IFPO UK welcomes industry veterans to Advisory Board
James Thorpe
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IFPO UK would like to welcome two new members of its Advisory Board, Garry Bergin and Les Allan.
The AB is a group of highly experienced security professionals drawn from across the sector and it plays a vital role in determining the direction IFPO UK will be taking over the coming months and years, in its governance and in its mission to support the education and career development of frontline security officers, supervisors and managers.
Garry Bergin PC; MSc; FSyI; F.ISRM; CPOI; EMII-M; M.Sec.I.I
A Peace Commissioner appointed by the Minister for Justice and Equality in Ireland, Garry is a highly qualified and experienced security professional, with over two decades of security management experience across a variety of security industry sectors. He holds an MSc in Security Management and is currently studying towards a Professional Doctorate at the University of Portsmouth focussing on the development of training syllabuses for the security industry internationally. Garry currently works as a Commercial Manager and Security Consultant at Manguard Plus. He has extensive security operations management experience and has previously managed some of the largest multi-national security contracts in Ireland.
- Current Vice-Chair of ASIS Ireland (Chapter 216)
- Director, Board Member and Lecturer with the Security Institute of Ireland (Since 2011)
- Fellow of the Security Institute (FSyI)
- Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (F.ISRM)
- Member of the SIA Expert Committee on Close Protection
- IFPO Certified Protection Officer Instructor (CPOI)
Les Allan
Les is one of the most experienced leaders in the security profession today. With 43 years of dedicated service in police, government and senior security roles he is an inspirational team leader and a persuasive advocate for investment in the sector. Currently serving as Director of SafeGuarding Services at Heriot-Watt University.
He has helped spread best practice across the wider university sector, speaking at conferences, contributing to professional journals and encouraging collaboration with government and law enforcement agencies.
Les acts as a mentor to those just beginning their careers and is actively investing in the next generation of professionals working to progress up the ladder. Les shares his time generously too, taking on committee roles in associations and participating in professional networks. This year Les will serve as the incoming Chair of the Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO).