Security Implications of Covid 19 - Issue 3

Amid this unprecedented global pandemic, our clients are reminded that the potential social, economic, and civil impact of this situation should not be overlooked. Over the coming weeks and months, the inevitable economic and social upheaval caused by lock-downs and government restrictions has the potential to escalate into civil unrest, political violence, looting, and rising crime rates.

As such, Spearfish will be producing a regular newsletter to keep our clients up to date with the latest security-related implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, including information regarding unrest, crime, movement restrictions, and supply chain disruption in some of our key areas of operation.

If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter click here

Travelling to Hostile Environments Webinar-Thursday 30th April at 1pm (BST)

Our team want you to know we are still here to help and advise. In what could be our trainer’s most complex environment to date they have put together a series of free and useful online webinars.

These courses will give you an introduction to our 3 Day HEAT courses we run across the globe.

Everyone is welcome so register today to secure a place!

‘Our Spearfish Training Team are going online’

Register Here

“‘I enjoyed the three days and really did learn a huge deal which I hope will stay with me during my travels (and life!). Thanks again to everyone for a great training experience.’”

— Analyst, Project Management, Development Sector

Travelling to Hostile Environments Webinar-Thursday 30th April at 1pm (BST)

Our team want you to know we are still here to help and advise. In what could be our trainer’s most complex environment to date they have put together a series of free and useful online webinars.

These courses will give you an introduction to our 3 Day HEAT courses we run across the globe.

Everyone is welcome so register today to secure a place!

‘Sometimes it's not just the weather you have to deal with. fortunately we can help with everything else’

Travelling to Hostile Environments - Thursday 30th April 1pm (GMT)

Register Here

“‘The evident and enjoyable Spearfish team spirit really helped develop team working amongst the participants and embed the material.

The sensitivity of the team to the needs and outlooks of the participants was also remarkable and deeply appreciated.’

”

— Lead Risk Finance Specialist, Development Sector

Spearfish Training

We hope that everyone is keeping safe and well and cannot wait to welcome you all back to our courses. Before the lockdown, we had a fantastic UK HEAT course, our hard work and restructure really paid off - not to brag but here is what one of our brilliant attendees had to say;

‘ I've taken away some extremely powerful messages that I'm not likely to ever forget in the future. I left feeling so much more confident about how I might manage a hostile/emergency situation out in the field. I'll be talking about this to all my colleagues in my various roles for a long time to come I'm sure!’

Volunteer Program Ambassador, Environmental, NGO

We are already making plans and improvements to make the next one even bigger and better when normality returns!

In the meantime, Spearfish want you to know we are still here to help and advise. We are putting together a series of free online training webinars covering the type of topics and situations which are more important than ever during this crisis and will be just as important in the coming months.

Our first webinar is planned for Thursday 30th April at 1 pm ( GMT ).

Travelling in a hostile Environment

REGISTER HERE

Security Implications of Covid 19 - Issue 2

Amid this unprecedented global pandemic, our clients are reminded that the potential social, economic, and civil impact of this situation should not be overlooked. Over the coming weeks and months, the inevitable economic and social upheaval caused by lock-downs and government restrictions has the potential to escalate into civil unrest, political violence, looting, and rising crime rates.

As such, Spearfish will be producing a regular newsletter to keep our clients up to date with the latest security-related implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, including information regarding unrest, crime, movement restrictions, and supply chain disruption in some of our key areas of operation.

If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter click here

Security Implications of Covid - 19

Amid this unprecedented global pandemic, our clients are reminded that the potential social, economic, and civil impact of this situation should not be overlooked. Over the coming weeks and months, the inevitable economic and social upheaval caused by lock-downs and government restrictions has the potential to escalate into civil unrest, political violence, looting, and rising crime rates.

As such, Spearfish will be producing a regular newsletter to keep our clients up to date with the latest security-related implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, including information regarding unrest, crime, movement restrictions, and supply chain disruption in some of our key areas of operation.

If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter click here

International Woman's Day

At Spearfish we are here to Manage your Risk & Duty of Care Needs which Enables and Empowers your Team to do their Work even in the most Complex Environments.

OVERWATCH 2020

OVERWATCH

OVERWATCH GIVES YOU A SCALABLE AND FLEXIBLE PACKAGE TO SUPPORT TRAVELLERS IN COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTS. IT ALLOWS YOUR ORGANISATIONS TO MEET THEIR DUTY OF CARE TO THEIR STAFF

Are you Prepared for the Challenge of Travelling to a Complex Environment?

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Our Overwatch platform provides peace of mind to the traveler before and during their visit. We give you access to on-the-ground expertise and tools as and when you require it. We have a three step approach starting with your Overwatch Service through to a more detailed enhanced Support and then in case of crisis or emergency we have our Facilitated Service.

JOURNEY MANAGEMENT PLANNING & FIRST AID TRAINING

1.35 MILLION DEATHS EACH YEAR

· 8th LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES

#1 CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS 5-29 YEARS OF AGE

3 TIMES HIGHER DEATH RATES IN LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES THAN IN HIGH-INCOME COUNTRIES

If you are operating in Medium, High or even Extreme risk locations Road Traffic Accidents are the greatest threat any individual will face.

Spearfish Security HEAT training will teach you vital Journey Management skills and First Aid Training which could prevent these types of accident and possibly save your life or the life of somebody else.

Contact Us For more information

Preparing and Packing for Travel in a Complex Environment

Are you preparing to work or travel in a complex environment?

Have you thought about packing an EDC bag (everyday carrier)? This is a small essential bag of equipment you take everywhere with you, which might save your life or somebody else’s. Here is what Spearfish’s new team of travel and emergency experts recommend heat attendees should take with them;

6.     Disposable gloves

7.     Emergency foil blanket

8.     Trauma dressing

9.     Travel door lock

10.  Emergency whistle

1.     Shear scissors

2.     Glow stick

3.     Small handheld torch

4.     Superglue

5.     Zip ties

We give out an EDC to everyone who attends our HEAT courses, to find out more contact Rosie Turner or go to our website

OUR NEXT COURSE IS 3RD MARCH IN THE UK AND 31ST MARCH IN ABUJA.



What is a HEAT Course

On our most recent UK HEAT Course we asked one our students to write about what their impressions of HEAT course would be and how they felt about it afterwards, this is what they had to say;

Before commencing the Spearfish HEAT course, I had never evaluated my security awareness and how to react to potential scenarios. After completing the first module on risk assessment for personal and travel security, I realised how unaware of potential threats and situations I was. However, by starting off with a theory day involving the analysis of potential risks, threats and vulnerabilities, as well as how to minimise them through planning, I felt more prepared to prevent and respond to a situation appropriately.

The course supplied me with mental and physical knowledge which was tested through practicals and scenarios which aimed to increase my competence and confidence to put into practice the training in any environment. It provided me with the theoretical understanding of how and why my body reacts to a situation, as well as my own natural reaction as even in the test scenarios my heart was racing. Whilst I learnt I cannot predict how I will react to a life-threatening scenario or anticipate the adrenaline experienced from saving someone’s life, I at least come out with a sense of being prepared and being able to respond to a situation.

By the end of the course I had experienced how to navigate a checkpoint, to react to a complex scenario, as well as to improvise my own tourniquet. Throughout the trainers had been informative and shared their own experiences to help me actively participate in learning whilst remaining open and honest about sensitive situations. They led engaging discussions and practical sessions to demonstrate the many possible scenarios that could occur, following them with the appropriate tools and skills to use in order to defuse and escape from the situation.

Whilst I do understand that risks and responses are situational, the course gave me a sense of calmness to be able to decide my reaction quicker and manage a situation. Most importantly, it left me feeling more prepared for any situation or environment that I may enter.

Additionally, the class involved an interesting cross section of individuals with fascinating backgrounds and stories relating to their own experiences which showed that clearly some of the other trainees will have more use of the skills than I will.

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All the best things are worth the wait...including a Pakistani visa

After a six week wait I finally had my Pakistani visa approved on the Friday and so was sitting on plane to Islamabad the following Monday.

The primary goal of the trip to Pakistan was to assist the client in developing all aspects of duty of care at project inception.

We conducted office security reviews in Islamabad and Lahore, including CCTV placement, building security and fire safety. We reviewed the man-guarding contract to ensure that they will meet and exceed the standards expected for the provision of a guard service.

We also reviewed the capabilities of the vehicle tracking provider to ensure that the service being provided is safe, reliable and meets the needs of the client. Next on the list is the development of Hibernation, Relocation and Evacuation plans and also Medical Evacuation Plans for each of the offices of this multi-location project.

The final layer will include project security regulations, office security plans and travel plans and all of these will be guided by a regularly reviewed Security Risk Assessment and security best practice. Assisted by our local national team the visit was a huge success and we're well on the way to being set for full project implementation in early December!

The people, the culture and the food were amazing throughout and I'm looking forward to my next trip.

Darren Kelly, Senior Security Advisor

SPEARFISH ANNOUNCE 2020 HEAT COURSE DATES

Spearfish are proud to be an official sponsor of ADMEI, The Association for Destination Management Executives

Duty of Care is fast becoming more about effective staff security awareness rather than just insurance and compliance.

Spearfish are proud to become official sponsors of ADMEI and look forward to continuing their work together. Last week our Managing Director, Dan Hooton led a One Day Emergency Preparedness Course in Florida and will be leading this course again in Barcelona and Puerto Rico later this year.

Throughout an Emergency Preparedness course, attendees participate in group exercises encouraging problem solving from different industry perspectives. 

This course, focused on global strategies, helps develop emergency & risk management specialists within your company. We will deliver a series of presentations aimed at equipping the attendees with enough skills and experience to empower them to take responsibility for their team’s security and their personal security.

For more information about this courses or any of our training and crisis management consultancy please contact danhooton@spear-fish.com

INGOs in Borno State, Nigeria and their relationship with Nigerian Military

For some years there has been friction between the Nigerian military and INGOs due to military anger at what it sees as interference in its methods

Background

Military Operations.

The conflict in North Eastern Nigeria has continued for the past ten years. Despite repeated reassurances by both the President and military commanders that Boko Haram has been defeated, fighting goes on. The stalemate is attributed to corruption and black-market profiteering by many stakeholders.

 In response to a series of tactical reversals, the Nigerian military has made changes to its strategy. They are currently consolidating their forces into both existing and soon to be created ‘super camps’. The military logic is that super camps will provide the required force levels to properly defend the sites from enemy assault, whilst also sustaining a mobile and potent attack force which can rest and re-equip safely between conduct of focused, intelligence led strikes against the enemy. In the meantime, there is an operational vacuum across much of Borno which is being heavily exploited, in the north predominantly by the Islamic State of West Africa Province faction (ISWAP) and in the south by Boko Haram (BH).

Military & INGO Relationship

For some years there has been friction between the Nigerian military and INGOs due to military anger at what it sees as interference in its methods. . In December 2018 the Army stated that Amnesty International was 'determined to destabilise' the nation via the 'fictitious allegations of alleged human rights abuses' and called for both Amnesty International and UNICEF to be thrown out of the country.

INGOs can only offer neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable by being able to operate in an atmosphere of stakeholder acceptance. However, these parameters only serve to enhance the suspicions of the Nigerian military that INGOs are being too liberal and even criminal in their impartiality.

This simmering tension has again erupted into direct action. Two aid agencies have had offices closed (Action Against Hunger & Mercy Corps) by the military in the past few weeks and there are fears in the charity sector that Nigeria is targeting as many as 10 independent humanitarian organisations for possible closure. 

Impact on Internally Displaced Persons

There is already an identified lack of financing - the UN has declared that it has failed to achieve totals requested from donors in 2018 to deal with the impending food crisis. There is also both stakeholder fatigue and irritation. This has manifested itself not only in the military’s recent actions against INGOs but also in recent IDP protests in several north eastern locations and in continuing poor management of resource distribution. The lack of application of the national strategic recovery plan also frustrates many. *

Given the inconsistency and frictions, there is risk that IDP returnees to communities will again lose faith in the Government’s stabilisation efforts and move themselves back to places of perceived safety – Cameroon, Maiduguri or Damaturu, negating the efforts of the past eighteen months and only exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the north east.

Assessment

Recent adjustments, such as ‘Operation Positive Identification’, for which citizens are compulsorily required to carry identification are signs of a changing security climate in NE Nigeria.

 Other government agencies, such as the Department of State Security (DSS), The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and certain politicians, are already looking to increase regulatory oversight on NGOs. Politicians are seeking to reactivate into law a previously stalled Civil Society bill, originally tabled in 2017. The draft law would regulate NGOs’ funding, activities and foreign affiliation in the name of national security and would apply controls to NGOs’ assets. The bill would also create an NGO Regulatory Commission, with which civil society bodies would need to register or be in breach of the law. The commission would have discretion over which groups can register, and all must re-register every two years.

 The military would clearly like to see certain INGOs declared ‘persona non grata’ and expelled from the country. The Nigerian Government is unlikely to go this far as this would greatly constrain the funds coming in to address the North Eastern problem, attract criticism from other countries and world bodies and probably only serve to exacerbate the problems in the NE. Nonetheless, the government may well be sympathetic to selected additional constraints being applied to INGO operational freedom.

Spearfish Recommendations

• Limit operational activities in NE Nigeria until situation becomes clear.

• Minimise direct association with resource delivering partners to minimise perception of involvement.

• Communicate developments to your organisation’s management.

• Inform your security risk management team of identified or developing risks, whether security or reputational.

• Carry an approved form of identification on you at all times when travelling on roads, in accordance with with ‘Operation Positive Identifcation’

For more information about this report or how Spearfish can support your team please contact;

Jacob Akinola

Security Manager

jacobakinola@spear-fish.com

+234 (0)809 854 0000

Neal Peckham

Senior Security Manager

nealpeckham@spear-fish.com

+234 (0)816 865 4309

*[1] https://kujenga-amani.ssrc.org/2019/09/27/rethinking-responses-to-displacement-in-northeast-nigeria/ 

Spearfish Security opens new office to provide duty of care and security support across South Asia

Spearfish south asia

The Spearfish South Asia base is located in New Delhi and will serve both new and existing clients across this fast-growing regional security market.

The Spearfish South Asia base is located in New Delhi and will serve both new and existing clients across this fast-growing regional security market.

Following the launch of its West Africa office last year, Spearfish is continuing its global expansion, this time in South Asia with the opening of its latest facility in New Delhi, India. The new location is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UK parent Spearfish Security and will provide localised consultancy and support to clients, managing risks and threats to personnel and facilities.

The company specialises in security support to those working and travelling in high, extreme and complex countries and environments, and its South Asia office will service the entire region.

Our main areas of expertise fall into the following services;

• Strategic Consultancy : We design and deliver security policies and procedures specific to our clients’ needs including SDE & Crisis Management Training

• Overwatch: Remote mission oversight and assistance from the UK matched with “on the ground support”

• Training: In country courses which include, HEAT, First Aid and Driver Training .

• Regional Security Advisors: General consultancy services across South Asia provided by a network of local experts

Dan Hooton, managing director of Spearfish Security, said:

"We are excited to open this office having worked extensively in the region for the past six years, delivering full time Security & Risk Managers to organisations operating across South Asia. Our clients and contacts reach across the whole of this region, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and India. Having a permanent presence in South Asia reinforces our commitment to clients in this part of the world. It also ensures we can meet the needs of smaller organisations who may require support on an ‘as need’ basis, as well as larger clients looking to benefit from shared services.” 

The company’s UK head office adds capacity to its Regional Security Advisors, leveraging both Spearfish’s international experience and bringing a deeper pool of knowledge to supplement the solutions provided to clients. Spearfish can bring the highest international standards to its customers, delivered by local experts.

Spearfish's vast risk and commercial management experience enables us to deliver practical strategy and execution to organisations on a retained or per-project basis. Clients often engage the company to provide hands-on guidance for accommodation or trip management options for employees; or to craft security strategies for offices or transportation programs.

 “Our two principal consultants to the region, Grant White and Amit Darshan, possess a wealth of experience from advising clients in the hospitality sector as well as businesses in other more remote or high-risk states,” continues Dan. “Together, they are extremely well-placed to grow our new local subsidiary and provide more comprehensive packages and services to our client base.”

South East Asia has seen significant economic growth in recent years, but these increases have not been spread evenly. In particular, cross-border regions have seen challenges with growth, stability and development which has led to increased risks of radicalism, conflict and unrest.

Having a permanent team across South Asia permits a continual and stable presence across the Region. This means we can provide our clients with a more direct level of support for strategic consultancy, travel overwatch and training.

For more information about what we can offer and how we can help please contact

amitdarshan@spear-fish.com

tel. +91 99580 45555

SPEARFISH OVERWATCH

Overwatch gives you a scaleable and flexible package to support travellers in complex environments. It allows organisations to meet their Duty of Care to their staff

Spearfish Overwatch is becoming one of the fastest growing areas of our business. We understand that when you plan a trip for yourself or your team you may require more than one service. At its core Overwatch provides peace of mind to the traveller before and during their visit in a scalable and flexible manner. This way we are on stand by ready to give you access to the tools and on the ground expertise and knowledge if and when you require it.  

When you are planning your visit Overwatch can provide you with a Trip Risk Assessment. before you fly. To ensure that assessments are as accurate, reliable and timely as possible, the Spearfish team draw upon a network of vetted local contacts, and employ social media scanning software and commercial intelligence sources. In addition, pre-travel briefs are then delivered to help prepare travellers for their trip. These assessments also provide approved hotel, personal security tips tailored to each location, and airport arrival guidance.  

On the day of your departure you will be introduced to one of our Regional Security Advisors, usually via a messaging app which is also monitored by our UK team in Winchester. This keeps travellers informed of security incidents in their vicinity, allowing them to access immediate advice. We scan thousands of live social media reports, monitor local media and liaise with a network of local contacts, alerting travellers as and when necessary. 

In emergencies, Spearfish Overwatch can quickly locate the traveller, and respond accordingly. Our Senior Security Advisors and RSA’s provide initial crisis response until the client team is ready to join the proceedings. We are on stand-by, ready to support any welfare or logistical issues you may have. 

CASE STUDY 1

Whilst in country a client contacted our UK Overwatch team to assist in resolving some urgent logistical issues. The Regional Security Advisor was immediately informed and within the hour had been in contact with the client and was able to book her a vetted hotel and driver.

CASE STUDY 2

During a client’s recent visit to Abuja Islamic Movement of Nigeria ( IMN) protests broke out. Our local team’s expertise meant they were able to inform our client in real time and ramp up support to make sure that their welfare and duty of care was met.

Our pricing structure for our Overwatch is as follows;  

• TRIP RISK ASSESSMENTS £250  

• OVERWATCH £50 per day per group 

• SECURITY PLANNING/ PROTECTIVE SERVICES - quoted on a per mission basis. 

To discuss Overwatch or any of our services please contact us at lucyparnell@spear-fish.com. 

Spearfish Implement Induction training in Sokoto, Nigeria

An Induction/Orientation indoor training anchored by SSO Sokoto. The training was more of discussion with just about 12 staff in attendance.

Where the Spearfish West Africa Security Risk Management Team was introduced to staff and how far we intend to go in managing/mitigating the risk associated with the context they work in. At present, Sokoto is bedeviled with threats of armed banditry, abduction/kidnap, herdsmen attack etc.

NAIROBI HEAT COURSE - 23rd -25th July, 2019

OUR COURSES ARE ABOUT EMPOWERING THE INDIVIDUAL TO HELP THEM OPERATE IN HIGH RISK ENVIRONMENTS.

COURSE PRICE £995 PER PERSON

ACCOMMODATION & TRANSPORT CAN BE ARRANGED ON REQUEST

KENYA’S COMPLEX AND SOMETIMES VOLATILE LANDSCAPE PRESENTS A RANGE OF RISKS THAT CAN THREATEN THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF PERSONNEL. THIS COURSE GIVES AN AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE THREATS AND PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH THESES SKILLS TO RECOGNISE, ASSESS AND MITIGATE THOSE RISKS.

DAYS 1 & 2 ARE A MIX OF THEORY & PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION COVERING THE FOLLOWING;

WE BELIEVE THAT PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN.

ON DAY 3 THE STUDENTS USE WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNT AND ARE PUT THROUGH A SERIES OF SCENARIOS AND PRACTICAL SITUATIONS.

Spearfish West Africa leads on essential Security Awareness Training travelling to clients in the field

We offer Security Awareness Training across the globe as well as UK. Our team of experienced trainers and Regional Security Advisors come to your offices and depending on your requirements can spend 1/2 day or a full day with your team.

Yesterday, Neal Peckham, our Nigeria Security Manager, took one of Nigeria based clients through the Bi-Annual Security Awareness Training session.

The purpose of this training is to educate staff on the current security situation in their environment, to refresh their memories on personal security awareness and equip them to develop new techniques and methods that are essential when facing possible security issues both during and after working hours.

This refresher training is part our clients security management strategy in meeting Duty of Care obligations to its staff whilst coincidentally evidencing commitment to safety and security to their respective clients.

As a result of this training, staff should be better equipped to identify indicators to potential threats in their work and home environments, to quickly assess clear and present threats and to respond appropriately.

Other topics addressed included health and safety management in the office environment, fire prevention and response drills and information on defensive driving.