News

The security manager at Kettering General Hospital has been commended at a national awards ceremony for the way he has contributed to making the hospital safer for patients and staff.

Darren Barber was among 12 security experts shortlisted for Security/Risk Manager of the Year in the national Fire and Security Matters Awards 2026 - FSM Awards 2026 - 2026 Winners - held last night.

He was commended in the Security/Risk Manager of the Year category of the awards after being nominated by the hospital's security contractors SGC Security Services, with input from hospital safeguarding staff.

The nomination was for the exemplary way he has helped build security and risk management services for staff and patients over the last three years.

Darren said: “I was very proud to receive the commendation. It felt like I had really achieved something for both our staff and our patients. Also that the work being done at KGH and UHN has been nationally recognised by our peers in the security industry.

“It gives me confidence that what we are doing are the right things and that we are on the right road.”

Methods used to improve security and risk at KGH shaped by Darren include:   

• Analysing where conflict happens within the organisation and speaking with staff to catagorise and record incidents - working with departments such as the overall site management team, emergency department and wards where incidents have occurred
• Creating a Violence Patient Marker Panel - designed by Darren - which enables staff to refer patients to a panel, made up of many different agencies, such as social care, police, probation, and hospital staff, to ensure each patient is supported appropriately with care plans, or, if situations escalate, appropriately refer them to the police. Also it enables patients to be noted on electronic systems for when they present again.
• Ensuring staff in wards and departments know what to do if a problem arises, understand safeguarding issues, know how to resolve conflicts, manage aggression and report incidents
• Using a three-tier staff training system for violence and aggression, beyond normal minimum mandatory training, to enable staff and departments to be well prepared for the challenges they face. This includes dealing with face-to-face encounters, conflict resolution, the law, breakaway techniques, and how to best engage with the hospital's security team.
• Taking a bird's eye view of violence and aggression looking at data and reports from wards and departments via University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (both Kettering and Northampton general hospitals) Violence and Aggression Reduction Group (VARG) so that the Trust can take appropriate measures to address issues that arise.

UHN Director of Estates and Facilities, Rob Drabble, said: “We are delighted that Darren has received national recognition for the tremendous work he does for our hospital

“His commitment and approach is second to none and this award demonstrates the respect he has gathered both within the hospital and with the security community.”

The hospital's security contractors, SGC Security Services, who nominated Darren for the award said: “Our work with Darren at Kettering General Hospital is rooted in a shared partnership where SGC and the Trust operate as one team to deliver compassionate, effective security that supports patients and staff. Darren's leadership and collaborative approach have been central to building this culture and driving lasting positive change.”