Conflict Professional Award Winners Announced

03-Oct-2007

The winner of the Conflict Professional Licensed Retail Award, to recognise an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to reducing conflict at work, has been announced.

David Pattinson of FGH Security Ltd was presented with his award by John McNamara, BII Chief Executive , sponsors of the award, at the awards ceremony, held in Canary Wharf, London.

David was nominated for the award by managing director of FGH Security Ltd, Peter Harrison, for his work to manage a group of staff at ‘Passions’ nightclub.

‘Some of the staff had been at the venue for many years and our company had been through some rocky patches,’ explained Peter. He continued: ’Since David’s appointment in October 2006 he has motivated the new team well and used his crowd dynamics experience to implement new queuing procedures to provide a less agitated environment for security staff and customers. Police log calls at this venue have fallen tremendously based on our year to year statistics.’

David has also introduced new recording and reviewing systems and initiated a physical interventions staff training programme.

The highly commended award went to Blake Golding, who works as a Head Doorman for Regency Security. A victim of a ‘glassing’ incident himself, Blake and his family have since launched the POP campaign to drive for the replacement of glass drinking vessels with polycarbonate. The progress that they have made through working with Thames Valley and Northampton Police is making a huge contribution to the safety of staff and customers and reducing the impact of violent incidents.

This year saw the introduction of a new Conflict Professional award for door supervisors, sponsored by BIIAB and City and Guilds.

The aim of this special award was to identify a door supervisor who as well as being good at their job, had the communication and interpersonal skills to actively improve the management of conflict among their peers.

Scott Gornell of Professional Security UK, won the award for his outstanding performance as manager of a high profile, Leeds city centre venue.

In nominating Scott, Dave Fullerton, managing director of Professional Security praised him highly.

‘Others watch how Scott operates and because of his outstanding ability he has become an ambassador for our company and an example of the benefits quality doormen can bring to a venue. His diplomatic and non confrontational style has contributed to the reputation of the venue and significantly reduced the number of incidents compared to similar premises.’

Cathie Smith, director of BIIAB and Tom Benson, product manager at City & Guilds presented the award to Scott’s manager, John Hewitt. Cathie said: “BII is nationally recognised for raising standards in the door supervisor industry and supports the careers of its members. We were delighted to introduce this award along with City & Guilds. It has provided a great incentive for door supervisors to put themselves forward and be rewarded for the good work they do.’

Tom added:’ City & Guilds is committed to identifying and promoting best practice. It is important to value the contributions made by those who work to manage and reduce conflict.’

Scott will receive up to £1,000 worth of training with ConflictPro.

Speaking about the success of the awards, general manager of ConflictPro, Mark Jenner said:’ We have been staggered by the quality of the entries we received this year. Selecting a worthy winner was not difficult, but deciding which of the shortlisted nominees had made the most significant contribution to reducing workplace violence was a challenge for the panel of judges.’

The Conflict Professional Award scheme was introduced in 2006 to highlight the good work to manage conflict at work that is taking place on a day to day basis and to share best practice throughout the industry and across other sectors.

A full list of winners can be viewed on the ConflictPro Conference website www.conflictproconference.com