Unique Lessons in Multi-Agency Protective Security, Counter-Terrorism, and Emergency Preparedness

Andy Thompson talks with Mark Scoular, founding Director at Protect and Prepare Ltd, a multi-agency protective security and preparedness consultancy, providing high level strategic, tactical & operational interoperability from the development of policy and doctrine to hands-on delivery, training, testing and exercising and gap-analysis in any given high threat/risk environment both domestically and internationally. What brought you to establishing Protect & Prepare? The ten to twelve years prior to launching Read more…

The Safety, Security & Risk Management “Training Services Marketplace”

In 2021, Marshal will be launching a Safety, Security and Risk Management “Training Services Marketplace“. We re-launched in 2024! The new Business Development platform is an initiative for companies and freelancers operating in this broad sector, around the world, who have a common purpose – helping to keep people and property safe. The Marketplace will enable you to promote and sell your niche courses by creating free adverts*, and managing Read more…

Forward Thinking: Training the Media and NGOs for Hostile Environments

Andy Thompson ‘visits’ Nairobi, Kenya, to speak with Stephen Smith, Managing Director of SEPAR International, a Security, Risk Management, Training and Logistical Support company specializing in hostile locations worldwide, about their low profile and holistic approach to training for potentially traumatic scenarios, including hybrid digital and physical training solutions. SEPAR provides Safety & Risk Management Training services for operating in Hostile Environments. What is the origin of the company? I Read more…

Marking Ten Years of the International Code of Conduct.

Watch the Opening Address from the ICoCA AGA 2020 marking ten years of the International Code of Conduct and ‘rising awareness among private security companies of need to comply with human rights standards’. A rise in the standards of Safety, Security and Risk Management Training will go a long way to achieving the objectives and values espoused in the speech by Krystyna Marty, State Secretary, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Government of Switzerland,. Read more…

Training for a Purpose: Protecting People and Property.

Author: Andy Thompson, Founder of Marshal. Many people espouse the concept of “purpose”. I have never thought about it too deeply until I began a business – choosing, instead, simply to follow paths I found interesting, adventurous and occasionally risky. Yet, I stumbled upon my “purpose” inadvertently when reviewing the underlying trends of my career. From gaining a Law degree with the lofty ambition of helping people receive “justice”, to Read more…

From the Desert to the Forest: First Aid Training in Remote Areas.

In this edition of our “Training Leaders” series, Andy Thompson visits Remote First Aid with Julian Woodall, Owner and Training Director, Medic Services International, a Health & Safety Training consultancy. What is the origin of Medic Services International? I served in the Royal Artillery from 1990 until 2005 and trained as a Medic. When I left, I set up a Medic Services International, which started off by providing first aid Read more…

B6 Armoured Vehicle Training Has Real Business Impact

In our next “Training Leaders” interview, Andy Thompson speaks with Dave Allen, a highly accomplished freelance High Threat Environment Driver Training instructor, and Road & Fleet Safety Consultant. We discuss what effective driver training means to both individuals and to the companies who invest in this critical aspect of Health, Safety, Security and Risk Management. How did you develop a career in Driver Training? I spent 25 years in the Read more…

Clearing the Way: Military EOD Techniques Helping to Bring Us Renewable Energy.

Marshal’s Andy Thompson enters the highly specialized world of Marine Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and speaks with Andy Ward, Director of Strategy and Global Operations at EODEX Ltd, about the levels of training required at both the operator and the client level, as the energy industry proliferates offshore.    Tell us about EODEX Ltd? It’s a new company that was established in late 2017, so we’re pretty new to the UXO Read more…

We are always on the lookout for…

Have a look at the “Careers” page on the websites of Project Services companies and you will see that they often state something along the lines of: “We are always on the lookout for… [insert whatever specialists, roles and skill sets they typically contract]. Please send us your CV/Resume to anonymous@…” So, as a job seeker, you send a CV / Resume and maybe a covering letter (into a black hole). If Read more…

Mobilising Teams into Safety-Regulated Environments

When mobilising and delivering manpower-intensive projects in safety-regulated environments, the time, costs, and risks of sourcing and deploying a diverse workforce, particularly contractors, are compounded by the challenges of accessing ever increasing amounts of personal data – from CVs to qualifications, certifications, permits, licences, criminal record checks, passports, visas, insurance, training and medical records, and more. It is costing companies money, and opportunity, and exposing them to liability. Data is typically transmitted and Read more…