Our monthly newsletter brings our members and network the latest updates not only from within the Association but also from the industry. It covers latest news, events that you can’t miss, addresses from our Chair and the directors.
What’s more? It features real world insights from our members – where they share their unfiltered stories, experiences and anecdotes from the professional world.
Simon Crane has been appointed Chair of the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), marking the next step in the organisation’s leadership as it continues to expand its activities and engagement across the security sector.
Simon brings extensive experience across the security profession and has played a key role in strengthening the ASC’s international engagement during his time as International Development Director. In this role, he helped develop relationships with organisations including the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) in the United States and the Professional Security & Safety Alliance (PSSA) in the UAE, helping to position the ASC and its members within the wider global security community.
Commenting on his appointment, Simon said:
“The ASC has an important role in championing independent security consultancy and supporting the professionals who deliver trusted advice across the sector. I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair and look forward to working with the Board, our new COO and our members to continue developing the Association.”
As Chair, Simon will work with the Board and members to guide the organisation’s continued development, supporting professional standards, strengthening collaboration across the industry, and further raising the profile of independent security consultancy both in the UK and internationally.
Simon will be supported by Vice Chair Lee Doddridge and the ASC Board as the Association continues to grow its initiatives, industry engagement and support for members.
Lee Doddridge has been appointed Vice Chair of the Association of Security Consultants (ASC), supporting the organisation’s leadership as it continues to expand its activities and engagement across the security sector.
Lee brings broad experience across UK businesses, government departments and security consultancy projects. In his previous role as ASC Director for External Events, he played an important role in strengthening the Association’s engagement with members and the wider sector through industry events and collaboration.
Commenting on his appointment, Lee said:
“The ASC community brings together a wealth of expertise and experience across the security profession. I am delighted to take on the role of Vice Chair and support the continued development of the Association, particularly in strengthening engagement with members and developing events and initiatives that bring our community together.”
Working alongside Chair Simon Crane and the ASC Board, Lee will help support the continued growth of the Association, contributing to initiatives that strengthen collaboration across the industry and promote the value of independent security consultancy.
As previously announced to its members, the Association of Security Consultants (ASC) recently created the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to further strengthen its operational capability. The introduction of this position reflects the continued growth of the ASC’s activities, initiatives and engagement across the security sector.
The role was opened to the ASC members and was followed by a highly competitive, structured, independent review and selection process. This approach allowed careful consideration of the role’s scope and responsibilities, alongside selecting the individual best suited to support the Association’s continued development.
We are pleased to announce that the process concluded with the appointment of Gary Thomas as the ASC’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO).
“Having worked closely with Gary over the last few years, I have seen firsthand the passion and dedication he brings to the ASC and its members. This appointment is a natural next step, and I have no doubt he will bring that same passion and commitment to the COO role. It is an exciting time for the Association, and we look forward to what lies ahead.” – Simon Crane, the ASC’s Vice Chair.
With Gary now taking on the responsibilities of the COO, he will step down as the ASC Chair, and the Board will begin the process of appointing the next Chair to continue guiding the Association.
During his tenure as Chair, Gary played a central role in shaping the Association’s direction and championing the interests of its members. In his new role as COO, he will focus on both strategic and operational development, ensuring the ASC has the relationships, infrastructure and capacity to meet the evolving needs of its members.
Commenting on his appointment, Gary Thomas said – “I am thrilled to take on the COO role at such an exciting time for the ASC. Having been involved with the Association for many years, I’ve seen the positive impact it has in supporting independent security consultants and advancing professional development. I look forward to using that experience to strengthen the Association and expand the work we do for the security community.”
We look forward to what this next chapter brings for the ASC and the members it serves. Further updates will be shared in due course.
Continues to lead ASC’s international development strategy
The Association of Security Consultants (ASC) has announced the appointment of Simon Crane as the organisation’s new Vice Chair, at the recently held ASC Board meeting. Simon has served on the ASC Board for the past two years as International Development Director, a role he will continue to hold alongside his new position. As the Vice Chair, Simon will be supporting the ASC Chair, Gary Thomas, in the development of the Association and the growth of its networks.
With a deep commitment to raising the profile of British security consultancy worldwide, Simon has been instrumental in forging key international partnerships. During his tenure, the ASC has signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and entered into close partnerships with organisations across a number of continents, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the ASC’s ties within the global security community.
Stepping into his new role, Simon said:
“I am truly honoured to have been asked by Gary to take on the role of Vice Chair, and I look forward to supporting him as he continues to drive the ASC forward. The British security brand remains highly respected, and we are working closely with organisations such as the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and the UK Government to ensure consultants are seen as a vital part of the security export conversation.”
Simon’s strategic vision has led to greater alignment between the ASC and several prominent international organisations, including the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) in the United States and the Professional Security & Safety Alliance (PSSA) in the UAE.
He is also actively developing relationships across Europe, Saudi Arabia, the wider GCC, and the Asia-Pacific region, with the goal of broadening ASC’s reach and impact.
This appointment follows the transition of Roger Noakes, ASC’s long-serving Honorary Vice Chair, to the distinguished position of Board Member Emeritus. This title recognises Roger’s longstanding contribution to ASC’s leadership and the board.
Welcoming this new chapter for the Association, ASC Chair, Gary Thomas, said:
“Simon’s commitment to developing the ASC’s international reach makes him a perfect fit for Vice Chair, and I’m privileged to have him alongside me as we work to drive the ASC’s vision forward. Roger’s contribution over the years has been immense, and his new role allows us to continue drawing on his wisdom and steady hand. Together with the other Board members we have a strong and dedicated team, and I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead.”
Simon is also leading ASC’s exploration of an international membership model, which may include reciprocal partnerships or the establishment of ASC chapters overseas. His initiatives have already broadened ASC’s appeal through live-streamed events and digital outreach, making the organisation more accessible to members across borders.
The ASC welcomes Simon into this new leadership role and looks forward to continued momentum in both domestic and international spheres.
A significant milestone for the professional security industry.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Association of Security Consultants (ASC) and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) came together at ASC’s Spring Seminar to discuss how this strategic partnership will benefit not only their members but the wider industry.
ASC Chair, Gary Thomas, and Director, Simon Crane, were joined by the BSIA’s CEO, Mike Reddington, and Chief Commercial Officer, Patrick Kyle, for a focused discussion on the shared opportunities created by this collaboration. At the heart of the partnership is a mutual commitment to advancing professional standards, promoting best practices, and strengthening engagement across the security community.
One of the key benefits of the partnership is that ASC members will now have the opportunity to comment on and provide feedback to BSIA-developed guidelines and frameworks. This gives ASC members a stronger voice in shaping industry standards, while offering the BSIA valuable insight from the UK’s leading independent security consultants.
This two-way dialogue aims to enhance the relevance and quality of guidance across the sector and encourage a more unified, informed approach to security challenges.
“Security consultants play an important role in not only helping the businesses build their resilience, but also in safeguarding the community at large,” said Gary Thomas, Chair of ASC. “ASC’s aim is to give these experienced professionals a platform to share expertise, solutions, and knowledge; but above all, it is getting these consultants the recognition they deserve. This partnership is another big leap for our members, enabling them to actively contribute towards the development of industry standards by sharing experience-based feedback and suggestions with the BSIA.”
Patrick Kyle said “In the security industry, collaboration is essential to ensure that the sector speaks with one voice and shows a cohesive and united approach to improving standards and professionalism. The BSIA is looking forward to working closely alongside the ASC and its members.”
This collaboration marks the beginning of a more connected and responsive security industry, where member voices help shape national frameworks and guidance. Both organisations are committed to building on this momentum with practical initiatives that deliver real value across the sector.
Thank you to everyone who came to the May Business Group. We are delighted that so many people attended and contributed to an informative and enjoyable day.
We hope those unable to attend took advantage of the live streaming service offered for the first time.
Our speakers for the day Lisa Lewis, Ian Langmead, Judy Atkinson, Dominic Murphy, Clarke Jarrett, and Dean Haydon who took part in the closed session, brought with them their extensive expertise and knowledge for the audience to contemplate.
For those unable to attend, the sessions was recorded, and is available on the ASC YouTube channel. The ASC Business Group Meetings are an opportunity to support your continued development, stay at the forefront of the industry, and connect with friends, colleagues and peers across the security industry, The next Business Group takes place on the 19th September.
The ASC Board would like to thank the CIE-group for sponsoring the Business Group. The contributions and enthusiasm of Dorton, Edwards, and Williamson were important to the day’s overall success.
The ASC has sponsored All Security Events in recognition of the need to ensure the coordination of events across the industry.
To address the frustration of planning events only to discover they clash with another event, All Security Events was established by security industry veterans Graham Bassett and Mike Hurst. As regular attendees at security industry events, they found themselves discussing which of the five security events happening in London on the same day they were going to attend. This prompted them to look at possible solutions and as result of that discussion AllSecurityEvents.com was created. It is a website for the whole industry to help with planing and coordination.
Gary Thomas, ASC Chair said “Events, such as Business Groups and CONSEC take careful planning and a lot of commitment. The frustration when you discover an event is conflicting with another event when everything is in place can be very demoralising and impact the success. This is why a resource like All Security Events is so important to the industry.”
The Association of Security Consultants [ASC] have written to Universities and invited submissions for the Imbert Award.
The Imbert Award is awarded annually to the best master’s degree dissertation on a security-related subject. It is fiercely competed for by students from universities across the UK.
The Imbert Award recognises outstanding master’s dissertations. The entries are evaluated by a panel of experienced judges and the Award helps to promote innovation and excellence in the security industry. The award is named after Lord Peter Imbert. Lord Imbert was a former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. In recognition of his outstanding service to policing and public life, he was appointed a life peer in 1999. In that same year, he became the Association of Security Consultants’ first Patron, a position he held until he died in 2017.
The dissertations are reviewed by a panel of expert judges who themselves possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. A rigorous set of criteria such as originality, critical analysis and overall contribution of knowledge to the field are employed to ensure a comprehensive yet equitable assessment is made. The aim is to recognise dissertations that not only meet high academic standards but also push the boundaries of knowledge, marking a commitment to promoting innovation and excellence in the field of security.
Those who are chosen by the judging panel as having produced the most outstanding entries will be invited to an elegant and formal black-tie ceremony where the winner will be announced. In addition to this, all winners and finalists will receive complimentary membership to the ASC. This membership will provide them with a wide range of professional development and networking opportunities that will greatly aid them in their chosen careers.
Application process
Please send synopsis for consideration to secretary@securityconsultants.org.uk
The synopsis should be based on the abstract and be no longer than 500 words.
The very best submissions based on the synopsis will then be invited to submit their completed dissertations for consideration.
Timeline for submissions
30/05 Deadline for synopsis to be received
19/07 Dissertations to be received [from those invited to submit their full dissertations].
16/08 Judges decision to be made
29/08 Finalists informed
10/10 Imbert Awards Dinner
ASC Honorary Member, Laurie Doust, passed away on March 29th, 2024.
Laurie, who was 81 years old, retired from the Metropolitan Police in 1994 and went on to establish a successful consultancy in Buckinghamshire, where he provided security advice to a diverse range of clients.
Laurie was a longstanding member of the ASC. Many will have fond memories of him and remember his commitment to the ASC and its professionalism. He was an ASC council member and vice-chairman between 2002 and 2004 and later became the ASC Secretary until stepping down in 2011. He went on to be made an Honorary Member of the ASC in recognition of his contribution to the Association.
Sadly Laurie had been unwell for some time and was recently hospitalised for several weeks before being transferred to a local hospice, where he passed away on March 29th, 2024.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. ASC Director, Ken Graham said “Laurie was a great servant of the ASC over many years and always willing to assist and offer advice. He was particularly helpful to younger members, as I once was when I first joined, and Laurie was Secretary. He will be sadly missed.“
Laurie’s family has requested that those wishing to make a contribution in his memory support the Woking & Sam Beare Hospices https://laurencedoust.muchloved.com/.