Securitas has announced The University of Hertfordshire as the winner of its 2015 ‘Good Customer’ award.
Part of the company’s annual Community Awards event, the accolade, in association with RISK-UK, is designed to reward those customers who have contributed greatly to an improvement in the standards and perception of the security industry as a whole.
The judges, chaired by Brian Sims, Hon FSyl, looked at how the finalists are pushing the industry forward in a pioneering way, studied details of their procurement strategies, their relationship with their security suppliers and how quality of security provision has improved as a result.
Securitas Country President Brian Riis Nielsen commented: “It was clear the University places security right at the top of its business agenda. There is an evident commitment to a true partnership which encourages on-going engagement with Securitas and has led to a more efficient, smart and innovative security service.”
Dale Murphy joined the University as Head of Security Services in 2008 when morale was low and standards were well below par. The judges concluded that Dale’s leadership, coupled with the University’s desire for an efficient, reliable service has developed the knowledge and capability of the security team to an extent that it can now claim to provide a service that transcends its ‘more than just security’ ethos.
Evidence of Dale’s drive and commitment to the security industry, higher education and the University’s security requirements has helped drive a first class service for all its students, staff and visitors. The latest evolution in this partnership, has led to the University signing a 10-year partnership with Securitas with a value in excess of £31 million. The partnership has also resulted in Securitas investing £1 million in technology and innovation into the University campus.
Dale commented: “The principle aim of security at the University of Hertfordshire has always been to provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment to all our staff, students, and visitors. This remains a challenging aim requiring a unique approach to the way we provide security and reception services.
“It’s vital we continually improve the services we deliver and embrace improvements whilst understanding the higher education and security climate and we work hard in partnership with Securitas to lead by example and remain pioneers within the ever changing security sector. I’m absolutely delighted that the University and all our hard work has been recognised in this way.”
The University has supported Dale throughout his academic journey where he has achieved a Master’s Degree in Security and Risk Management and, more recently, became a member of the Chartered Security Professionals. Dale’s personal commitment to the Security industry was recently recognised when he earned the prestigious Chartered Security Professional status which was awarded at the Houses of Parliament earlier this year.
Chairman of the judges, Brian Sims commented: “The standard of submissions for the Good Customer Award has always been strong, and this year raised the bar once again. All the entries outlined excellent partnership working, a continual commitment to the very highest levels of security provision and management and ongoing enhancements around best practice standards.
“The University of Hertfordshire is indeed a worthy winner. Viewing security as a priority agenda item at Board level while actively supporting police service accreditation schemes, the University’s security operation places great emphasis on officer training. In addition, the ground-breaking, ten-year contractual partnership recently signed between the University and Securitas absolutely exemplifies the strength and depth of collaboration involved and how well the working relationship is progressing for the betterment of all parties.”
Brian Riis Nielsen added: “Security is always placed as a priority agenda item at Board level and this has been particularly evident over the last year and throughout the process of renewing the security contract which was conducted over an 11 month period. During this period, we met with the University on a weekly basis and these meetings were attended by myself and the COO, BDD, AD, CD, as well as legal counsel, from Securitas. The University was represented by its Director of Estates, Deputy Directors, Head of Services, HR Directors, solicitors and other senior University Board members. This shows a total commitment to the partnership from both parties.”
The awards, which took place in June at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel and Country Club near Birmingham, was attended by national and local customers and suppliers of Securitas in support of the finalists together with their guests. Winners and Highly Commended were presented with their award in 10 categories, where the audience heard of remarkable acts of innovation, bravery and community initiatives.
