PARTNERSHIPUPDATE - PARTNERSHIPUPDATE


Focus on a Chartered Security Professional Dawn Holmes CSyP


I


started off my career in security at Boots and that was the best thing that could have happened for me.


Firstly, I was under the most amazing mentor, secondly it was a really innovative environment: one of the UK’s first digital CCTV systems and


control room, side wide use of ANPR and real encouragement to put to practice the theories I was learning.


The role was so diverse and included TSCM sweeps before board meetings; personal security and protection of the executive team, their families and residences; product continuation and brand protection on the manufacturing side; loss prevention from a supply chain perspective (retail & logistics); designing datacentres and store layouts and security being part of the design stage.


Then there was managing fire and security for a 24/7 300+ acre site with 5,000 daily users. The role allowed me to see the endless facets within this profession, which enthused me from the start, a passion that I still have.


The next big step was my move to Experian. It was my first Global role and introduced me more to the IT security side of things and to start to grasp the importance of data as an asset, with its associated risks.


The datacentre environments were incredibly well-managed, and were a demonstration of how great design can provide the required functionality and my protection of the datacentre environments and partnership with IT Security provided so much insight.


Working in London enabled me to get more involved with industry associations. I worked on projects for both ASIS and the Security Institute and became Women in Security committee lead for ASIS. My responsibilities extended to include Young Professionals, Police and Military Transitions. I have recently been elected Vice Chair of ASIS and I’m honoured and excited to make more of an impact.


At Bloomberg I specialised in security technology and design. Bloomberg is a


24 S


dynamic and inspiring environment- you just have to walk into a Bloomberg building to experience the buzz- the physical spaces are incredible and innovation and creativity just flows. An important part of this role was to ensure your design accounts for how the technology and humans interact and meets the organisation’s requirements, meaning, you don’t just install a box and move on.


The next exciting chapter for me is to start working for myself as a consultant. I’ve just secured my first contract and I want to specialise in working with CISOs to advise/design and create policies and maintenance requirements to align the physical and logical security, specifically around ISO and industry accreditations.


I was keen for my consultancy role to have the gold seal of approval that the Chartered Security Professional (CSyP) brings. Within security there are lots of niche qualifications and post nominals. The CSyP is an accreditation that ignores the intricacies of your chosen discipline, whilst scoring you against these individual achievements, it raises above these qualifications to demonstrate that you meet a Gold Standard within the profession.


The CSyP can only strengthen the profession and for this reason it is really important that we see more of the exceptional senior females within the industry taking this up: I am CSyP number 195 on the register, and one of less than 18 women. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to nudge my amazing female peers to get their applications in, to ensure the CSyP register mirrors the diversity that we are seeing within the industry.


Focus on a Security Officer


Simon Cole


imon Cole has been working in security for about 10 years following an initial


recommendation by a relative.


Today he works with City Security Services looking after a sixteen-floor multi-tenanted building close to Marble Arch. He currently leaves home in East London at 4.45am to get to the building, so he is in plenty of time for the shift change with his colleague and to go through any


© CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – SPRING 2021 www.citysecuritymagazine.com


relevant actions. He used to cycle in but the poor condition of the roads has put a stop to this.


Prior to joining City Security Services, Simon’s first job in security was one that may resonate with images of the past: a security guard sitting outside a building site with hands warming over a hot brazier! In this case, Simon was looking after an empty building with no heating, electric or running water – using a gas heater, thick coat, hat, and gloves to keep warm (and, of course, a thermos for his tea)!


After that assignment, he was posted as team leader to an MOD site just off the Hampshire Coast, where he was billeted for a year assisting the Armed Forces at a check point. Simon enjoyed his time and said it was very much an eye opener and learning experience, combined with fond memories of a ‘full English’ in the mess!


Simon enjoys his current role: “My position is front of house and it is a joy to help the tenants, visitors, couriers and contractors with their differing needs, whilst ensuring the people and premises are safe and secure and no day is the same.”


He has attended Project Griffin training and subsequently ACT and developed a good understanding about the skills that are important for a security role: “Expect to work hard, learn, be approachable but friendly and firm – it is important to communicate well with people.” He added: “It is an exciting industry to work in and your career can definitely develop. I started off working in an empty cold building and now I am front of house in a prestigious building working for a great company, and who knows where this will take me”.


Head of Operations at City Security Services, James Mortimer says: “Simon is extremely conscientious and his reputation within the business and with the client has grown exponentially since joining the organisation – he is a great ambassador for the business and a credit to us all.”


So, what’s next for Simon: “I would love to gain more knowledge and be better at what I do as a security officer - I’m looking forward to enhancing my skills through further training, which in turn would improve my output and service to the client.”


In the short time I spent with Simon his answer was to be expected – his service-focused attitude and mindset are exemplary. He is one of those ‘diamonds’ working on the frontline – plus a really nice, humble, person who is no doubt going to go places.


Graham Bassett Editorial Committee, City Security magazine


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36