The IPM, The Master, Baroness Neville-Jones, The Lord Mayor and Andrew Reeves of ISS Facility Services Security

There is a tradition within the Livery movement that a keynote lecture be given once a year by Worshipful Companies in their particular area of interest and focus.  The inaugural Annual Lecture of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals took place at Painters’ Hall.  We were very fortunate to secure the presence of Baroness Neville-Jones DCMG, an expert in national and international security, to speak to us on Security in the City of London.  Baroness Neville-Jones is a former BBC Governor and Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee; a career member of the diplomatic service from 1963 to 1996, she served in Rhodesia, Singapore, Washington DC and Hong Kong; she was made CMG in 1987 and raised to DCMG in 1995 and Shadow Security Minister in 2007.  (You will find a copy of the Lecture attached).

Baroness Neville-Jones at the Lecture

We were honoured that Alderman Ian Luder, The Lord Mayor of the City of London, gave a Welcome Address at the Lecture.  This inaugural Lecture is an important event in the Company’s history as this event will sustain the voice and enhance the reputation of our collective professions.

The Masters of The Guild of Air Pilots and Navigators, The Worshipful Company of  Clockmakers and The Guild of Parish Clerks at the Reception

The original Painters’ Hall was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and the subsequent building was destroyed during the Second World War in 1941.  The current Hall is often described as the most beautiful modern Hall, built on traditional lines with splendidly proportioned rooms, magnificent stained glass windows and a collection of portraits and works of art.

It was the first time the Company had invited the Masters of all the other London Livery Companies to an event - from whom many letters of great appreciation were received. 

The Lecture was wide ranging and provided a frank appraisal of security in several areas by a working Peer.  Beginning with a few kind words about the Company and its aim to “protect people, property and liberty”, she continued to say it is time for everyone to come to terms with reality, be honest with ourselves and do something to make this world a safe and secure environment for the generations that follow.  Security and National Defence, The State and Total Security, Cyber Security (or Cyber Insecurity as The Baroness preferred!), Business Continuity Planning, Training and Co-operation, The Police were all covered.  A lively Q&A session after the Lecture provided more frank discussion on the Conservative viewpoint on Afghanistan, Pirates and Bankers, among others. 

Victim Support had a stand at the event to promote their work.  In 2008, over 1.5 million victims of crime were referred to Victim Support.  Nearly 280,000 witnesses were assisted in court.   For over 25 years they have supported people to deal with the impact of crime and to help them rebuild their lives.  Their services are free, anonymous and confidential and deal with all crimes.

The Company is very grateful to ISS Pegasus Security, the generous sponsors of the event.