The inaugural Ireland Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) event, sponsored by TEAM Software, took place at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin on 30th March 2022.
Security professionals gathered to celebrate the very best from across the sector with a thought leadership summit and presentation event hosted by the OSPAs founder, Professor Martin Gill.
Commenting on the event Professor Gill said “We are delighted by the interest we received especially in this first year. These awards are different as they serve to recognise the whole industry; they are independent and are run on strict ethical principles creating a level playing for all. We very much look forward to building on the success of this year when we return in 2023.”
Ireland OSPAs Award Winners 2022
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director – sponsored by Bidvest Noonan
Finbarr McCarthy – Workday
Finbarr is a highly experienced security professional and has held leadership roles with Fortune 500 US corporations in Ireland and across EMEA for almost twenty years and has a proven track record in developing strategic programs to support business growth. Finbarr is passionate about growing and developing teams and is a driving force in the development of the security culture within his organisation. He sits on the Advisory Board of IFPO, thus enabling him to positively influence the opportunities for learning both within his team and the wider industry. Judges felt that Finbarr had a clear understanding of how security fits in to every aspect of the business and his submission was well evidenced and quantified.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Leo Harris – Manguard Plus
With the benefit of some 30 years of experience, Leo has designed a ‘Vision 25’ Strategic Plan for Manguard Plus, which is founded on several principles, including growth, organisational capability, effectiveness, operational excellence, people, communications, governance, risk and compliance. He has developed strong stakeholder relationships with industry bodies, clients and staff, with the overarching priority being the welfare and well-being of his colleagues. Leo supports the wider security sector through thought leadership and mentoring; he participates in industry webinars and has presented lectures at Maynooth University and other learning centres. He is regarded as an ‘authority’ in his field and has been invited by the media to partake in several radio and TV interviews in relation to the ongoing developments of both his company and the wider security industry. Judges felt that Leo had demonstrated true leadership and his contribution to the global security industry was outstanding.
Outstanding Security Team
Primark – Bidvest Noonan
Over the past 12 months, there has been a significant focus on improving service delivery on the Primark contract for the Bidvest Noonan security team. Strategic relationship building, communication and support, KPI attainment, training and employee recognition to drive morale and high performance across the contract were targeted for improvement. KPI scores are now at an all-time high, with an average score of 98% across 24 locations. The team demonstrated examples of innovation and added value to the organisation in their approach to training and service delivery. Judges commented that the team had clearly gone above and beyond their remit and as a result, had made huge improvements to the welfare of people and stakeholders.
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
Manguard Plus
Manguard Plus was founded in 1996 and is a fully Irish owned company. They employ over 1200 people with a turnover of over €35M per annum, and this year saw an organic growth of 31%. The organisation has an impressive list of achievements, including owning and operating an award-winning EN50518 Command and Control Room, approved by NaCTSO to provide Counter Terrorism Awareness in Ireland, and is accredited as a QQI and QNUK training centre. The company has demonstrated commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability through its management systems and future-fit thinking strategy. Judges felt that Manguard Plus embodies everything professional about the security industry and has excellent leadership.
Outstanding Security Consultant
Garry Bergin – Manguard Plus
Garry is a consummate security professional and consultant. In his role at Manguard Plus, he has developed the business through working with strategic alliances with many security industry bodies. Garry has many accreditations and accolades and has been recognised internationally for his excellence, thought leadership and outstanding achievements. He is also a Peace Commissioner appointed by the Minister of Justice in 2017. Garry sits on many boards and working groups and has been influential in driving and raising standards within the industry. Judges felt the nomination provided excellent evidence of a globally recognised security professional, who as a security consultant, contributes to the industry immensely.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
IFPO Certified Security Training Programmes – Manguard Plus & IFPO
Manguard Plus and the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) entered into an agreement to provide IFPO-certified security courses to the Irish security sector. The strategy behind the training initiative was to bridge the educational gap between entry-level security officers and senior-level managers from American-centric clients based in Ireland. In 2021, the joint initiative was responsible for training 45 security professionals, 35 of whom successfully completed the Certified Protection Officer (CPO) examination in Ireland. In 2022, it is planned that 20 security professionals will sit the Certified Supervisor and Security Manager (CSSM) for the first time. The courses are available for all security sector employees in Ireland, regardless of their employer. Judges felt that this initiative was ground-breaking and provided a globally recognised education pathway in Ireland.
Outstanding Security Partnership
Mitie Facilities Management Ltd and Brinks National Call Centre (NCC)
Mitie Ireland’s partnership with Brinks began in January 2021, implementing a solution to create a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the Brinks National Call Centre (NCC), the first ever outsourced NCC globally. Requirements of the NCC include: handling approximately 700 calls per day; intelligence led data gathering and intelligence/threat analysis; CCTV support/monitoring; providing a link between mobile vans delivering cash nationwide and the five regional Brinks bases; escalating all emergency scenarios through the correct channels; access control for Brinks five regional cash hubs, verifying credentials; and remotely monitoring processes. Benefits of the partnership have resulted in improvements to the cash delivery service nationwide and the safety of the Brink’s team.
It was great to attend the inaugural OSPAs in Ireland, the morning sessions were very informative and thought provoking. After 2 years attending virtual events it great to be able to network and catch up with colleagues from the Security industry in Ireland. Mitie and Brinks were very proud to be awarded the OSPA for Outstanding Security Partnership, we have brought two brilliant team together at the National Call Centre working collaboratively to deliver fantastic results. I am very proud of the Mitie team, and I am thrilled to see them receive this industry recognition. I look forward to next year’s OSPAs.Les Sheridan, Managing Director, Ireland
Outstanding Security Officer
Shenan O’Mahony – Securitas
Shenan has a unique ability to communicate with her peers and works in most areas of security from retail, events, doors and corporate. She has a great understanding of what is expected at the front line of security, and she is dedicated to advancing the leadership and professional development of women in the industry. She has a passion about the industry and wants to share her knowledge and experience across a variety of security industry sectors, by supporting others to progress. Shenan, has excellent communication skills, is flexible, reliable, and respected by her colleagues with a passion and commitment in using her many skill sets to benefit the client, her employer and colleagues.
Lifetime Achievement
Sean Hall
Sean has worked within the Security Industry for more than 25 years. Starting out as a nightclub doorman, in 1996 he formed his own company, which later merged, rebranded and became Manguard Plus, where he served as Operations Director until he took the helm as Managing Director in 2019. Sean now owns 100% of the company and strives for the best in everything the company does. He has influenced other security companies to adhere to the current Employment Regulation Order in terms of pay and conditions, and constantly strives to raise the profile of the security industry. From a corporate responsibility perspective, his company has contributed in 2021 over €160,000 to charities and sports teams, providing young people with better options in life. Sean’s ethos has always been to give back to the industry where possible, including facilitating IFPO examinations free to the security industry. A true ambassador and a worthy winner.
The event organisers would like to thank all those who have helped to make the first Ireland OSPAs event such a success including: all the supporting associations and judges; sponsors – TEAM Software (headline sponsor), Manguard Plus (programme and menu sponsor) and Bidvest Noonan (category sponsor).
