Monday, 22nd April 2024

Trident Manor personnel deployed to the other side of the world to provide cultural protection services and deliver dedicated cultural protection training programmes.

On the 3rd of April 2024 Andy Davis, the Managing Director set off for New Zealand to deliver specialist cultural protection training and consultancy services to a wide range of clients. Despite being delayed by a day, which did allow a visit to the MilPol Conference in Singapore, he still arrived in time to conduct a recce of the Auckland War Memorial Museum ready for his first programme there the following day, Sunday the 7^th of April.

This training saw the in-house security team receive the new CPD Accredited ‘Museum Security Team Programme’. The group really enjoyed the training, especially the areas where practical activities were undertaken inside different gallery spaces in the museum itself. The feedback was fantastic, and all delegates confirmed that it had been a great learning experience.

On Tuesday it was back in the training room this time at the Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery in the Auckland suburbs. This was the ‘Introduction to Risk Assessing at Cultural Venues Programme’ where delegates from 9 cultural venues from across ‘North Island’ attended. They were taught about the different threats that exist and how by using a correct risk assessment process they can identify and then mitigate risks that their venues may experience. Andy said, “It was great seeing smaller venues mixing with larger venues and hearing them discuss their concerns and things that directly impact their daily operations." The final exercise saw the delegates undertake a risk assessment activity where vulnerabilities were identified, and risk reduction strategies considered.

On Wednesday the 10^th of April the CPD Certified ‘Introduction to the Protection of Cultural Venues’ programme was delivered to over 20 delegates from multiple different cultural venues. During this programme the delegates found out about the different threats that exist at cultural venues, how they manifest themselves, and the simple actions that everybody can take to protect and preserve their organisational assets. Again, the feedback was first class and several comments relating to everybody working in a cultural venue should receive this programme (something that we at Trident Manor fully support).

That night I took a very tiring flight to Wellington ready for the delivery of the ‘Introduction to Risk Assessing Programme’ at Te Papa Museum the following day. One thing that was noticed about Wellington was that the weather is different to Auckland, it is called ‘Windy Welly’ for a reason that doesn’t include eating Baked Beans.

The following morning (15^th of April) Andy arrived at Te Papa Museum and delivered the ‘Risk Assessing’ programme to about 23 delegates from government departments, museums, galleries, the National Archives, and local government representatives. It was described by Andy as ‘the perfect mixture of knowledge, skills, and experience, and didn’t involve a single member of the in-house security team. As with the first Risk assessing group in Auckland, these delegates benefited from the practical exercise where vulnerabilities were sought and solutions to reduce the risk discussed.

Time was taken to visit the vandalised exhibition the Treaty of Waitangi where over a dozen protesters using a distraction technique scaled the walls and painted over the English version of the ‘Treaty’ due to misinterpretation. It was very powerful seeing the paint still on the face of the exhibit (marketing material) and it helped draw a greater number of visitors.

The final training programme before heading back to Auckland was a repeat delivery of the ‘Security Team’ programme. While there were fewer members of the security team in Wellington it was great to see the customer service managers who in many cases are the real ‘front line’ against the threats to the venue’s assets. Andy commented, “This is great to see as it goes a long way in breaking down barriers and minimising the creation of silos".

Once back in Auckland, an unannounced security visit was undertaken before an announced visit the following day (Monday the 15^th of April). This allowed Andy to witness those involved in security and invigilation activities to be observed acting naturally. Some staff were seen on mobile devices, others leaning against walls and balustrades, and none appeared attentive or alert.

The following morning Andy was able to speak with senior managers, as well as those responsible for the protection of the assets at the venue before undertaking an internal and external security audit resulting in several significant vulnerabilities being identified, alongside some good physical and operational security practices.

There was some downtime which Andy used to visit different cultural venues across Auckland and see a wide range of beautiful art and heritage artefacts including paintings by Picasso, Turner, and several by Matisse. The range of artefacts on display across Auckland was fantastic, especially when the sun came out.

The final day in New Zealand was spent giving something back to the hosts where Andy delivered ‘pro-bono’ the Understanding Protesters in Cultural Venues’ programme to senior representatives from the museum sector, senior security team representatives, and security planners and coordinators from the New Zealand Police Service. This programme led to some meaningful discussions and debates outlining different approaches to managing the protester threats.

Following a hearty breakfast Andy was taken to the airport at the start of a 31-hour journey back to the UK.

The whole programme had not only been well received by all parties with some excellent feedback and the desire for additional training services to be provided. Andy reflected, “Although a long journey (both ways) it was so rewarding engaging with such a wide range of delegates and delivering programmes that you know will be of real benefit now and into the future. A huge thanks go to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Te Papa who supported and encouraged the delivery of the programmes in New Zealand, and who were great hosts.”

Trident Manor looks forward to maintaining and growing its relationship with museums and cultural venues in Australasia. If you think that your country or organisation would benefit from either the cultural protection services or training programmes then why not contact us to discuss the matter further?