The Joint Security Industry Council at its Annual General Meeting held at the Middle East Association in St James’s on Wednesday last (6 July) elected Patrick J Somerville QPM of the International Professional Security Association (IPSA) to the post of Chairman consequent upon the retirement of Richard Flenley QPM from his position as Associate Director of Canary Wharf Management Ltd. on reaching the required age limit.  

The Council expressed their appreciation for the sterling work carried out by Richard during his short term of office in successfully overseeing a review of JSIC’s administration and restoring it to financial stability.

Members were unanimous in their support of the continuing role of JSIC as the principal representative body of the fifty plus associations and other organisations from various sectors of the private security industry that make up the membership body.   

Recognising the range and diversity of their activities in both the private and public sectors and the challenges faced by regulation introduced by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, there is an even greater need for coordinated and effective representation at the highest level.   

Speaking after accepting the appointment Patrick Somerville said

“JSIC is not as some would have you believe a spent force.  On the contrary there is a renewed vitality about the Council and an encouraging pledge of cooperation from members and other organisations that augers well for the future.  We aim with vigour and determination to respond to the clear desire and needs of the membership.    

JSIC working groups contributed significantly to the early consultations with the Home Office and the SIA about regulation.   

We are still in regular contact with the SIA with a view to identifying how JSIC will fulfil its role in a fully regulated industry.  

There are many issues which are yet to be settled through consultation.   It is JSIC’s job in the absence of any other credible industry body to help the Associations and other organisations to gather the views and concerns of their members and effectively present them to government departments and the Regulator.

Some associations have remained outside the JSIC family, perhaps unaware that there is a place for them within it, and that it can enable them to have their say and be heard on matters that affect their businesses and how they will operate under the new conditions.   We need to raise awareness and bring them around the table too. 

The spectre of terrorism has been visited on London.  JSIC has been involved in counter terrorism initiatives and supports the involvement of the private security industry in joint projects with the police to strengthen the capacity of the Cities of London and Westminster to respond to terrorism incidents.   These arrangements have been tested in recent days and demonstrate how the industry and the emergency services can and will work together to protect the community.         

It is not the time to abandon this important work or seek alternative structures, rather it means that all Associations should join JSIC, enter into the dialogue, contribute to the policy decisions and influence regulations that will be made in spite of us if we do not come together to protect and promote our legitimate interests and those of the communities we serve.”