Security & Resilience Dispatches

Andy Thompson talks with Chris Goodwin-Hudson, Founding Partner and Director of Watchman, about training in Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights born from extensive international experience of working in highly challenging environments alongside large multinational projects that impact on local community’s wellbeing and way of life. How do you characterize Watchman? Watchman’s strapline is “Where security meets social responsibility”, and our specific commitment is to act as bridge between Read more…

Andy Thompson talks with James Ross, Co-Founder and Director of Nomad Risk, who provide risk management strategies for organisations working in remote, austere, and extreme environments across the globe, including Media and TV Production companies. What is the backstory of Nomad Risk? My business partner, Trevor Smith, and I met in South Africa. I was working as a security consultant for a group of mining companies based out of Cape Read more…

Andy Thompson talks with Chris Lawton, Founder of Silk Road Training, who provide online, 360 degree and physically immersive courses that make life-saving hostile environment skills accessible to all. Training through Virtual Reality Technology What was the genesis of Silk Road Training? Grant Wootton, my co-founder, and I have been delivering training, amongst other functions, for several years. One of the things that had always bothered me personally was that Read more…

The Safety, Security & Risk Management sector is largely characterised by a “contingent workforce”: diverse, niche expertise, often sourced and mobilised quickly for short term projects and contracts. Risk Analysts – Close Protection Officers – Paramedics – Crisis & Disaster Management Consultants – EOD/C-IED Search – Cyber Security Experts – Hostile Environment Training Instructors – Security Directors – Health & Safety Consultants – Canine Handlers – Protective Security Specialists – Read more…

Andy Thompson talks with Simon Mallin, a freelance Consultant Canine Trainer, highly experienced in patrol, explosive search, narcotic detection, anti-poaching, and medical alert training courses for dogs and their handlers, working with public and private clients, nationally and internationally. What is the background to your career in Search Dog Training? I’ve been working within the canine industry since I was 18. I kicked off initially with the British Army, the Read more…