Interview – Khalid Al Hammadi chairman of the Security Professionals Association (SPA)

Interview – Khalid Al Hammadi chairman of the Security Professionals Association (SPA)

Eng. Khalid Al Hammadi chair of the new Security Professionals Association (SPA) outlines the aims, objectives and key benefits for its members in this Q&A for SME magazine 

Why is there a need for a Security Professionals Association in the region?
The Security Professionals Association was formed to create a forum that all security practitioners from the region can join and enjoy the members’ benefits of a locally based professional security association. It will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange and development, with the aim of connecting people within the security industry. SPA for SIRA will create a sense of belonging and pride to its members. As a membership-centred organisation, we provide members with a range of benefits, and aim to be be the leading voice of the security industry in the UAE and the region.

Membership benefits include:
Periodic publications in Arabic & English
Information & advisory centre
Networking possibilities within the security industry
Access free education, including security training, security seminars, security awareness programs
Classroom programs, webinars and educational videos
Gain access to security industry standards, guidelines and regulations
Careers advisory services
Security Professionals and Companies of the Year Award (manned security, manufacturer, integrators, consultants)
Access to innovation and operational excellence platform (learn from latest innovations and operational advancement)
VIP access to exhibitions
Discounts on international conferences and workshops (Intersec, ASIS, BICSI, etc.)
Discounts with selected educational institutes
Promotional items
Discount cards
Special rates on services and products

Is this something that builds on the success of SIRA? and how will the two organisations co-operate?
SPA is under the management of SIRA. SIRA is the governing body, while SPA is the Association that acts as a bridge/vehicle/voice between Security Professionals and SIRA.

What will be the main objectives of SPA?
Create a strong network between security professionals and organisations to exchange expertise, information, intelligence and ideas.
Promote and encourage professionalism and good practices within the industry.
Promote Security Training and qualifications for security practitioners.
Establish and promote Codes of Practices for the Security Industry.
Foster, promote and encourage ethical and professional standards.
Promote effective security measures and improve individual status.
Promote close liaison between members., seminars, exhibitions etc.
Promote security awareness amongst members and the public at large.

How many members do you expect to have and who can join?
We expect to have over 50,000 members and the association is accessible to security professionals in different fields, age 21 and above.

Do you have to be based in the region to join or have a regional office here?
You don’t have to be based in the region or have a regional office to join and be part of the Association.

What will be the on agenda first for SPA in 2020?
Our first set of workshops and training sessions took place at our first General Assembly earlier this month.
Following that, SPA will collaborate with top security professionals across the globe to discover cutting-edge solutions, share insights with industry experts and equip the members with the right tools to properly carry out their duties and tasks in the rapidly evolving security world. Members will enjoy information services, knowledge and professional development, excellence and innovation and discounts and promotions.

You have worked in the security industry for many years – you must have seen the dramatic changes in security sector?
The Security Sector in the region has evolved over the past few years. From the industry always being linked to or associated with facilities service providers to now being taken as a serious profession. Having Regulatory agencies that govern laws to protect individuals in different categories in the industry is important.

With Expo 2020 around the corner, and as the world enters a new decade, security will play a key role across all industries – and security professionals must exceed their level of creativity and determination to protect the people and places they are responsible for. The scope of job availability within the security sector is becoming more and more opportunistic. Things like Commercial Security, Smart Home, Cyber Security, Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Homeland Security & Policing, and Perimeter & Physical Security are all key sectors that will be amplified as Dubai gets set to host the world for Expo 2020. Also women currently comprise only six per cent of the region’s security professionals, and SPA for SIRA aims to encourage women to join the industry in all fields.

The issues of compliance are of paramount importance for those working in the sector. How can organisations such as SPA and SIRA help security professionals ensure they are meeting the correct guidelines and regulations?
As SIRA is the governing body, SPA can liaise with SIRA to ensure that detailed compliance laws and regulations are made aware to all concerned parties.

For more information and details on how to join email: registration.sira@securityprofessionals.ae

Tags:
, ,