British Security Industry Association (Fire and Rescue) News

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has appointed Martin Watson as its new Chair at the Association’s Spring Forum and Annual General Meeting. With a background in fire, security and engineering spanning 40 years, Martin is currently Industry Laison Director for BSIA members - Mitie Fire & Security Systems; he is also the Chair of the Fire Industry Association (FIA), and until recently, was Chair of the Association’s Security Systems section. BSIA’s New Chair...

Skills for Security, the UK's fire and security apprenticeship provider announces the appointment of Arevika Stepanian to the Board as a Director of Corporate Relations (Non-Executive), with immediate effect. Responsibilities  As a Director of Corporate Relations at Skills for Security, Arevika will be working with channel partners and media affiliates to increase the support of, and sponsorship of robust skills pipeline for the UK electrotechnical sector, with a focus on fire and securit...

FireQual are proud to support the WorldSkills UK Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Competition. WorldSkills UK is delighted to launch the new Fire Detection and Alarm Systems Competition, run in partnership with Skills for Security. As well offering apprentices the chance to boost their skills, they also have the unique possibility of competing at the ‘international skills Olympics’ in France in 2024. Undergoing intensive training The competition, which kicked off in May at the IFS...

FASQUAL is a fire and security Contractor registration scheme developed by the BSIA and the FIA. The scheme aims to provide reassurance to employers, offering the peace of mind necessary when hiring contractors who prove they are qualified, suitable, and low-risk.  Although often an arduous and time-consuming task, vetting candidates and making sure the right one is hired is paramount in this industry. national database FASQUAL is a national database that stores all the information emplo...

In recent months, expert awards panels across BigChange's key industries have been recognizing what customers are already telling the company: trades businesses grow stronger with BigChange. Pioneer security industry body, the British Security Industry Association, has shortlisted BigChange for its Best Use of Technology Award. A digital solution The customer Securitay told the panel how it was transformed by BigChange. “When we were looking for a digital solution, we needed something t...

SELECT has helped shape a new Occupational Qualification Structure by the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) industry that will lead to Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Card recognition. Aimed at promoting high standards and skills, the new structure has been developed by an industry-wide working group formed by SELECT and other trade associations and employer representatives including: British Security Industry Association (BSIA) FESS Employer Group Fire Industry Assoc...

Beyond keeping the industry updated on the latest updates on the most important topics, the FIA is actively involved in these topics through its work with Government, councils and committees. The section aims to serve as a collection of the FIA’s involvement with a variety of topics and will be continuously updated moving forward with links to the relevant news story where available. This will allow one to see what FIA have done and are doing to improve the industry for the members. COVID...

The Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) is a certification body for organizations providing security systems and services, fire detection and alarm systems, telecare systems and services, manned security services and monitoring services. In this challenging time, with the closure of many business and the Prime Minister’s statement to further restrict movement, it is important to ensure the vital national work that the private security industry firms carry out is recognize...

Bodies within the Security and Fire sector, namely the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Fire and Security Association (FSA), National Security Inspectorate (NSI), and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) are re-iterating calls for employees of all security and fire safety companies approved by UKAS-accredited specialist certification bodies to be designated as ‘Key Workers’, to ensure environments not currently designated as ‘critical’ con...

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has published industry research undertaken by Perpetuity Research into the benefits and challenges of automating confirmed alarm signaling from Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) to police control rooms. The independent research – done via an online survey and one-to-one interviews with a range of industry people including from Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) – assesses the pros and cons of automating signaling beyond current practice, the potenti...

When it comes to security, not all intruder alarm systems are created equal. With so many features and benefits to compare between brands and products, it can be a daunting task trying to navigate through all this technical information to find equipment and systems most suitable for users’ particular needs. Intruder alarms are categorized into 4 different grades, based on their levels of performance (such as functionality, reliability, and durability). Anyone who is thinking of installing...

IFSEC Southeast Asia provides vendors with the chance to meet with over 10,000 customers from over 51 countries IFSEC Southeast Asia thanks the BSIA team for their continued and invaluable support over the last 5 years. IFSEC South East Asia is a highly successful extension of the world leading IFSEC brand and provides UK security suppliers with a unique opportunity to meet with new and existing customers from the region. Appreciation of support Simon Mills (Group brand...

Intersec 2017 to host a record international coverage of exhibitors for security, safety, and fire protection solutions European exhibitors are making their presence felt at a trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, with the UK, Germany, Italy, and France leading the way in boosting exports to the buoyant Middle East market. Intersec 2017 will feature more than 1,200 exhibitors from 52 countries when it opens from 22-24 January at the Dubai International Conv...

Intersec Saudi Arabia 2017 is expectedto host more than 100 exhibitors, including 22 launch partners Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the upward trend for the fire safety systems market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as stringent government regulations fuel demand for the replacement of existing and outdated equipment. According to consultancy firm 6Wresearch, the GCC’s fire safety systems market was worth US $ 1.36 billion in 2015, with Saudi Arabia (US...

Fire and security industry will benefit a lot from the new guidelines of CFOA on reducing false fire alarms and signals The guidelines aim to ensure that effective measures are implemented and maintained, ensuring the reduction of false fire alarms and unwanted fire signals. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed the recent publication of a series of best practice guidelines by the Chief Fire Officers' Association (CFOA). The CFOA Protocol for the Redu...