How to Become a BSIA Specialist Services Section Member

UniTrust Protection Services’ CEO Ian Yexley tells IFSEC Global all about becoming a member of the BSIA’s Specialist Services Section.

IFSEC Global: What is the BSIA Special Services Section?

Ian Yexley: The BSIA’s Specialist Services Section consists of members that provide a range of specialist services including Close Protection, Technical Surveillance Counter Measures, Surveillance, intellectual property and brand protection investigations, IT Forensics, Cyber Security, Penetration testing and Security Consulting including Critical National Infrastructure.

Members are able to provide not just send users but other section members with expertise in many areas that will ultimately enhance the effectiveness of physical security measures and systems effectiveness.

The section was officially launched in November 2013 in light of the growing international reputation of the UK security sector and its products and services, particularly within the area of specialist security.

The section promotes best practice and is committed to the quality assurance of the BSIA. Our members are at the cutting edge of standards development in the UK and Europe, with our own codes of practice often being put forward to be developed into British or European Standards.

IG: How do you become a member?

IY:There is an application process to be qualified prior to joining where you must demonstrate that you do provide specialist security services and or products, have been trading for at least two years with the applicable proof, hold ISO 9001 certification accredited by a UKAS certification body, the company directors are of good repute and your business is financially sound.

Following the application, background checks and vetting is conducted and once this has been completed the application is forwarded to the section members for approval.

IG: Can you tell us one of the top requirements for joining?

IY: We want new members who are market leaders in their area of expertise, can demonstrate innovation and skills that will further enhance the reputation of the BSIA’s Specialist Services Section and provide end users with the best in class service.

IG: How did you accomplish this?

IY: UniTrust were one of the founder members of the BSIA Close Protection Section back in 2008, this section was amalgamated with other specialist groups in 2013. This was particularly useful for us as we provide many areas of expertise beyond Close Protection and we have quality professional people we can trust, network with and share ideas.

IG: What are the benefits of becoming a member?

IY: Representation – The BSIA works closely with Government to ensure that the views and concerns of its members are taken into account in the development of legislation, and in subsequent amendments and clarification. The Association regularly organises contact meetings and Parliamentary roundtables, as well as attending the major political party conferences.

Members of the Specialist Services Section have the opportunity to feed ideas and concerns into the Association’s public affairs strategy on the issues that affect their businesses.Members have opportunities to become involved in developing standards.

The BSIA leads the way in the development and improvement of industry standards, ensuring that BSIA membership remains synonymous with high standards. Where the industry lacks standards, the Association’s members develop their own codes of practice and these are often used by the British Standards Institute as a benchmark for the wider industry.

Finally, a quality mark – The BSIA logo is a hallmark of distinction that ensures a member company stands out from its peers. The logo is recognised by industry stakeholders and security buyers as representing the very highest level in quality, integrity and expertise and being a member of this Section demonstrates your commitment to standards.

IG: What is your session at IFSEC about? Who should attend and why?

IY: I will be giving an overview of the BSIA Specialist Services Section advising the diversity of member companies and the services that are available and what benefits there are to end users and industry generally. I intend to outline the qualities a company has to demonstrate to become a member and enlighten people why they should look to engage with member companies and the benefits it can bring.

I will be covering some very relevant subjects, including, Close Protection with an overview of the types of threat and managing expectations, CCTV and systems with examples of how bad some are and the potential consequences, Access Control Procedures and physical security linking to Constructive penetration testing and the positives that can be demonstrated, Investigating combining technology and traditional techniques, how different approaches have the best effect. There will be other subjects that are relevant and timely leading up to the IFSEC event and contributions from member companies.

I believe there would be benefits for Corporate Security Managers and other professional Security managers to attend and those responsible for risk in major corporations and organisations. Property Management companies and those responsible for high risk buildings, HR Directors, Foreign Embassies representatives and of course our own Government agencies and other BSIA members from other sections who could work with our members in areas they may not have the expertise.

Ian Yexley will be presenting on’Why a BSIA Specialist Section company?’ at IFSEC International 2016. His presentation will take place on 22nd June, 15.40 – 16.10 in the Security Management Theatre at ExCel, London. Register for your ticket here.