Focusing on security careers

Coupled with the fact the Association has always championed the concept that choosing to work in the security industry should be seen as the route to a professional career and not just a job, this has given rise to the BSIA focusing on a number of key recruitment initiatives during the past few months.

Job seekers and the career path

In May, the BSIA exhibited at a Jobs Fair in Birmingham, organised specifically for those who had been made redundant through the collapse of MG Rover (and individuals who have recently lost their jobs at Peugeot).

BSIA representatives manned a stand for the three days of the event, and were able to present job seekers with details of over 200 vacancies from BSIA Member Companies in the Midlands. Indeed, BSIA Member Companies were overwhelmed with interest.

In 2004, the BSIA, SITO, the SIA and JobCentre Plus joined forces in producing a careers guide to the security industry. Entitled Why Security?, the guide aims to encourage individuals to consider a post in the sector by taking a closer look at what it is really like to work in the security industry, and why this is an exciting career choice.

Following the excellent response to this publication, the organisations involved are now looking to update the guide’s contents, taking into consideration the wide variety of roles undertaken by security operatives. The new guide will be launched later this year.

In addition, the Association’s Human Resources Forum allows professionals in this sphere to discuss the many issues and challenges unique to them. Recent topics covered by the Forum include the TUPE Regulations, vetting, licensing and training.

The Forum also offers participants the opportunity to share Best Practice techniques, and their experiences of SIA licensing to date.

Ethical recruitment procedures

The BSIA has been working alongside a number of recruitment agencies specialising in recruiting for positions in this industry with the aim of formulating a Code of Ethics.

The Code of Ethics for Recruitment Organisations Supplying Security Personnel is designed to raise and maintain a high standard of recruitment practice, and is due for a formal launch later on this month.

Also, the BSIA has always believed in the importance of recognising the many talented men and women who work in our industry. To this end, the Association’s Annual Security Officer Awards and Apprentice Installer Awards acknowledge those who have made great strides in their careers, and also recognise the degrees of diversity now present within the private security industry.