Defence of the Realm

I am aware that many of you like to follow my exploits within the trade sector journals within which, I frequently have my articles published. If you follow the link you will see a full length version of themost recent editorial featured in SMT. I had published a segment of this feature in an earlier blog:

Baroness Ruth Henig

When Baroness Ruth Henig was selected for her post as Chairman of the SIA, she duly completed a tour of 50 Companies within the Security Guarding sector, cementing her image of grassroot concern and inward investment. She paid a visit to A.A. Security Ltd at our Head office September 2007 and we did not get a change to publicise the esteemed visit of such an influential and key player for change resolution within our industry. Baroness Henig has remained true to her word and continues to listen to the concerns of the organisations under her remit, having created extensive consultative opportunities for industry and wider stakeholder participation - with her strong focus on facilitating tangible change using her position leverage. A true hero for our industry and long may she continue to enjoy her role....!

On the right is our Operations Manager Muhammad Shoaib and the child in the picture is Hannah Chowdhry my daughter - as you can see she enjoyed Baroness Henig's visit as much as I!

SIA Approved Contractor Forum!

I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the SIA forum held yesterday on Thursday 30th July 2009. At the forum the SIA presented updates on progress with enforcements, potential changes to the training remit that will be phased in for the re-licensing programme in 2011, informed us of Business licensing for the Vehicle Immobilisation industry and delivered their recent in-house security review. I met with Alan Shepherd Director of the ACS standard and Nick Smith Assistant Director Government and Legal (inset picture). To be honest, I felt quit bewildered in the presence of such elevated, revered and esteemed company!

While talking to Andrew Shephard he informed me of ongoing review of the existing Strategy and Standards Group which could be termed a consultative, steering or scrutiny group for the ACS standard. This was an addition to the existing ACS process of engagement that I often clamoured for and remember many discussions with Andrew Shepherd in my ambition to have one set up. A member of the current group has left opening the door for a new entrant and a potential reassessment of membership.

Unfortunately, when the group was formed, even though I put my name forward and was one of only 48 companies to complete the In-house review questionnaire - I was absent when the invitations were distributed. However, I have persisted to stake my claim to a position on the panel in view of the regular insight I share with the industry via my articles in Trade sector Gazettes, commitment to attending SIA led meetings and the fact that I would be the only Asian member of a panel in which the number of Asian companies is significantly increasing. I was left out of the initial scheme due to proportionate representation during its initial phase, perhaps this very requirement will see my inclusion in this potential review...?

Meeting with Nick Smith was both pleasant and revealing. We discussed the differences between the South African and UK Security legislation in which he clarified that although the South African breed of SIA undertake In-house Security licensing, it is much driven by the need for criminality checks in an industry for which the use of guns is the norm. This was a very fair point, he also advised that in my recent article on the In-house review I made a few errors which I feel obliged to amend:

Firstly, the Secretary of State for the Home Office (the Home Secretary) ratified the In-house review and not the Secretary for Work and Pensions.

Secondly, section 7.1 of the RCC sets out the responsibilities on organisations such as the SIA to undertake analysis of the benefit of data requests with explicit consideration to “other sources”. This means that the SIA is required to ensure as far as is reasonably possible that it is not requiring regulated entities to provide information to them which those entities have already provided to other such similar regulatory bodies.

Thirdly section 24(6)b of the RRA places a responsibility on a Minister of the Crown (the Authority) to consult before making an Order in relation to the RCC, or those bodies who are subject to it (the RCC) - however I would like to add, if our Secretary of State Lord Mandellson is expected to undertake such research why should such impetus be overlooked by our Regulatory body the SIA...?

We were all a little tight lipped in the first photo, however, after a few chuckles and a joke or two - all three of us made merry before parting....

A Stake In National Security

A. A. Security now has a proud 3 year tradition of providing security to the Ministry of Defence at their Abingdon Barracks and North Luffenham Barracks. Contracts of this type are amongst the most difficult to secure within the Public Sector as the branch of the MOD responsible for the tender process "Commercial in Confidence" undertake a very stringent investigative analysis of the organisations approaching them for work. The mandatory Finance Audits, Quality Assurance testing and Health and Safety analysis required for most public sector contracts are only part of a process that is elongated by requirement and meticulous in detail. For instance when completing the tender documentation for these contracts in the initial phase and in the second phase the MOD made it compulsory that organisations tendering endorse a commitment to professionally develop all potential employees to be deployed on site to a full NVQ level 2 standard. Some might say this is no real landmark, however this learning stipulation places the MOD in excess of many other commercial and public sector organisations and sets a rather refreshing precedent - something many of you will be aware that I have been championing for our industry in its entirety - an opportunity in the re-licensing of officers has been overlooked/missed by our Industry regulators the SIA!

The contract also required organisations to demonstrate their Environmental, Innovation and Technology and Corporate social responsibility practices. This recognition of the need to reduce the collective Carbon Footprint is an element of the process that should be hailed and the very fact an organisation not conventionally expected to be concerned with miasma - they are taking a lead role is filtering out insouciant companies and cascading a message of responsibility. I can confirm that the SIA have improved their Approved Contractor scheme to incorporate a stronger focus on these items.

Mohammad Nadeem one of our long serving employees has received a gift of £25.00 and a letter of thanks from the Manger of the Human Resources Section at St Albans City and District Council. This was in view of his "outstanding work, superb performance and excellent knowledge" The contract has come to an end however the client has informed us they would certainly use us again and remraked on the exceptional level of service we have provided. We are pleased that an officer from A.A. Security has been appreciated in this way as we know how earnestly and arduously you all commit yourselves to your duties. We would extend our hearty congratulations to Mr Nadeem for this excellent success!

In the picture we have Nadeem in the centre (off duty I should add) and all the St Albans Human Resources Team. Mr Nadeem is now working at our Big Issue Contract.

Buy with confidence!

A. A. Security is pleased to announce that it has recently become a member of Redbridge Trading Standards ‘Buy with Confidence’ Scheme.

The scheme provides residents, consumers and other businesses with a diverse list of companies and individuals involved in all areas of home repair, security, maintenance and improvement that have been vetted and approved by their local trading standards office.

Accredited businesses have all been checked for trustworthiness and compliance with consumer protection laws. Trading Standards Officers visit & vet every applicant and must meet a specified criteria before are they accepted.

The Buy With Confidence Scheme was launched in 1999 by Hampshire County Council and has been so successful that it has grown to include many other Trading Standards Services across the country with over 150 trade categories. In Redbridge, the trading standards service is part of the award winning Bogus Callers Partnership which includes partners in the Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police, Neighbourhood Watch, Home Improvement Agency and others helping residents avoid rogue traders and bogus callers.

The message is that if you are looking to employ a trade or service, an approved ‘Buy with Confidence member is a good place to start. www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Top Dog! (excuse the pun!)

Here is a picture of me with Steve Hill a Director of and Company secretary for the National Association of Security Dog Users. A.A. Security was the first Asian owned business to gain membership to NASDU and is proud of its 7 year relationship with them. The picture was taken at the South Quay Plaza - so the view of the Millennium Dome is real and seen from the 11th floor! Steve and I were attending the "Sector Competency Group" meeting being held by "Skills for Security" - the topic of discussion for today's meeting included agreeing our recommendations for core training units that will be utilised for future Security Officer training courses. During my discussions with Steve he has asked me to write an article for his forthcoming newsletter. I hope to read the Security Dog Act 1979 and to stimulate a debate on potential improvements post-indepth analysis. At this juncture let me state how immensly refreshing and stimulating conversing with Steve was...he is a true professional. Moreover if all organisations worked with the diligence and care of NASDU, our industry would be a more thriving and elite industry. More details on Nasdu can be found at http://www.nasdu.co.uk/.

A.A. Security is proud to announce that we are launching our new fully accredited Wheel Clamping Service. Our first ever client is none other than Brent Council for whom we will be providing services to their to extremely large car parks that are often abused by visitors to Wembley Stadium. This is a very prestigious contract and an indication of the value and trust that this London Borough places on the service we provide. Whether you are a large corporate organisation or small residential group we promise to undertake our service provision with equal diligence and the expertise and care that have made us the most accredited and awarded firm within the sector. We also provide a range of traffic control and management services that will be in use at this years Redbridge Carnival and would benefit any organisation. Please make contact should you require more information.

Blue Badge Protection Devices

A. A. Security Ltd is a Met Police distribution centre for Tamper Proof Screws (to reduce Licence plate theft), Blue Badge Protection devices and UV Pens to label high value possession to increase traceability of items after any crime haul. We still have 1 blue badge protection device, some tamper proof Screws and UV Pens (used to highlight your postcode and house number). If you would like any of these do please make contact. This work is part of our partnership programme with the Local Police and highlights are determined and pragmatic approcah to corporate social responsibility. The lady in the picture was provided one at one of the many new Neighbourhood watches that our Director has started in Redbridge. Wilson Chowdhry is now the elected chairman of the Redbridge Neighbourhood Watch Association - an overarching support, guidance and information exchance cetre for all Redbridge Neighbourhood Watches. Learn more at www.RNWA.net

Pioneering Matrix IAG Accreditation Holders - Unique in Industry

The matrix Standard is the unique quality framework for the effective delivery of information, advice and/or guidance on learning and work. The Matrix Standard is useful for organisations that deliver information, advice and/or guidance to external clients as part of their business and also for employers who are committed to developing their people. read more here.

A. A. Security Ltd was a pioneer for the security industry in view of our attainement of the standard and we still stand unique as a security service provider holding the prestigious accreditation. Our in depth initial assessment of employees and stakeholders, regular audits, production of an annual business plan and the most comprehensive training and development programme within the sector and coaching and mentoring sessions as part of a more developed appraisal mechanism - enabled us to become Matrix IAG holders. Today our director Wilson Chowdhry attended a training session for potential applicants to their forthcoming "Excellence Awards". We hope the fact that we have used their framework to improve our organisation further, are pioneers and achieved the standard after only a two week set-up period with no improvement needs - will enable us to become our industry's first winner. Watch this space.....

In the picture you will see our Director Wilson Chowdhry with the charming Kathy Leahy Chief Executive for the Matrix IAG Standard.