Skills for Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

Skills for Security is proud to announce a new partnership with Eaton, a global pioneer in power management solutions. Eaton has joined Skills for Security as a Platinum Sponsor, marking a significant collaboration aimed at enhancing the fire and security sector through education, innovation, and sustainable practices. Eaton, renowned for its expertise in fire and security systems alongside a whole host of other solutions, will work closely with Skills for Security to support the development and delivery of high-quality apprenticeship training and to aid in the mission of closing the sector skills gap. Eaton Joins Skills for Security as Platinum Sponsor Eaton's sponsorship will enable Skills for Security to expand its capacity to train more apprentices "We are thrilled to welcome Eaton as a Platinum Sponsor," said David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security, adding "Their extensive experience and dedication to innovation align perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier training and development opportunities. Together, we aim to elevate industry standards and prepare the workforce for future challenges." Eaton's sponsorship will enable Skills for Security to expand its capacity to train more apprentices, enhance its educational resources, and provide greater access to industry-renowned products and expertise. Advancing industry standards "We are excited to partner with Skills for Security and contribute to the growth and development of the sector," said Peter Regan, Product Line Manager of Eaton Intrusion, adding "As a Platinum Sponsor, we look forward to sharing our knowledge and resources to help build a more skilled and prepared workforce. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in all aspects of our work." The partnership between Eaton and Skills for Security represents a shared vision of advancing industry standards and promoting a culture of continuous learning. By joining forces, both organizations are poised to make a significant impact on the future of the fire and security sector.

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 Chairman Martin Watson will take over the role from Simon Banks, who was appointed Chair in July 2018, overseeing significant changes over a six-year period. Simon departs as the BSIA’s longest serving Chairman in its 57-year history. Simon departs as the BSIA’s longest serving Chairman in its 57-year history Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, BSIA, said: "On behalf of the BSIA and its members, I would like to thank our outgoing Chair Simon Banks for his guidance, support and work over the last six years as we addressed many issues the BSIA were facing, and I am delighted with the progress we have made during this time in addressing those issues and truly establishing the BSIA as the recognized voice of the professional security industry." He adds, "We look forward to working with our new Chairman Martin Watson as we build on the strong foundations, we have built over the last six years and we further progress the BSIA in shaping and developing the Professional Security Industry on behalf of our members and the wider industry." Simon Banks' Achievements at BSIA Simon Banks, outgoing Chair, BSIA, said: “I am pleased to see the many achievements at BSIA over the last six years. Recent robust finances have allowed us to form the Special Project Fund that has invested £400k directly to Member Companies for their nominated projects and good causes. All profits from BSIA’s part-stake in Skills for Security (SfS) feed directly into this fund." He adds, "SfS has also transformed from a £300K loss in 2018 to a profitable enterprise with 85 staff, delivering essential skills to our sector with 1000 apprentices live on program. I remain as Executive Chairman for Skills for Security and am excited to continue our growth with the talented team we’ve built." Simon Banks continues, "In parting from the BSIA, I would like to thank the dedicated team for their efforts; I was a reluctant Chairman, turning down the role twice before getting onboard and changing out the CEOs of both Skills for Security and BSIA, both companies were suffering extreme financial turbulence. I wish everyone well and hope to see the association evolve in sync with an ever-changing sector." Opportunities and challenges Martin Watson, Chair, BSIA, said: "I am delighted to be taking over the reigns as Chair of this great Association and want to thank Simon, the BSIA team, the rest of the Board and all our contributing members for all their hard work. It is such important work that our member companies do and the BSIA works hard to provide valuable support to them." He adds, "It is an ever-changing landscape we operate in though, so we still have much to do, and I am looking forward to addressing both the opportunities and challenges our industry faces."

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 security. All companies must be encouraged to support the goal of Skills for Security to provide a sustainable supply of skilled engineers across the sectors so that businesses can prosper and compete, not only in the UK market but strive for world-class competency and quality. Work experience Arevika’s appointment will provide her with a brand-new skill set and create opportunities" Simon Banks, Chairman of Skills for Security, commented on the appointment, “We are pleased to welcome Arevika to the Skills for Security Board. Arevika’s appointment will provide us with a brand new skill set and create opportunities for stakeholder participation with both media partners and corporate sponsorship.”  Arevika is currently a Board Director for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at ASIS International – UK Chapter, which consists of a global network of 34,000 active members. In her day job, she is a Director of Customer Experience for STM Group (UK) Ltd, a Top 30 Infologue security company with over 1,400 employees across the UK. She is also a member of the SyCom Group, and the EDI Charter’s working group, by Women in Rail & the Railway Industry Association, consisting of over 200 member organizations. Improving skillsets Commenting on her appointment, Arevika Stepanian said, “Skills for Security is a forward-thinking company and I am hugely excited by the opportunity to work with the Board to drive the next stage of its growth agenda and build on the successes to date." She adds, "I am deeply passionate about the security industry, the importance of improving the skillsets and supporting the younger generations, and I look forward to contributing my experience and knowledge to benefit Skills for Security and its partners.”