathway has been created in collaboration with SSAIB Since its launch, the CTSP Register has continued to evolve to assist security professionals and those who depend on their capabilities, including employers, end-user organizations and households. In June, it was announced that auditors and consultants who fulfill technical roles in electronic security and fire systems would be eligible to apply. In addition, a new Vocational Application Pathway has been created in collaboration with SSAIB that enables engineers and consultants with relevant security systems experience but without recognized industry qualifications to apply.  Recognizing Qualified Professionals “There is a real appetite across the security and fire sectors to raise standards,” states CTSP Registrar Kevin Matthew. “The CTSP Register is being seen as a way for professionals with the right qualifications and experience to be recognized for their dedication to technical best practice, and hopefully that translates into winning more business.” All CTSP applications are assessed by the Registration Manager, and successful applicants appear on the publicly searchable Register. The application process takes place online and costs £25, with a £50 annual fee payable on acceptance.

The SCC refers to the advancing technology which is prevalent within the CCTV arena Surveillance Camera Commissioner (SCC), Tony Porter QPM LLB, has published his Annual Report after laying it down before parliament on the 19th November 2015. The report highlights the work carried out by the SCC during his first full year in office and addresses the many challenges he has faced while working with the public, industry and end users. Much of the work outlined in his report has been carried out with the support of both his Advisory Council and Standards Board, both of which the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) are actively involved in. Establishing Standards For CCTV Arena Porter discusses how the opportunity to work closely with Local Authorities has highlighted the significant proportion of public space CCTV – utilised by Local Authorities – that does not fall within the purview of dedicated CCTV managers. It is the opinion of the SCC that numerous Departments do not enjoy the same public scrutiny and in some cases, the regulatory compliance is questionable. The SCC concludes this point by stating that greater governance of these areas is needed to ensure compliance. The report outlines how much of the past year has been focused on establishing what standards for CCTV are used by the industry, how they protect public interests and what more might need to be done to further protect these interests. Looking forward to the future, the SCC refers to the advancing technology which is prevalent within the CCTV arena, and how the regulatory framework and legislators will be able to keep pace. Accepting that ever-more sophisticated technology will continue to emerge, the SCC has engaged with the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology to establish a horizon scanning team, which will act as a reference point to understand current and potential future use and impact. Addressing Security Concerns Concluding the report, the SCC brings attention to his high-level business plan for 2015/16, which aims to show how he will tackle the challenges anticipated for the coming year. Some of these activities include: developing a suite of standards addressing users’ technical requirements for body worn video for the police, guidance for users of body worn vide (non law-enforcement agencies), understanding how technological developments impact on the Protection of Freedoms Act (PoFA)   and producing a comprehensive review of the PoFA Code as required within the Protection of Freedoms Act. David Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at the BSIA, comments: “While the Surveillance Camera Commissioner has been a welcome introduction to the industry and has had a successful first year in office, there are still a number of challenges to overcome and further work to be completed. In particular, the BSIA would like to see private sector CCTV systems incorporated into the Surveillance Camera Commissioner’s Code of Practice.” Wilkinson concludes: “The BSIA will continue to engage fully with the SCC, through its involvement as members of the SCC Advisory Council and Standards Board. We are also in liaison with the British Standards Institute (BSI) on the development of a Body Worn Video standard which I am leading through my position as Chair of the BSI’s National CCTV Standards Group.”

With 25 years’ experience in electronic security sector, David has been involved in standards development for a number of years David Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), has been appointed Chair of the British Standards Institute’s GW/1 committee, which oversees standards development in the UK’s electronic security sector. Committee Oversees UK Electronic Security Standards Development As the UK’s parent committee for all standards work in the field of electronic security, GW/1 acts as the ‘gate keeper’ for the UK, representing British Standards Institute at European and International levels and responsible for the UK’s input into CLC/TC79 – the CENELEC technical committee responsible for harmonizing standards for detection, alarm and monitoring systems. With 15 standards currently in development and 87 already published, GW/1 also oversees seven sub-committees covering a number of sectors including access control, alarm systems and components, CCTV, remote centers and transmission equipment. 25 Years In Electronic Security Sector With 25 years’ experience in the electronic security sector, David has been involved in standards development for a number of years, having been an active participant in a number of standards committees across Britain and Europe before stepping up to lead GW/1, which includes a number of other participating industry organizations including the NSI and SSAIB, the British Retail Consortium and the National Police Chiefs’ Council. Commenting on his appointment, David said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of GW/1, and look forward to leading the UK’s contributions to standards development on an international basis. GW/1 is one of the most influential electronic security standards committees in the UK, and this appointment reinforces the BSIA’s continued success in representing its members at the highest levels to ensure they remain fully informed and prepared for the latest developments. “I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to continue to drive best practice in our industry, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that buyers and end-users can easily recognize quality solutions to make informed purchasing decisions.”   Over 30 BSI Committees In the UK, the BSIA continues to represent its members on more than 30 British Standards Institute (BSI) committees, either as a member or as chair, and is a key sector influence in intruder, access control, CCTV, lone worker, guarding, consultancy, vacant property protection, risk, resilience and management committees.  David’s first committee meeting as Chair of GW/1 is scheduled to take place on 11th September.

A number of BSIA’s security systems and equipment manufacturer members provided their knowledge during the consultation Key organizations from across the security industry have produced an industry agreement on an interim update of the PD 6662 scheme for Intruder and Hold-up alarm systems. The agreement was written with the input of trade associations, insurers, inspectorates and the police and has taken around four months to produce. The decision was made to produce the agreement outside of the BSI standards framework to allow for a more fundamental review of the PD6662 scheme to take place within the BSI to align with the introduction of the much awaited second amendment to EN50131-1, which is still under development in Europe. Leading organizations involved in the development of the agreement included the British Security Industry Association, Fire and Security Association, National Police Chiefs Council, National Security Inspectorate, Police Scotland, RISCAuthority, and the Security System and Alarms Inspection Board. A number of the BSIA’s Security Systems and Security Equipment Manufacturer members provided their industry leading knowledge during the consultation. Enabling Use Of Mobile Devices To Set Or Unset Intruder Alarm Systems A key focus for members of the BSIA’s Security Systems and Security Equipment Manufacturers has been to ensure that there was a method of enabling the use of mobile devices to set or unset intruder alarm systems; an issue that has been in need of addressing as a result of the restrictions in their use through BS8243, the standard for alarm confirmation, and the lack of clarity in the current EN50131-3 standard. David Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at the BSIA, commented: “The BSIA has played an instrumental part in shaping this agreement and we are pleased that other industry organizations have also seen the benefit in contributing and aligning to this. “The PD 6662 scheme for Intruder and Hold-up alarms systems is somewhat out of date. This industry agreement provides the ideal opportunity to update the existing scheme and enable the use of mobile device technology in this important market sector, while the full review of the PD is undertaken through BSI.” The introduction of mobile technology enables professional installers to utilize this technology, which they could not under the current PD6662 scheme. In turn, this passes on the benefits of using newer technology to end users or purchasers of Intruder and Hold-up alarm systems. The Industry Agreement will come into effect on the 1st September 2015 and it is intended that the content of the agreement will be incorporated into the revised edition of PD 6662. The BSIA will continue to influence the European standards that impact on intruder alarm systems to ensure that wherever possible, the requirements in the industry agreement can be positioned at a European level, negating the need for a long term “national” implementation. The Association’s Annual Review, published earlier, highlights some of the many standards the BSIA and its members have influenced in the past year.

According to David Wilkinson ensuring that members are represented throughout standards development is one of the core BSIA functions The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has published its Annual Review for 2014-15, revealing that the trade body continues to expand its influence in the development of British and European standards. Member Representation On More Than 30 BSI Committees In the past 12 months, the BSIA has contributed to the development and review of 26 standards, affecting a range of industry sectors including lone worker, CCTV and intruder alarms. In the UK, the Association continues to represent its members on more than 30 British Standards Institute (BSI) committees, either as a member or as chair, and is a key sector influence in intruder, access control, CCTV, lone worker, guarding, consultancy, vacant property protection, risk, resilience and management committees. An Active Member Of European Telecommunications Standards Institute Outside of the UK, the BSIA’s influence continues to grow, with the Association represented on more than 15 standards committees in Europe. Participation in the main decision-making committee at the International Standards Body (IEC TC 79) benefits all electronic sections of BSIA membership, whereas the Association remains an active member of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and a vocal Board member of the Confederation of European Security Services (CoESS), where the BSIA also chairs the Critical National Infrastructure working group. Participation within the European standards body, CENELEC, has also benefited all electronic sections of membership, as the BSIA actively participates in WG1 and WG10, as well as the main decision-making committee CLC TC79. The Association’s involvement in Euralarm has also expanded, with the BSIA securing the Vice Chair position for the Security Systems section as well as a place on Euralarm’s Board, positioning the BSIA as a leading voice within the European electronic security sector and most notably, the standards arena. Encourages Members To Involve In Standards Development "The Association actively encourages its members to become involved in standards development by nominating working group experts", comments David Wilkinson, Director Technical Services, BSIA David Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at the BSIA, comments: “The development and revision of standards at British, European and International levels is an issue which continues to affect BSIA members from all sections of membership, and ensuring that members are fully represented throughout the various stages of standards development is one of the core functions of the Association. “While the Association actively encourages its members to become involved in standards development by nominating working group experts, the Association itself takes pride in its ability to lead by example when it comes to committee involvement, chairing a number of standards committees and working groups.” UK Standards Influenced By The BSIA UK standards influenced by the BSIA in the past year include: a revision and update of the alarm cable standard, BS4737 Part 3.30, BS8418 – the standard for detector-activated, remotely-monitored CCTV, a review of BS7958 relating to CCTV management and operation and BS7984 parts 1 & 2, relating to keyholder and response services and Response to Lone worker services. Further afield, the Association has lobbied the European Commission on matters such as third party certification and the impact of 4G technology on security manufacturers.

BS8418 - Code of Practice covering installation & remote monitoring of detector-activated CCTV systems The British Security Industry Association’s CCTV Section has welcomed the revision of British Standard BS8418, claiming that the changes will make it easier for installers and monitoring companies to comply with the standard without reducing system effectiveness. A Code of Practice covering the installation and remote monitoring of detector-activated CCTV systems, BS8418 was first launched in 2003, with the aim of raising the standard of installation and operation of integrated systems. However, following its review in 2010, compliance with the standard had proven difficult for many due to the complex technical requirements it includes, which the British Standards Institute has now taken steps to rectify in the latest revision of the standard. Simplify Requirements & Maintain Effectiveness Talking of the 2010 standard, Simon Adcock, Chairman of the BSIA’s CCTV section commented, “The aim of the 2010 standard was to further raise the bar in system quality but it had the effect of reducing the adoption of the standard. A standard that is impractical to implement impacts negatively on the average installation quality, on the industry and on end users so a further review was justified. Members of the BSIAs CCTV section led the review, the brief being to simplify the requirements and maintain effectiveness but also to ensure that the end user would have a clear understanding of what was and wasn’t included in their system.” David Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) comments: “The overarching reason for the review of BS8418 was to make the standard more achievable by removing some of the onerous technical requirements and simplify the structure of the standard.” BSIA Involved In Development Of This Code Of Practice “To date, the BSIA has been heavily involved in the development of this Code of Practice through its work with the British Standards Institute, enabling our members to adequately prepare for the forthcoming changes and incorporate them into bids for new business.” When deployed, BS8418 compliant solutions consist of cameras and detectors placed strategically around a site, linked together by specialized transmission equipment to a Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC). Here, operators can visually confirm what is happening, call up on-screen plans of the site and communicate warnings to intruders via on-site speakers. If necessary, the RVRC operators can also alert the police who, as the incident is confirmed visually and is associated with a URN (Unique Reference Number), should provide a rapid response. "BSIA has been heavily involved in the development of this Code of Practice through its work with the British Standards Institute", says David Wilkinson, Director of Technical Services at BSIA Principal Changes To BS8418 The principal changes to BS8418, implemented in the latest revision, include: Improve the document structure to better reflect the responsibilities of the installer, Maintainer and RVRC. The need to carry out a threat assessment & risk analysis and produce an Operational Requirement document to reflect the requirements of BS IEC 62676-4 has been included. Clarification of the use of portable/mobile systems within the standard. Relaxation of some of the tamper recommendations and the inclusion of a tamper protection/indication table to add clarity to the requirements. Inclusion of a fault recognition/indication table to provide clarity to the recommendations. A decrease in the number of event memory recommendations. The need for an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) is now determined by threat analysis and risk assessment. Highlighted the need for a minimum of one data transmission path.