John Lambert appointed chair of International Professional Security Association

Lambert takes the reins from Simon Pears CSyP, global security director at Sodexo, who has served as IPSA’s chair for the last three-and-a-half years and participated as an active Board member at the Trade Association for close on 12 years.

Commenting on LinkedIn, Pears stated: “It has been an immense privilege to lead the transformation of this Trade Association, which stands as a champion for front line security professionals. I will remain a passionate supporter and advocate for IPSA as it continues to break down barriers, challenge the status quo and ensure that our industry, and the diligent front line teams within it, receive the recognition and opportunities they so richly deserve.”

A statement issued by IPSA references Pears’ “visionary leadership” and how this has been instrumental in shaping IPSA into the leading voice for front line security professionals that it is today. Pears’ contributions are described as having been “invaluable”.

New era

Having served with the Metropolitan Police and Northamptonshire Police, John Lambert’s career in the private security sector began at Mitie in Milton Keynes back in 2015, initially focusing on strategic overviews and input for public sector-centred business development and encompassing both security guarding and mobile response technology.

June 2016 witnessed Lambert assuming the role of head of public sector security for Mitie’s dedicated security division before becoming strategic development director in May 2017.

After seven-and-a-half years with the business, culminating in the role of solutions director for the healthcare and Government sectors, Lambert moved on to the Bold Security Group in January 2023 and served as managing director of the company for just over 12 months ahead of moving to Carlisle Support Services in the role of service delivery director.

In his pro bono role at IPSA, Lambert served as director of governance and compliance from October last year until May of this year and has occupied the position of deputy chair from April.

Important role to play

Commenting on his new role, Lambert observed: “Having joined IPSA as a director at the end of last year, I’ve been impressed at the entire Board’s drive to improve conditions on the front line for security professionals and to ensure their voices are heard. At a time when training malpractice, worker exploitation, tax evasion and wages being well below the Minimum Wage are all topics of much discussion, IPSA has an important part to play in improving the situation.”

Lambert added: “Those who know me know that I’m incredibly passionate about stopping this rot within our industry. Stepping into the role of chair at this time is a proud and exciting moment. The Board and myself look forward to continuing the excellent work led by Simon Pears and many others who’ve contributed to the cause during Simon’s tenure.”

IPSA’s CEO Satia Rai noted: “I’m thrilled to welcome John as our new chair. His leadership will be instrumental in supporting our continued growth. John’s dedication to ensuring that front line security officers remain at the heart of everything we do will drive us forward. It’s an honour to work alongside John, and I’m confident that his appointment marks an exciting future for IPSA.”

*Further information is available online at www.ipsa.org.uk