Satia Rai, CEO of International Professional Security Association writes

IPSA has 4,500 members with the core objective to raise the profile of security professionals by facilitating discussion, conducting research, providing free training resources and much more.

We collect vital data from front-line officers to gauge their concerns and mental health status, as well as gathering details of abusive incidents.

The data collected helps us truly deliver on IPSA’s motto of ‘One Voice’ for the front-line.

The data shows the impact employers, working conditions, and wage rates have on front-line security professionals’ mental health and wellbeing. There has been the introduction of Special Interest Groups, engagement from Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) Pioneers and welfare programs.

In 2023, the cost of living will affect most, if not all of us in the UK. Inflation is at 11%, affecting the affordability of goods and services for households and the lives of security staff. We must support these officers.

Opportunity

In 2022, I attended all the security sector major events across the UK and all lacked front-line officer attendance and engagement. I see this is an opportunity for our industry to drive change to include and benefit the front-line, our most important asset.

This is why IPSA is joining The Security Event – Professional Security Officer Live (PSO-L) as a show partner, a focal point to inform and encourage the front-line further.

In 2023, we will see continued growth of the security sector due to the current threats/challenges, the ever-changing landscape of risk and the implementation of Protect Duty.

Due to a shortage of licensed security officers, there is a huge need to attract, train and retain talent.

This can be achieved through good terms and conditions for both employers and buyers who recognise and pay for good security working to professional standards and collaborative sector working and engagement.

In 2020, 2021 and 2022, collectively the sector worked together to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 health pandemic. The security sector was key in keeping the nation safe and secure through these unprecedented times.

In July and August 2022, the security sector kept 1.3m Commonwealth Games visitors safe in Birmingham. None of this could have been achieved without the dedication and commitment of our front-line officers, the inspirational heroes of our sector.