Ashley Fernandes appointed chair of City Security Council

Executive director for corporate security at ICTS UK and Ireland, Fernandes boasts upwards of 24 years’ experience of working at all levels within the security and risk management arenas and across the commercial, retail, Government and aviation sectors for the EMEA region.

Currently a serving Magistrate, Fernandes is also a Committee Member of the City of London Crime Prevention Association, a Fellow of (and Global Advisory Council Member for) the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, a Trustee of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals; Charitable Trust and a member of both The Security Institute and ASIS International’s UK Chapter.

Development of capabilities

Speaking about his appointment, Fernandes explained: “I’m delighted to be chairing the CSC for the coming year and look forward to working with all of the member organisations as we continue to develop the capabilities and value of the Council. I would like to thank the previous chair Neill Catton for his tremendous work in 2021 and for continuing to build upon the solid foundations laid by David Ward.”

Fernandes continued: “Over the last three years, the City Security Council has continually demonstrated the value of collaboration between the security industry and our colleagues within the Emergency Services, helping to showcase our incident response capabilities and raise awareness of the immensely valuable contribution that our front line security professionals make to the safety and security of the communities in which we live and work.”

David Ward, founder and former chair of the City Security Council, has welcomed Fernandes’ appointment as the Council’s new chair. Ward observed: “This is an excellent appointment. Ashley brings considerable knowledge and experience to the role along with a huge amount of enthusiasm. I’m sure he will be in an ideal position to pick up from Neil and help continue to drive forward the Council’s objectives during 2022. We look forward to working with him.”

On behalf of all members of the City Security Council, Ward also took the opportunity to thank Neill Catton for his “stalwart leadership” through such a trying time for the industry and for all the great work that he has transacted in continuing to grow the Council for the benefit of all of its members.

Collective of companies

The City Security Council was originally established as a collective of premier security companies based in the City of London. The key objective was to work in close collaboration and support of the City of London Police and the City of London Corporation in times of crisis or when any significant event takes place in the City.  

Since its inception, the group has grown considerably in membership, while its remit has also evolved. The City Security Council is now recognised as a leading and authoritative voice of the security industry and one that represents the interest of thousands of security officers.

Membership of the City Security Council is open to any UK-based security company that’s a registered Approved Contractor with the Security Industry Authority or is working towards the relevant British Standards.

*Further information is available online at www.citysecuritycouncil.co.uk