Enter

The categories and criteria for the 2025 Southern Africa OSPAs are listed below.

The criteria for the OSPAs entries are decided centrally by the OSPAs, and are the same across all participating countries.

Anyone working in the security sector of Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kingdom of Eswatini, Kingdom of Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, & Zimbabwe can enter the Southern Africa OSPAs. 

To enter, you will be asked to answer 2 questions for each category, with a maximum word count of 500 words per answer (answers much shorter than this may not be accepted). Please note that it is important that all the entry criteria are covered in the submission, as judges can only provide their scores against the information that is submitted on the entry. External links and attachments are not permitted.

Please note that nominations are scored on the quality of the answers. Answers that are deemed too short will not be submitted to the judges, and there is no advantage given to nominees who enter multiple times in the same category.

The judges are responsible for awarding the winners and finalists of each category. Their decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The award organisers also reserve the right to not award a category if circumstances deem it necessary.

Nominees may enter themselves or others more than once in multiple categories; except for the Lifetime Achievement Award where nominations must be made by a third party.

To assist your writing of a nomination, please find an Example Entry here to give you an idea of what a successful entry may look like.

Winning entries submitted in selected categories, will automatically be entered into our Global OSPAs which will take place virtually. You can find out more information here.

The Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be inducted into the Security Hall of Fame. Learn more here.

List of categories

Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director

Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director

Outstanding Security Team 

Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding) 

Outstanding Security Consultant

Outstanding Security Training Initiative

Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator

Outstanding New Security Product 

Outstanding Security Partnership 

Outstanding Security Officer

Outstanding Female Security Professional

Outstanding Young Security Professional 

Outstanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

Outstanding Security Sustainability Award

Lifetime Achievement *

* Not included in the Global OSPAs

Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director – employed direct

In-house security managers/directors can operate in different ways, they may work as advisors to the organisation or be a head of a team or department. Whatever the role, this category recognises those who through security expertise, business acumen and/or skilful and innovative leadership approaches, have led the security portfolio with distinction. Outstanding performers will be leaders and innovators who are setting examples that others will wish to follow.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the role of the security manager/director and the ways in which he/she has led change in the organisation including the security impacts of any partnership approaches adopted with different stakeholders. (up to 500 words)
2. Provide details of the value added by the security manager/director and his/her impact on the work of the security department highlighting the specific leadership qualities that generated any benefits noted. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the ways in which the role has driven security performance
• Highlighting the factors that enable the manager/director to excel
• Identifying the ways in which the role has influenced wider business operations
• Providing examples of building effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrating the improvements made to people and/or process and systems

Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director – employed a contract security company

Contract security managers/directors can operate in different ways, they may work as advisors to a client organisation or be the head of a team or department on behalf of a client. Whatever the role, this category recognises those who through security expertise, business acumen and/or skilful and innovative leadership approaches, have led the security portfolio with distinction for both their company and their client organisation. Outstanding performers will be leaders and innovators who are setting examples that others will wish to follow.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the role of the security manager/director and the ways in which he/she has led change in the organisation including the security impacts of any partnership approaches adopted with different stakeholders. (up to 500 words)
2. Provide details of the value added by the security manager/director and his/her impact on the work of the security department highlighting the specific leadership qualities that generated any benefits noted. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the ways in which the role has driven security performance
• Highlighting the factors that enable the manager/director to excel
• Identifying the ways in which the role has influenced wider business operations
• Providing examples of building effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrating the improvements made to people and/or process and systems

Outstanding Security Team

This award recognises outstanding security teams in the private, public or voluntary sectors – open to contracted teams, those employed direct or a combination.  An outstanding team is one that has implemented an approach which has contributed to the overall performance of the organisation. This can include roles in protecting the organisation against different types of threats, some or all of which may be innovative or exemplary, as well as showing outstanding performance in enabling the organisation to operate in ways or areas that would not be possible without the contribution of the security team.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the work of the security team and the ways in which it has driven outstanding performance highlighting the key factors that have enabled success. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe the impact of the team highlighting the benefits and value it has generated for different stakeholders. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing how the team creates and implements an effective security strategy and drives security performance
• Highlighting how good security impacts on the wider organisation
• Identifying the factors that enable staff/leadership to excel
• Providing examples of building effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrating how improvements made to people and/or process and systems

Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)

This OSPA recognises those who are outstanding suppliers of manned security guarding. In the modern world the provision of manned guarding services has become a much more skilled task. Motivating staff, managing resources in an increasingly competitive and price sensitive environment, up-skilling, recognising the distinct importance of front line leadership, making the most of technologies, forging internal and external partnerships and making them work are just some of the trends that are leading to new approaches and thinking about manned guarding. The object of this category is to recognise the outstanding performers in making a positive difference.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the security guarding company and the service it provides, highlighting key distinguishing features. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe how the security guarding company has displayed outstanding performance and deserves to be recognised with this OSPA. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the key distinguishing strengths the company displays
• Highlighting the business approach, specific skills and tactics that underpin performance
• Identifying examples of business success in initiatives, procedures and policies
• Providing examples of building effective relationships with stakeholders
• Demonstrating how high performance and benefits are sustained

Outstanding Security Consultant 

This OSPA recognises the independent security consultant – individual, team or company – dedicated to any area of security consulting. Consultants often play a key role in security in offering expertise and insight which can transform the quality of service, product or system that is offered. It recognises the existence of distinct skill sets and crucially the ways these are harnessed and managed to make a difference to security strategy and/or practice.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the role and objectives of the consultant and the key factors that reflect outstanding performance. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe how the security consultant has displayed outstanding performance in terms for example, of leadership skills, a focus on the customer, by adding value or otherwise driving excellence. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the ways in which the consultant has driven security performance
• Highlighting the key distinguishing strengths of the consultant including leadership skills
• Identifying the ways in which the role has influenced positively wider business operations
• Providing examples of building effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrating how high performance and benefits are sustained

Outstanding Security Training Initiative

This OSPA recognises individuals or companies that operate a successful training scheme, which promotes outstanding performance and has produced identifiable results. There is a tendency to talk about training and up-skilling as a good thing in itself. In fact in the very least, training should most often be undertaken in response to an identified need, with a programme that is suited to best meeting a skills gap, that is well articulated and delivered, and results in an benefits in terms of better performance. This OSPA looks to recognise those who have made a difference to improving security practice via training.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the training initiative, highlighting its key features that were responsible for delivering outstanding performance. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe how the training initiative made an impact in developing outstanding security practices in terms of adding value, improving performance or otherwise driving excellence. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the aims of the initiative and how these are focussed on the customer
• Highlighting how innovation is displayed
• Identifying the factors that enable the trainers to excel
• Providing examples of improved performance
• Demonstrating the business benefits and how they are sustained

Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator

This OSPA recognises outstanding performance by security installers/integrators, be that individuals or companies. Excelling at security installations/integrations requires a rounded approach and often skill sets that include security expertise, project management and customer care. Although security installations/integrations are about adding value the precise benefits will vary by type of client and type of installation/integration. This OSPA recognises those who excel at security installations/integrations.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the service the installer/integrator provides, the main areas of outstanding performance, and how these were achieved. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe the additional value and benefits that were generated for clients and the factors and drivers that enabled the installer/integrator to excel. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the key distinguishing strengths the installer/integrator displays
• Highlighting how new technology and/or innovative techniques have improved performance
• Identifying the factors that enable staff/leadership to excel
• Providing examples of client benefits
• Demonstrating how high performance is sustained

Outstanding New Security Product

This OSPA recognises an outstanding new product that has been designed and implemented to improve any area of security practice, and has been introduced to the South African security market in the last 12 months. The key point about new products is that they have a marked effect on improving security performance; that is that they add value and have clearly identified benefits.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the product and its distinguishing features, and any innovative aspects that enable it to be considered as cutting edge. (up to 500 words)
2. Evidence how the product is specifically designed to address a market demand, show how the product adds value. (up to 500 words)

The Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing any creative and innovative aspects of the design process
• Highlighting the distinct features of the product
• Identifying the impact of the product on clients
• Providing examples of benefits for customers
• Demonstrating the ways in which the product adds value

Outstanding Security Partnership

This OSPA recognises a successful security partnership that delivers outstanding performance. ‘Partnerships’ is an over used word in security. Frequently partnerships are identified as crucial to good security but often may involve little more than collaboration, a very different thing. What is known is that effective partnerships are most often the result of good planning around identifiable objectives designed to deliver specific benefits, and are typically characterised by good management/co-ordination.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the partnership and the benefits it provides. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe how the partnership demonstrates outstanding performance and why the partnership deserves this OSPA. (up to 500 words)

The Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the role of the partnership and the key benefits it provides
• Highlighting the business approach, specific skills and tactics that underpin performance
• Identifying the factors that enable staff/leadership to excel
• Providing examples of outstanding performance for stakeholders
• Demonstrating business benefits and how they are sustained

Outstanding Security Officer

This OSPA recognises the security officer (up to supervisor level) demonstrating the most outstanding performance. It will be awarded to a security officer who is highly committed to security work, showing enthusiasm, initiative and displaying security competence in different areas including in the development of stakeholder relationships. The officer will have had a beneficial impact on the workplace positively influencing operations and having been recognised for achieving outstanding service.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the role of the security officer and the ways in which he/she has led change in an organisation including the security impacts of any partnership approaches adopted with different stakeholders. (up to 500 words)
2. Provide details of the value added by the security officer and his/her impact on the work of the security department highlighting the specific leadership qualities that generated any benefits noted. (up to 500 words)

The Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the key distinguishing strengths the individual displays
• Highlighting the factors that enable the individual to excel
• Identifying the ways in which the individual has influenced client operations
• Providing examples of building effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrating the overall value added by the individual’s contribution

Outstanding Female Security Professional

This award recognises an outstanding individual who identifies as female working at any level in an organisation who has consistently shown outstanding performance over a substantial period of time and has had a substantial impact upon defining and driving standards in the security sector.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the role of the female professional, including key moments and prominent achievements throughout her career. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe how outstanding performance has been at the forefront of activities throughout their career, how she has encouraged others to perform outstandingly and how she has contributed to raising performance standards throughout the security sector. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the ways in which the individual has driven security performance
• Highlighting the factors that enable the individual to excel
• Identifying the ways in which the individual has influenced security sector and/or client operations
• Providing examples of building effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrating the overall value added by the individual’s overall contribution

Outstanding Young Security Professional

This OSPA recognises a young security professional – that is anyone below the age of thirty (there is no restriction on the number of years spent in security) – who has excelled in his/her early career performance. This OSPA will be awarded to someone who has made an impact in the area of private security, for example as a analyst/researcher, working for a security supplier and/or corporate security (rather than police/military). This could be in any area of security activity, as a student, in the workplace or a combination, but it will be someone who has made a difference and is laying the basis for an outstanding career in security.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the role of the young professional and the ways in which he/she has excelled. (up to 500 words)
2. Provide details of the value added by the young professional and his/her impact in specific area or areas of security activity (inside the workplace and/or outside) highlighting the special qualities of the individual. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the work of the young professional and its relationship to security
• Highlighting the ways in which the young professional is laying the foundations of a security career
• Identifying the influence of the young professional on specific audiences
• Providing examples of interest and dedication to improving security
• Demonstrating how high performance will be sustained

Outstanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

This OSPA recognises the company, team or individual that operates an outstanding equality, diversity and inclusion initiative that has led to an improved security position. Equality, diversity and inclusion are concepts at the heart of any good project and although each element has different meanings at its core is a focus on being diverse as well as being inclusive, treating people fairly and in the same way recognising that people and needs are different. There is a broad range of issues that an initiative may cover, including for example, age, disability, gender (reassignment), marriage and other types of partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, and/or Sex. The key point for this OSPA is that the initiative has a main focus on generating positive change internally, for customers, society and/or other stakeholders.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the equality, diversity and inclusion initiative, highlighting the key features that were responsible for delivering outstanding performance. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe how the initiative made an impact in improving equality, diversity and inclusion in terms of adding value, improving performance or otherwise driving excellence (up to 500 words)

The Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the aims of the initiative and the key benefits it provides
• Highlighting the approaches taken, specific skills and tactics that underpin performance
• Identifying the factors that enable staff/leadership to excel
• Providing examples of the improvements generated
• Demonstrating the organisational benefits and how they are achieved

Outstanding Security Sustainability Award

This award recognises any organisation, in any sector and area of activity, that is committed to outstanding practices in furthering environmental and social sustainability in whatever form be that reducing waste, improving the carbon footprint, progressing towards circularity, using more eco-friendly materials or approaches. The key is that the commitment to a greener way of working is genuine, that initiatives have an impact and that they are supported by a strategy or plan.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe the work and approaches and how this has contributed to sustainability. (up to 500 words)
2. Provide details of the value added and the specifics of the benefits generated. (up to 500 words)

The Judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the strategy of the organisation and ways of achieving sustainable goals
• Highlighting the ways in which performance on sustainability has been enhanced
• Identifying the impacts on different audiences
• Providing examples of how security has been improved
• Demonstrating how high performance is sustained
• Demonstrating the organisational benefits and how they are achieved

Lifetime Achievement

Must be nominated by a third party

This OSPA recognises a senior member of the security community. It recognises an individual who has consistently shown outstanding performance over an extended period of time and has had a substantial impact upon defining and driving standards in the security sector.

To enter this category you will be asked to:

1. Describe their career, including key moments and prominent achievements. (up to 500 words)
2. Describe how outstanding performance has been at the forefront of activities throughout their career, how this person has encouraged others to perform outstandingly and how they have contributed to raising performance standards throughout the security sector. (up to 500 words)

The judges will be looking for evidence of outstanding performance in:

• Discussing the roles held by the individual and the significance of them to security
• Highlighting the factors that enable the individual to excel at what he or she has done
• Identifying the ways in which the individual has influenced the security sector
• Providing examples of building effective relationships with key stakeholders
• Demonstrating the overall value added over his or her career