Podcast: Episode 12 – Figen Murray & Martyn’s Law, IFSEC and mental health in security

Episode 12 of the Security in Focus podcast features not one, not two, but three guests, covering the story behind Martyn’s Law, mental health in the security sector and what’s going on at IFSEC in 2023!

First up, hear from Figen Murray all about her push for new security legislation in the UK following the tragic death of her son, Martyn Hett, in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Figen tells us all about the journey and story behind the campaign, how she’s worked with the security industry during the process, and gives her thoughts on the public inquiry into the bombing and what it revealed.

You’ll also hear from Sarah Meek, Managing Director of mental health charity, Mates in Mind. The charity specialises in providing mental health support and advice for those in the construction sector and in adjacent industries, with security and fire professionals included. Sarah explains how workplace communication can positively impact a colleague or employee’s state of mind.

And, in the middle, you’ll hear all about what’s going on at IFSEC 2023 this year, taking place between 16-18 May at London’s ExCeL, from Event Director, Gerry Dunphy!

So what are you waiting for? Just click the ‘play’ button on the player below to listen to the episode!

About the speakers…

Figen Murray

Figen is the force behind Martyn’s Law, legislation which will require larger venues to improve security against the threat of terrorism, train their staff with free online training provided by the government, and one that requires all venues to have a counter-terrorism plan in place. This began in early 2019 in Figen’s kitchen as an online petition which received over 23,000 signatures. Since then, Figen has been working with a team of co-campaigners and meeting government officials and ministers regularly to formulate how her vision would be put into practice and implemented as law.

During this time, Figen also completed a Master’s Degree in counter-terrorism. She was awarded an OBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours List, an Honorary Doctorate from Salford University in 2022, and additionally made a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM).

Sarah Meek

Sarah has extensive experience of working in the public sector and charity sectors. Prior to leading Mates in Mind, she was Director of Operations at Relate leading the strategic direction and service delivery of relationship counselling across England and Wales.

Sarah also brings 25 years’ experience of working within the NHS – starting as a chartered physiotherapist, progressed to being a Director of Commissioning at a CCG, spent time as a GP practice manager and finally worked as Deputy Director of Operations managing General Medicine, Emergency Care and Therapies at a leading hospital trust in Surrey.

Gerry Dunphy

Gerry Dunphy is the Event Director of IFSEC, FIREX and Facilities Show – all co-located events that take place annually at London’s ExCeL, serving the security, fire and facilities management sectors. IFSEC is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, and is the UK’s longest running and largest exhibition of its kind. The shows bring together a highly engaged professional audience, with new tech and innovations on display from manufacturers, leading associations providing networking zones and opportunities for education and professional development via content theatres and conferences both on and off the show floor.

Links to talking points:

• Register for IFSEC 2023 today!
• Register for the Martyn’s Law Conference at IFSEC
• Find out more about Martyn’s Law & the Protect Duty
• Manchester Arena Inquiry latest
• Read: Interview with Sarah Meek, MD of Mates in Mind
• Mates in Mind – mental health charity
• Mates in Mind calls on companies to start the conversation about mental health

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