SECURiTY PARTNERSHiPS:In this regular feature, we focus on security partnership news, views and updates


Safe Haven app supports Our Safer City


In support of the Prevention of Violence Against Women & Girls (P-VAWG) and Domestic Abuse (DA) initiative being led by the City of London Crime Prevention Association (CoLCPA) – known as Our Safer City – in 2024, each edition of City Security magazine will include details and updates on specific projects within the initiative. The project highlighted this time is the Safe Haven app.


Safe Haven is a free, easy-to-use security app that provides personal security facilities on your mobile phone and provides a number of ways to help you stay safe.


The key safety facility is an interactive map showing the location of ‘Safe Havens’ close to your location. A Safe Haven is a managed building that allows a temporary place of refuge – most likely their reception area – should you come into difficulty at any time of the day or night. This short-term holding point offers you a place to arrange safe onward travel arrangements to your next destination. Once you select a Safe Haven


you would like to access, they are alerted to your location and estimated time of arrival. Establishing a Safe Haven in a building is a straightforward and inexpensive process involving basic procedures, training key staff, and ensuring some essential equipment is readily available.


It is hoped that as many locations as possible in the City of London and elsewhere become a Safe Haven, creating a network available to anyone throughout the day or night. Recently a Safe Haven has been established in the City of London at Cushman & Wakefield at 125 Old Broad Street.


Peter Lavery, City of London Crime Prevention Association committee member says: “All property management companies should consider 'Safe Haven' status for their buildings in the City of London/Greater London!”


The app also includes a quick and easy emergency function with an SOS button that provides direct contact with the 101 police emergency centre. Should you feel immediately threatened, it will also alert a nominated contact that the alarm has been raised.


Focus on a security professional: Asad Jalil


I


met with Asad Jalil on an overcast and wet day at Canary Wharf. Fortunately, the one-station-stop journey only took 3.5 minutes on the Elizabeth Line, with a


minute’s walk to 25 Colonnades where Asad works as a Supervisor with Unitrust Security.


When I first walked into the foyer, I was impressed with how I was greeted and engaged with, as were others I saw entering/exiting the building.


Asad has been working at this impressive seventeen-floor development from when it was a building site to where it is now, with full occupancy and a popular street food hall underneath on the concourse level.


Asad’s journey from Security Officer to Security Supervisor started some ten years back. He gained experience in retail, at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia Cultural Bureau and at a corporate location in the City of London. In his current role, he has a team of 26, looking after some 2,000 client employees. I asked Asad four key questions:


What is the best thing about your job?


Being part of a great team and engaging with various clients at all levels and, when needed,


23 © CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – SPRING 2024


I get great satisfaction from resolving any issues or difficulties a client may have. We have a great team culture of committed and diverse individuals who are here for each other and work well as a team.


How has your role changed over the years?


From a corporate perspective, security has evolved over the last ten years with technology playing an important part, so you must embrace technology as part of that change to do your job and keep people safe.


The expectations of a client have also changed: aside from being security capable, customer service is an integral part of the role – communication and interaction with the client at all levels along with members of the public is a necessary skill set for today’s professional security officer.


www.citysecuritymagazine.com


Rachel Parker, Safe Haven project manager, says: “The network continues to move forward, and we will shortly announce some exciting new partnerships, which are in the process of completing the registration and training phase. We continue to reach out to all types of businesses, public establishments, and leisure facilities, to come and join this extremely important safety initiative.”


Google QR Code


The app is free of charge to use and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Or use the QR codes here to download and access the app. For more information, email:


admin@safehavenapp.org.uk Apple QR Code


What advice would you give someone looking to seek a career in security?


Aside from working hard and taking a genuine interest in what you do, you need to be culturally aware, be a good listener, be patient and want to learn.


What has been a highlight of your career?


I enjoy the recognition from the client and my manager when the team has performed well.


The following endorsement from Beth Ivens, Asad’s manager, backs up my impression of Asad as a professional security supervisor with an inclusive outlook towards his team and people in general.


“Asad Jalil embodies what every Security Manager would want in their Security Supervisor. Asad is very personable, methodical, and driven, which all of the teams recognise. As Asad's manager, I trust him entirely and depend upon him. Asad has the respect of our team, the client, and all occupiers, who know what a dependable and friendly person he is. I would love for Asad to be recognised for all that he does that is clear to see and all that he does that is behind closed doors but keeps the cogs smoothly turning.”


Thank you for your time, Asad it was a pleasure to meet you.


Graham Bassett Editorial Team


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