M INTELLIGENT SECURITY


any of those working in security are familiar with the


large number of membership organisations, regulatory bodies and partnership initiatives with ‘security’ somewhere in their title or job description. Each of these provides a key piece of support for the security profession in the UK – but do they work together?


Growth of the Security Commonwealth


The Security Commonwealth was formed in 2015 following a call to action to achieve a forum to bring the efforts of the various security organisations together.


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Now with over 40 member organisations, the stated purposes of the Security Commonwealth include the provision of a forum to consult and co-operate in the common interest and promotion of professionalism, good practice and information sharing to enhance UK security; to be the all-inclusive industry advocate on security issues in the UK, to create lasting networks and alliances; and to promote and lead the security industry with a single voice.


Joe Connell, the current Chair of the Security Commonwealth, summarises the approach succinctly: “We have three main aims: to collaborate, to communicate and to influence.”


The Security Commonwealth has also established a hybrid form of governance, reflecting this collaborative approach. A Senior Board comprises a Chair and two Vice Chairs, each selected from a different member organisation. These position are currently held by Joe Connell (Chair, who is also Chairman of the Association of Security Consultants), David Clark (Vice Chair, who also chairs the ASIS UK Chapter), and recently appointed Guy Mathias (Vice Chair, who also chairs the Food & Drink Security Association). The Chair serves for one year, the two Vice Chairs being made up of the previous Chair and the Chair-Elect for the following year. “This is designed to ensure that no one person or organisation dominates, whilst maintaining the ability to keep to a consistent rolling three-year strategy,” Joe explains.


Supporting UK Security Strategy


Ready to exploit the cohesion generated over the last four years, the Security Commonwealth is now in a strong position to further support UK security. This is good timing: the 2018 revision of CONTEST – the UK’s Strategy for Countering Terrorism – indicates that the Threat Level will continue at Severe for at least two more years.


Joe Connell says, “The threats are diverse and constantly shifting and so are the core skills needed. Sharing and networking are more


16 © CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – WINT ER 2018 Advertisement


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