Episodes

  • In the third and final of a three-part mini podcast series with both SHP and IFSEC Insider, Senior Technical Consultant at Firechief Global, Matt Humby talks about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries with SHP Editor, Mark Glover.

    Matt has over 22 years experience in the fire safety industry, and now provides advice and solutions to help mitigate the fire risk with fire safety products for both commercial and residential building projects.

    The first episode discussed the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, while the second covered regulation and standards, and in our final episode we cover action plans organisations can take to reduce, prevent and mitigate the fire risk.

    Find out more hereLithium-ion battery fire risks – What you need to know (part one)Lithium-ion battery fire risks – What you need to know (part two)Webinar: Lithium-Ion Battery Fires – A burning issue in today’s worldE-bike and e-scooter safety guidance issuedLithium-Ion battery fire safety – Your questions answeredHow to safely use and store lithium-ion batteries in the workplaceHot spots: fire hazards multiply to threaten construction sites
  • In the second of a three-part mini podcast series with both SHP and IFSEC Insider, Senior Technical Consultant at Firechief Global, Matt Humby talks about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries with SHP Editor, Mark Glover.

    Matt has over 22 years experience in the fire safety industry, and now provides advice and solutions to help mitigate the fire risk with fire safety products for both commercial and residential building projects.

    The first episode discussed the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, while this one will cover regulation and standards, and in the final episode we'll cover action plans organisations can take to reduce, prevent and mitigate the fire risk.

    Find out more hereLithium-ion battery fire risks – What you need to know (part one)Webinar: Lithium-Ion Battery Fires – A burning issue in today’s worldE-bike and e-scooter safety guidance issuedLithium-Ion battery fire safety – Your questions answeredHow to safely use and store lithium-ion batteries in the workplaceHot spots: fire hazards multiply to threaten construction sites

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • In the first of a three-part mini podcast series with both SHP and IFSEC Insider, Senior Technical Consultant at Firechief Global, Matt Humby talks about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries with SHP Editor, Mark Glover.

    Matt has over 22 years experience in the fire safety industry, and now provides advice and solutions to help mitigate the fire risk with fire safety products for both commercial and residential building projects.

    The first episode discusses the dangers of lithium-ion batteries, while the next will cover regulation and standards, and in the final episode we'll cover action plans organisations can take to reduce, prevent and mitigate the fire risk.

    Find out more hereWebinar: Lithium-Ion Battery Fires – A burning issue in today’s worldE-bike and e-scooter safety guidance issuedLithium-Ion battery fire safety – Your questions answeredHow to safely use and store lithium-ion batteries in the workplaceHot spots: fire hazards multiply to threaten construction sites
  • Click here to preview the forthcoming three-part podcast mini-series on risks around lithium-ion batteries, with expert Matt Humby, Senior Technical Consultant at Firechief Global.

    Publishing weekly from Tuesday 12 March on Ifsec Insider and SHP.

  • Episode 18 of the Security in Focus podcast explores the role of secure Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in fire and security applications, and an overview of the security and access control sector in 2024. 

    This sponsored podcast aims to balance informative content about CSL's expertise within the IoT connectivity space while showcasing real-world applications like CCTV and Access Control with expert John Coleman, who is Head of Sales UK & Ireland at CSL.

    We cover why connectivity is a key aspect within the security sector, current challenges and opportunities, real-world applications and its impact.

    John also provides an overview of the 2024 security and access control sector, including the advancement of cyber attacks and why cyber solutions will be the next big focus for them.

    Further reading:IFSEC Interviews: IoT in fire safety – What does the future hold?Streamlining the connectivity costs of local government CCTVThe shift towards connectivity in the intrusion technology market2024 trends in physical security and critical communicationsResearch finds low level of trust for IoT device security
  • Episode 17 of the Security in Focus podcast explores the challenging environment of securing critical national infrastructure (CNI), and the major trends ahead for the sector.

    Our two guest experts explain the challenges CNI environments face today, and predict what’s ahead. We hear more about key developments in highly secure environments, with a particular focus on digitalisation and its impact on security professionals and the technology they are working with.

    As this drive to a more digitised and connected security ecosystem develops, just what are the key requirements and obstacles security teams must consider? How do devices such as digital locks enable greater efficiencies and more secure sites? And how does a CNI operation achieve true integration and embrace convergence of technology?

    All this, and more, is covered by Stephen Horner, a Security Advisor for Northern Gas Network, and Steve Wintle, Head of Critical Infrastructure at Abloy UK. Having worked on a range of projects across all areas of CNI, both provide fascinating insight into one of the most security conscious environments there is.

    Links to talking points:

    Whitepaper: Return on Investment of Digital Access Management Solutions for Critical Infrastructure ProtectionMore from IFSEC insider on security critical national infrastructureBatteries in keyless solutions – Threat or opportunity in critical infrastructure protection?More about the ALCEA and ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions mergerNews: UK expertise in security critical national infrastructure outlined in UK Defence BrochureChecklist for companies: Aspects to consider before moving to a digital access solution

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Episode 16 of the Security in Focus podcast features a conversation with Risto Haataja, CEO of risk and security consultancy, Centry Global Group. Based in Odessa, Ukraine, Risto is also a founding member of the ASIS Ukraine Chapter.

    Our discussion took place in late September 2023, the night after the city of Odessa was hit by several missile strikes, as Risto shares his experiences of what it's been like to continue working in his role during an ongoing and active war. We hear what those first days of the conflict were like and how security professionals worked tirelessly to support and advise clients and businesses on evacuation procedures.

    Risto also shares how the perception of risk has changed over the course of the war, the resilience of his fellow Ukrainian people, and the support he's received through ASIS and the global security community.

    Links to talking points:

    ASIS Ukraine ChapterASIS International Managing risk in and keeping employees safe during the Ukraine crisisRadiological threats in Ukraine: Time to worry? Or not?Ukraine War: A month-by-month timeline of the conflict so far

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • How do we define the term, smart building? What does it truly mean and how does one function? Crucially, what is security's role in the development and functionality of smart buildings?

    Episode 15 of the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast looks to answer exactly these questions. Well, specifically, Kevin Brownell and Darren Chalmers Stevens from smart consultancy firm, Nuxform, do.

    Both have a background and expertise in physical security technology, and so are perfectly positioned to answer these questions. They explain why the security team and the assets it owns are fundamental to smart buildings, as well as how managers and directors can ensure their voices are heard in the matter.

    We also hear from Mike Brooman, CEO at master systems integrator, Vanti. Mike speaks to us from IFSEC in May at the Smart Buildings Immersive Experience, where he discusses the benefits of an integrated environment, where connected data points can provide genuine and actionable insight to make buildings more sustainable and secure.

    Links to talking points:

    The central role of access control to the transition to smart buildingsLatest IFSEC Insider articles on Smart BuildingsIFSEC Interviews: Vanti – Empowering smarter buildings with integrated systemsThe next evolution of smart buildings – “Security will have a central role to play”IFSEC Insider's Wireless Access Control Report 2023

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Episode 14 of the Security in Focus podcast welcomes Rajat Kotra, Group Director for Analytics and AI at Informa, as we discuss all things Artificial Intelligence.

    Beginning with an introduction to what we mean when we're talking about AI, Rajat explains how the technology has developed in the last 15 years and why its usage and applications have exploded in 2023.

    The episode then moves on to discuss ethical AI, and the importance of human intervention in any decision making process. It's a topic that the security sector is already grappling with, as professionals work out how best to use technology such as facial recognition and ANPR in a proportionate and trusted way.

    Links to talking points:

    IBM's Watson computer vs Jeopardy contestants in 2011Latest IFSEC Insider articles on AIHow is AI changing the security sector?Tensions rise over France’s plan for AI video surveillance at Paris OlympicsIs AI-based false alarm filtering the beginning of the end for remote CCTV monitoring as we know it?IFSEC Insider's Wireless Access Control Report 2023

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Join us for episode three of this exclusive mini-series, brought to you by the IFSEC Insider podcast team.

    Across the series, we ask what the future looks like for the fire and security engineering sector. The well publicised skills gap, alongside ever-advancing technology and questions over competency are all discussed.

    In this episode, we hear from Andy Reakes, Tom Brookes and Trevor Jenks. The trio spoke at FIREX in May 2023, presenting on how the industry is raising competency standards in fire and security - doing this through the development of the FESS apprenticeship and experienced worker assessment standards.

    Andy Reakes of the Joint Industry Board and Electrotechnical Certification Scheme goes into more detail about all of this - covering everything from certifying individual competence, new standards frameworks, and career paths for engineers and technicians.

    Links to talking points

    ‘Accessible to anyone’: How fire systems professionals can prove and expand competenceMind the gap – how FESS ECS cards are helping the push for improved competency standards across fire and securityElectrotechnical Joint Industry BoardAll you need to know about the FESS apprenticeship standard in fire and securityIFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcastFire emergency and security systems technician apprenticeship standard

    For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Join us for episode two of this exclusive mini-series, brought to you by the IFSEC Insider podcast team.

    Across the series, we ask what the future looks like for the fire and security engineering sector. The well publicised skills gap, alongside ever-advancing technology and questions over competency are all discussed.

    In this episode, we talk to Kevin Faulkner from Banham Academy, a fire and security apprenticeship provider based in South London, but that has also recently opened up a training centre in Derby.

    Having been in the sector for over 20 years, Kevin has significant experience and expertise in the development of apprenticeship standards and the reasons behind the skills gap. He also covers why diversity and inclusivity must be embraced, and the development of the FESS apprenticeship and experienced worker assessment standards.

    Links to talking points

    Banham AcademyBanham Academy partners with NSI to tackle the industry’s gender gap with Apprenticeship Training Programme for WomenBanham Academy expands with opening of Derby apprenticeship training centreAll you need to know about the FESS apprenticeship standard in fire and securityIFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcastFire emergency and security systems technician apprenticeship standard

    For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Join us for episode one of this exclusive mini-series, brought to you by the IFSEC Insider podcast team.

    Across the series, we ask what the future looks like for the fire and security engineering sector. The well publicised skills gap, alongside ever-advancing technology and questions over competency are all discussed.

    In this episode, we talk to David Scott and Simon Banks from Skills for Security about their vision for the next generation of fire and security installers, engineers and technicians. David and Simon expand on what they describe as the potential for 'super engineers' - expert and highly competent professionals working in a multi-disciplined environment.

    Links to talking points

    Skills for SecurityEngineers of Tomorrow and WorldSkills UK 2023 competitionAll you need to know about the FESS apprenticeship standard in fire and securityIFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcastFire emergency and security systems technician apprenticeship standard

    For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Episode 13 of the IFSEC Insider podcast features an interview with well known influencer and researcher in the security industry, Professor Martin Gill. Martin discusses his experience as a criminologist, as well as his takeaways from working with the police, private security industry and criminals themselves to understand how to prevent crime and 'do security well'.

    The main focus of the episode then explores the latest research from Perpetuity Research, which Martin leads, into how much influence the security sector has over the budget. Ultimately, the research found that security is often lacking influence, despite this being a key factor in delivering good security.

    Martin explains why this isn't just about 'the money', but relates to the evolution of the security department towards being a critical business operation for continuity and organisational excellence.

    Links to talking points:

    Latest SRI report indicates security managers “lack influence over the security budget”84% of leading CSOs expect 2023 physical security budget to match or exceed 2022, Omdia revealsPerpetuity Research Report: Security managers lack influence over the security budget; and how to remedy thatLatest survey from Perpetuity Research: Can security be excellent without the right culture?The Outstanding Security Performance Awards

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Insider Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Insider, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters to get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Episode 12 of the Security in Focus podcast features not one, not two, but three guests!

    First up, hear from Figen Murray all about her push for new security legislation in the UK following the tragic death of her son, Martyn Hett, in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Figen tells us all about the journey and story behind the campaign, how she's worked with the security industry during the process, and gives her thoughts on the public inquiry into the bombing and what it revealed.

    You'll also hear from Sarah Meek, Managing Director of mental health charity, Mates in Mind. The charity specialises in providing mental health support and advice for those in the construction sector and in adjacent industries, with security and fire professionals included. Sarah explains how workplace communication can positively impact a colleague or employee's state of mind.

    And, in the middle, you'll hear all about what went on at IFSEC 2023, which took place between 16-18 May at London's ExCeL, from Event Director, Gerry Dunphy!

    Links to talking points:

    Register for the Martyn's Law Conference at IFSEC Find out more about Martyn's Law & the Protect DutyManchester Arena Inquiry latestRead: Interview with Sarah Meek, MD of Mates in MindMates in Mind - mental health charityMates in Mind calls on companies to start the conversation about mental health

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • What is the future of physical access control? Why is the market moving from security hardware-driven to convenience software-driven solutions? How is the emergence of Big Tech impacting the traditional industry expectations? All of this is on the agenda on episode 11 of the Security in Focus podcast, as access control expert Lee Odess provides us with his view.

    Lee explains the growth of 'proptech' solutions and why convenience is now just as important to end-users as security credentials. He takes us back to the early beginnings of access control technology, and how requirements have evolved as software has opened up new opportunities and use cases.

    Lee also presented at IFSEC 2023 on the Tech Talks theatre.

    Links to talking points:

    News story: National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) absorbs responsibilities of CPNINews story: Latest on the Manchester Arena InquiryLee Odess and the Access Control Executive BriefIFSEC Global's Physical Access Control Report 2022

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Join host James Moore for a fascinating discussion with Bonnie Michelman, IFSEC Global Security Influencer of the Year in 2022, for episode 10 of the Security in Focus podcast. Bonnie's current role means she is ultimately responsible for managing the security processes and team of the largest healthcare provider in the state of Massachusetts, Mass General Brigham, which includes 13 hospitals and hundreds of satellites.

    Bonnie has also been president of three major security associations during her career, leaving us with plenty to discuss. During the episode, we talk about the response of the security sector to the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States in 2001, the importance of associations and mentoring programmes, protecting healthcare sites during COVID-19, and what traits make for a successful career in security.

    Links to talking points:

    News story: Training, pay rates and protection for UK security operatives in 2023 - Opportunities for change?News story: Laser detection challenges camera based analytics for surveillance and people tracking applicationsGlobal Security Influencer of the Year 2022: Bonnie MichelmanIFSEC Global Podcast: Episode 8 – Securing healthcare facilities during a pandemic and beyondASIS International

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Episode 9 of the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast centres on a discussion we recently hosted about gender equality in the security, fire and safety sectors. It's a fascinating and extremely eye-opening chat between representatives from women's networks across the professions, to understand how gender bias and discrimination exists, the challenges faced and what organisations, managers and individuals can do to better support gender equality.

    Host, Charlotte Geoghegan, also hears about the development of the different women's networks, why they exist and their future goals. Thank you to Letitia Emeana, Fiona Perrin, Andrea White and Heather Beach for their insight.

    Links to talking points:

    “We need to actively encourage diversity in the fire sector, and I believe that starts with encouraging diversity of thought"Women’s networks and experiences in fire, safety and security – Your questions answered“Why can’t we change the face of physical security?” – ASIS’ Letitia Emeana on diversifying the security cultureWomen's Security SocietyThe Institution of Fire Engineers - Women's Networking GroupThe Women in Health and Safety Network

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Join us for episode 8 as we discuss securing the healthcare sector. Across the world, hospitals, care homes, mental health facilities and their staff have been under intense pressure over the past few years with the COVID pandemic bringing new challenges into an already stretched environment.

    Just how did the sector go about protecting staff, patients and the facilities they work and recover in, during this period? And what security challenges does healthcare face now?

    These are questions we ask Roger Ringham from the National Association of Healthcare Security Professionals (NAHS) and Darren Chalmers Stevens from CriticalArc, in this episode. It's a fascinating chat, covering everything from the issue of the mental health crisis and the impact it has had on security professionals, to protecting pop-up vaccination centres and how technology is coming to the fore to support lone worker protection.

    Links to talking points:

    Why the healthcare sector must focus on NHS staff safety and security amid rising workplace violenceThe obstacles to staff safety and wellbeing in the NHSWhy healthcare security managers are keen to fix problems caused by de-regulationThe Video Surveillance Report 2022Find out more about NAHSCampus gun threat: What’s the right response? Darren Chalmers Stevens

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Listen to insight from Dr Marisa Randazzo, as we discuss her experiences in the US Secret Service and how it led to a focus on behavioural psychology and violence prevention, specifically related to educational institutions. We explore the research Marisa has carried out on the threat of school shootings, and try to understand whether such incidents can be predicted – and therefore prevented.

    What Marisa and her team’s research has found, through a mixture of investigate evidence and direct interviews with 10 offenders, makes for fascinating listening. She notes how the patterns are actually similar to those the Secret Service had already uncovered about assassination attempts – now known in the field as a ‘pathway to violence’.

    As always, we ask Marisa to comment on some of the key trends she’s witnessing in the wider security industry in her role as Executive Director of Threat Management for Ontic, too.

    Links to talking points:

    Why the insider threat will motivate cyber and physical teams to collaborate more than ever in 2022, article for IFSEC Global by Dr Marissa RandazzoDr. Marisa Randazzo, Ontic biographyUS Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC)Trigger Points: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings in America, by Mark FollmanThe Ontic Protective Intelligence Podcast

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website: www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.

  • Hear from Dr Gavriel Schneider, CEO of Risk 2 Solution, as he explains 'Presilience' and how security professionals can improve their decision making in high-risk scenarios. Dr Gav provides listeners with a grounding in the difference between resilience and Presilience, a concept he has developed over many years of frontline experience and academic research in the security sector.

    Why do humans make bad decisions? And, how can security teams integrate risk and resilience to put the emphasis on the individuals managing it themselves? Have a listen to this episode to find out!

    As always, Dr Gav also gives us his view on some of the key trends in the security sector at present - touching upon the growth of the cyber threat, how to manage integrated risk, and the impact of lockdowns around the world.

    Links to talking points:

    The move towards Presilience - Dr Gavriel Schneider & Tony McguirkPresilience info and resourcesThe IFSEC Global Influencers in Security 2022

    If you like the show, make sure to subscribe and follow the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast. And, feel free to recommend the show to a friend or colleague!

    For more content from IFSEC Global, make sure to check our website:  www.ifsecglobal.com and sign up to our weekly e-newsletters and get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.