Category: News

  • Simon Crane Appointed Chair of the Association of Security Consultants 

    Simon Crane Appointed Chair of the Association of Security Consultants 

    Simon Crane has been appointed Chair of the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), marking the next step in the organisation’s leadership as it continues to expand its activities and engagement across the security sector. 

    Simon brings extensive experience across the security profession and has played a key role in strengthening the ASC’s international engagement during his time as International Development Director. In this role, he helped develop relationships with organisations including the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) in the United States and the Professional Security & Safety Alliance (PSSA) in the UAE, helping to position the ASC and its members within the wider global security community. 

    Commenting on his appointment, Simon said: 

    “The ASC has an important role in championing independent security consultancy and supporting the professionals who deliver trusted advice across the sector. I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair and look forward to working with the Board, our new COO and our members to continue developing the Association.” 

    As Chair, Simon will work with the Board and members to guide the organisation’s continued development, supporting professional standards, strengthening collaboration across the industry, and further raising the profile of independent security consultancy both in the UK and internationally. 

    Simon will be supported by Vice Chair Lee Doddridge and the ASC Board as the Association continues to grow its initiatives, industry engagement and support for members. 

  • Lee Doddridge Appointed Vice Chair of the Association of Security Consultants 

    Lee Doddridge Appointed Vice Chair of the Association of Security Consultants 

    Lee Doddridge has been appointed Vice Chair of the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), supporting the organisation’s leadership as it continues to expand its activities and engagement across the security sector. 

    Lee brings broad experience across UK businesses, government departments and security consultancy projects. In his previous role as ASC Director for External Events, he played an important role in strengthening the Association’s engagement with members and the wider sector through industry events and collaboration. 

    Commenting on his appointment, Lee said: 

    “The ASC community brings together a wealth of expertise and experience across the security profession. I am delighted to take on the role of Vice Chair and support the continued development of the Association, particularly in strengthening engagement with members and developing events and initiatives that bring our community together.” 

    Working alongside Chair Simon Crane and the ASC Board, Lee will help support the continued growth of the Association, contributing to initiatives that strengthen collaboration across the industry and promote the value of independent security consultancy. 

  • The Association of Security Consultants Appoints Gary Thomas as Chief Operating Officer

    The Association of Security Consultants Appoints Gary Thomas as Chief Operating Officer

    As previously announced to its members, the Association of Security Consultants (ASC) recently created the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to further strengthen its operational capability. The introduction of this position reflects the continued growth of the ASC’s activities, initiatives and engagement across the security sector.

    The role was opened to the ASC members and was followed by a highly competitive, structured, independent review and selection process. This approach allowed careful consideration of the role’s scope and responsibilities, alongside selecting the individual best suited to support the Association’s continued development.

    We are pleased to announce that the process concluded with the appointment of Gary Thomas as the ASC’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO).

    “Having worked closely with Gary over the last few years, I have seen firsthand the passion and dedication he brings to the ASC and its members. This appointment is a natural next step, and I have no doubt he will bring that same passion and commitment to the COO role. It is an exciting time for the Association, and we look forward to what lies ahead.” – Simon Crane, the ASC’s Vice Chair.

    With Gary now taking on the responsibilities of the COO, he will step down as the ASC Chair, and the Board will begin the process of appointing the next Chair to continue guiding the Association.

    During his tenure as Chair, Gary played a central role in shaping the Association’s direction and championing the interests of its members. In his new role as COO, he will focus on both strategic and operational development, ensuring the ASC has the relationships, infrastructure and capacity to meet the evolving needs of its members.

    Commenting on his appointment, Gary Thomas said – “I am thrilled to take on the COO role at such an exciting time for the ASC. Having been involved with the Association for many years, I’ve seen the positive impact it has in supporting independent security consultants and advancing professional development. I look forward to using that experience to strengthen the Association and expand the work we do for the security community.”

    We look forward to what this next chapter brings for the ASC and the members it serves. Further updates will be shared in due course. 

  • Laurie Doust

    Laurie Doust

    ASC Honorary Member, Laurie Doust, passed away on March 29th, 2024.

    Laurie, who was 81 years old, retired from the Metropolitan Police in 1994 and went on to establish a successful consultancy in Buckinghamshire, where he provided security advice to a diverse range of clients.

    Laurie was a longstanding member of the ASC. Many will have fond memories of him and remember his commitment to the ASC and its professionalism. He was an ASC council member and vice-chairman between 2002 and 2004 and later became the ASC Secretary until stepping down in 2011. He went on to be made an Honorary Member of the ASC in recognition of his contribution to the Association.

    Sadly Laurie had been unwell for some time and was recently hospitalised for several weeks before being transferred to a local hospice, where he passed away on March 29th, 2024.

    We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. ASC Director, Ken Graham said “Laurie was a great servant of the ASC over many years and always willing to assist and offer advice. He was particularly helpful to younger members, as I once was when I first joined, and Laurie was Secretary. He will be sadly missed.“

    Laurie’s family has requested that those wishing to make a contribution in his memory support the Woking & Sam Beare Hospices https://laurencedoust.muchloved.com/.

  • May Business Group Meeting & AGM

    May Business Group Meeting & AGM

    Book your free place now!

    Next event: ASC Business Group & AGM

    Times: 9 am to 3:30 pm

    Location: IET, Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL

    Date: Wednesday, 15 May 2024

    The Business Group Meetings are an opportunity to support your continued development and stay at the forefront of the industry, as well as to meet up with friends, colleagues, and peers within the wide spectrum of the security industry that make up the membership.

    May’s event has a packed agenda and all the elements needed to make it a successful ASC Networking. For those who can stay for the whole day the Business Group will be followed by the Association of Security Consultants AGM. An opportunity to hear from the Chair and the new Board about their plans for the ASC and the changes they have already implemented.

    The overarching theme for the Business Group is ‘Identifying & Countering Insider Threats’.

    The day will include input from:

    – Lisa Lewis, Business Development Manager at Idemia, on the Benefits of using Biometrics as opposed to RFID Cards for security.

    – Cat Johnston, Head of Customer Relations at Commend UK Ltd, about the benefits of professional security and intercom communication in a host of different environments.

    – An update from Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of Counter Terrorism for London.

    – Clarke Jarrett, Director of Special Projects at AHNA Group.

    – A word from our sponsor for the day, David Dorton at CIE Group.

     We will be filming during the day so that those who are unable to attend will have an opportunity to view some of the content post-event.

     To secure your place go to events

  • Trusted Research Guidance

    Trusted Research Guidance

    The United Kingdom has a flourishing research and innovation industry that attracts international investment. The National Protective Security Authority has introduced Trusted Research Guidance to support the credibility of the system of global research collaboration and the ongoing prosperity of the UK’s research and innovation industry.

    Find the guides here

  • State of Physical Security Report

    State of Physical Security Report

    Genetec’s fourth annual State of Physical Security Report has been published.

    It looks at:

    • hybrid-cloud adoption,
    • new technology integrations,
    • cyber-security deployments.

    You can download your copy here

  • HMG Annual Statement on Risk and Resilience

    HMG Annual Statement on Risk and Resilience

    Deputy PM, Oliver Dowden, delivered the first Annual Statement on Risk and Resilience to Parliament The Government has published an accompanying Implementation Update report outlining the current risk landscape and progress made in making the UK more resilient.

    Read the UK Government Resilience Framework: 2023 Implementation