JSaRC Update – May 2023
Abu Ahmed Appointed as Head of JSaRC
24th May 2023 – We are pleased to announce Mr. Abu Ahmed’s appointment as the new Head of the Home Office’s Joint Security and Resilience Centre (JSaRC), effective immediately. Mr. Ahmed brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role and will oversee a dedicated team of professionals working closely with industry, academia, and government agencies to facilitate the development of innovative solutions to enhance the security and resilience of the United Kingdom.
Mr. Ahmed has a background in the field of Homeland Security and occupied senior positions in the Home Office’s Homeland Security Group within operational delivery, strategy, and international engagement. This broader experience, alongside his prior experience in JSaRC as the former Head of JSaRC’s International Team, make him the ideal choice to guide JSaRC in addressing the evolving threats faced by our nation. He is committed to a strategic vision that brings together and supports the range of industry and Government partners, with a view to fostering ever greater collaboration and innovation.
Mr. Ahmed commented, “I am excited and honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading JSaRC during this critical period, and focussed on the important role we all play to deliver security and prosperity. I am indebted to my predecessor Angela Essel for her work as the previous Head of JSaRC and am looking forward to collaborating even more closely with all our stakeholders, including our partners in the UK’s security industry.”
Shaun Hipgrave, Director PPCS commented “I am pleased to announce Abu Ahmed as the new head of JSaRC and wish to express my thanks to Angela Essel for her leadership. I look forward to seeing how JSaRC will develop under his leadership and how Security and Policing 2024 will develop.”
IFSEC-16-18 May, Excel
IFSEC is the longest running professional security meeting in the UK, gathering the entire industry sector each year at London’s ExCeL. IFSEC is one of the six co-located events, among which are also FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo and the Facilities Show, enabling visitors to enhance their security strategy with solutions. This year’s event featured more than 500 exhibiting companies and 27,000 visitors in attendance.
This year at IFSEC, JSaRC shared government space with BSIA Industry, using this opportunity to network with experts from the Security Sector. Amongst other interesting speakers, Debbie Bartlett (Head of Protect & Prepare, Home Office) presented on Martyn’s Law. Another busy and successful event on behalf of JSaRC.
Thank you to BSIA for your support.
PolSecure Event, 2023
UK Industry partners at PolSecure were supported by a UK delegation consisting of colleagues from the British Embassy Warsaw, UK DSE and JSaRC. JSaRC ensured UKBF presence at PolSecure and direct engagement between Warsaw based UKBF and NCA staff with UK Industry to help the latter fine tune their understanding of Polish security requirements. A key success was Polish Police asking to meet with UK Police end users to determine whether UK policing equipment might meet Polish requirements.
PolSecure is an exhibition organised by the Polish Police Headquarters, with a particular focus on public safety. It is now running for the second consecutive year and has attendees from across Polish Police, Border Guard, the State Fire Service and State Protection Service, amongst others. Last year’s event drew over 2000 delegates.
The Polish Ministry of Interior’s ‘New Programme of Modernisation of Uniformed Services for 2022-2025’, provides an excellent opportunity for UK Government and Industry to support Polish counterparts.
The Home Office Drone Security Strategy Survey will close on 31 May 2023.
In 2019 we published The UK Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy, setting out the government’s plan to mitigate malicious and criminal use of drones. We’re now working on a strategy refresh, to review and outline the government’s approach over the next three to five years.
As part of this refresh, we are seeking views from industry and academia. We are keen to hear your views, and understand your current and future priorities, for consideration in the new strategy. The survey is open to anyone who has an interest in this sector and will take just ten to fifteen minutes to complete.
Home Office Drone Security Strategy (homeofficesurveys.homeoffice.gov.uk)