The Shield Group hosts Summer Security Conference on HMS Belfast
Chaired by Ken Stewart, The Shield Group’s Corporate Risk Director and a Former Detective Chief Superintendent at the City of London Police, over 100 senior customers and guests joined The Shield Group’s team of experts for an afternoon of networking, high-tea and presentations from dynamic speakers from the public and private sectors, who spoke on a wide range of important and prominent themes in the business security sector.
Tony Porter, Surveillance Camera Commissioner for England and Wales at The Home Office, discussed the importance of surveillance cameras and the challenges in using such technologies. Tony began his career at Greater Manchester Police and was subsequently appointed Head of CID for South Manchester. In 2008 he was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the New Year’s Honours list for distinguished service to policing. Tony moved from policing in September 2012 and took the role of Vice President Head of Physical Security Intelligence for Barclays Bank. In his role as Commissioner, he is currently responsible for encouraging compliance with the surveillance camera code of practice, reviewing the effectiveness of the code and providing advice on the appropriate and transparent use of surveillance camera systems, all of which he discussed at the Summit.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jeff Davies, Head of Crime and Counter Terrorism at City of London Police (above) spoke about the importance of CCTV surveillance in tackling crime and terrorist threats. In his current role, Jeff provides briefings and advice on a range of topics including personnel, employment screening, cyber security and protective security against terror and domestic extremism. During his presentation, Jeff also shared details of the police’s Project Griffin. Project Griffin, which was introduced in April 2004, was established to strengthen the partnership between the City of London Police and security chiefs within the City’s business community.
The Shield Group’s Chief Executive John Roddy is also a member on Project Griffin’s committee, a revolutionary initiative aiming to coordinate the resources of the police, emergency services, local authorities and the private sector security industry.
Speaking about the event, The Shield Group’s Ken Stewart said: “The Shield Group Summer Security Conference was yet another fantastic opportunity to emphasise the most pressing security issues currently facing the UK and abroad. As The Shield Group is the leading independent Total Security Solutions provider in the UK, we are able to organise such an event which brings a real focus to protecting people, property, assets and brands.”
Chief Executive John Roddy said: “I am proud of the quality and quantity of our guests as it reflects our reputation in the industry and interests in our business. It demonstrates we are changing as a business and are ready to reshape the industry with our unique position in the market”.
The decision for hosting the event at HMS Belfast was also directed by the fact that The Shield Group was recently awarded the visitor services and security contract at IWM, which includes IWM’s flagship branch that is transforming with new First World War Galleries and Atrium space opening on Saturday 19 July 2014 to mark the Centenary of the First World War; IWM North, housed in an iconic award-winning building designed by Daniel Libeskind; IWM Duxford, a world renowned aviation museum and Britain's best preserved wartime airfield; Churchill War Rooms, housed in Churchill’s secret headquarters below Whitehall; and the Second World War cruiser HMS Belfast.
