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BSIA pays tribute to Robbie Calder
It is with great sadness that the British Security Industry Association learned
that Robbie Calder, previous Chairman of the Association’s Police and Public
Services Section, passed away following a long-term illness.
Robbie, Director of international security company,
Broadland Guarding Services, served as
Vice Chairman of the BSIA’s PPS section from
2008-2011, after which he served as the section’s
Chair until stepping down in 2015 due to ill health.
Despite his battle with illness, Robbie remained
committed to the BSIA and its activities, actively participating
in Parliamentary Roundtable meetings to promote
the role of the private security industry in supporting the
police and attending regular BSIA Board meetings to help
shape the future strategic direction of the Association. His
commitment to raising standards in the industry was
steadfast, and in 2014, he was recognised for his contribution
to the development of training standards
requirements with a Chairman’s Award for Contribution to
Standards.
As the main BSIA representative on many revisions
of BS7958 (CCTV Management and Operations) and
BS8523 (Management and Operation of Warden
Schemes), Robbie continued to promote best practice and
improve the quality of service delivery in these areas. In
addition, he worked closely with the then Surveillance
Camera Commissioner, Andrew Rennison, in the development
of the Home Office CCTV Strategy.
In his role as Chairman of the BSIA’s PPS Section,
Robbie was the driving force behind the development and
implementation of the Section’s Strategy, prioritising its
objectives as market development, shaping industry development
and the promotion of the value of security. This
strategy remains one of Robbie’s key legacies for the
Association, and his contributions will ensure that the
section continues to grow from strength to strength in the
years to come.
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, commented:
“Robbie was a great supporter of the BSIA and
the industry as a whole; a realist and a gentleman, he will
be much missed by his peers on the various BSIA committees,
and amongst the staff who worked closely with
him over a long period.”
Speaking at a service of thanksgiving, held in Robbie’s
home county of Shropshire in early August, James
added:
“As Chairman of his section, Robbie demonstrated
exemplary leadership; he gave energy, commitment and
inspiration to those who worked alongside him, always
willing to share advice, guidance and direction with a
sense of humour, dry wit and professional charm. On a
social level, Robbie entertained us all with tales from his
days in the Military Police, and would often mention his
family with pride and affection.
“Despite his battle with illness, Robbie remained
committed to the BSIA and its activities, actively participating
in Roundtable meetings in the Houses of Parliament
to promote the role of the private security industry in supporting
the police. At these meetings, Robbie spoke out
vociferously in defence of the industry, challenging the
misconceptions of senior MPs and Ministers to change
their perceptions of the capability and professionalism of
the private security industry. His passion for overcoming
barriers to partnership working was unquestionable, and
the industry has certainly benefited from having such a
vocal and forthright proponent.
“Never one to dwell on the past, Robbie’s commitment
to shaping the future of the industry was similarly impressive.
Attending regular BSIA Board meetings, he helped to
determine the future strategic direction of the Association.
His commitment to raising standards in the industry was
steadfast, and in 2014, he was recognised for his work in
the development of training standards requirements with a
Chairman’s Award for Contribution to Standards.
“As we reflect upon the huge contribution that
Robbie has made to the private security industry, and the
amiable yet uncompromising way in which he built and
maintained relationships with colleagues at all levels, we
are saddened by his loss. By his death, all the people who
worked with him will miss a highly intelligent, charismatic
individual, and I am sure I speak on behalf of all BSIA
members and staff when I say that we shall remember
Robbie fondly, and that his passing will leave a lasting
impression on all of our professional lives. With that being
said, we offer our condolences to those of you who knew
Robbie as a husband, father and friend, and hope that you
are able to find some reassurance in the knowledge that
Robbie’s dedication and commitment really did change our
industry – and the future of public safety and security in
the UK – for the better.”
Robbie Calder receiving his Chairman’s Award at the 2014 BSIA Annual Lunch
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