It was all pomp and pageantry in London at last week’s Government Business Award ceremony sponsored by the National Security Inspectorate.
BBC Journalist Bill Turnbull and NSI Operations Director, Kay Aitkin presented the award at a well attended luncheon hosted at Twickenham on 17th February. Kay Aitkin welcomed the high priority the finalists had given to security. “The public sector is currently facing many economic challenges. Through making a considered investment in security, all those shortlisted have made a statement as to how much they value their local societies and local businesses.”
The Government Business Awards recognise local authorities and central government departments that have demonstrated sound business judgement in a range of disciplines including outsourcing, environmental innovation, safety and, security.
Vigilance learnt that those shortlisted for the Public Sector Security Award, outlined the true contribution security solutions make to the protection of local communities. Wandsworth Council, Wakefield Council, Redbridge Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and Salford City Council made up the final shortlist. Salford City Council emerged as overall winner for their initiative which merges information from local CCTV cameras with data from the National Land and Property Gazetteer to tackle crime in the area.
The ‘Public Sector Security Award’ is given to the Local Authority or Central Government project that gives prime consideration to security solutions in the enhancement of the safety of staff and residents. It is for this reason that NSI sponsored this category for the 2011 awards.