The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) launched its newest section of membership at IFSEC, in recognition of the growing market for Lone Worker protection products and services.
Officially launched by Rachel Griffin, chair of personal safety charity The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the BSIA’s Lone Worker Section represents companies operating in the lone worker protection market, all of which are accredited or working towards accreditation to lone worker standard, BS8484.
The launch event brought together professionals from across the security industry, and also featured the election and announcement of the first official Section Chairman, Patrick Dealtry. Patrick is a stalwart of the lone worker protection market, having been involved with the BSIA’s Lone Worker Industry Group – the forerunner to the section – for many years, and receiving the coveted BSIA Chairman’s Award in 2010 for services to raising standards in the security industry.
Commenting on his election, Dealtry said: “The Lone Worker market has grown rapidly in recent years thanks to the demand from customers recognising the value provided by companies offering services in this market. In addition, we recognise the growing effort among customers to satisfy the duty of care to their employees, often in very difficult circumstances. Today represents a milestone and reflects the success of BSIA companies in supplying these services. I am very pleased to have been elected Chairman and look forward to representing the interests of companies in the market with which I have been associated for over ten years.”
In special recognition of their support in establishing the new Section, all inaugural section members were presented with a certificate of appreciation by James Kelly, the BSIA’s Chief Executive.
Kelly said: “After many years of witnessing the BSIA’s Lone Worker Industry Group grow, both in influence and in numbers, I am proud to be here today to acknowledge the contribution of all involved as the group becomes an official section of membership in its own right.
“As the trade association representing the UK’s private security industry, the BSIA is ideally placed to represent this sector, which makes a significant contribution towards protecting the UK’s eight million lone workers.
“In such a dynamic, fast-growing market, the importance of quality is paramount, and I look forward to supporting the section as it continues to exert its influence in developing industry standards and codes of practice, while promoting the importance of BS8484 to security buyers and end-users.”
For more information about the BSIA’s Lone Worker Protection Section, or to download guidance on choosing a lone worker solution, visit www.bsia.co.uk/lone-worker
