By Andy Schofield, new group chair and Reliance High-Tech chief technology officer
Reliance High-Tech’s CTO, Andy Schofield, has been appointed chair of the BSIA AI and Biometrics Special Interest Group. We asked Andy about his role and the workings of the group.
What is the goal of the British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) AI and Biometrics Special Interest Group (SIG)?
The AI and Biometrics Special Interest Group (SIG) was formed in 2020, initially focusing on the rising significance of biometric technologies in security. As the industry advanced, the group’s scope widened to encompass artificial intelligence.
Its main objective is to build confidence in the secure, ethical, and effective use of AI and biometrics in security, with an emphasis on promoting best practices. In addition to this, the SIG also addresses other critical factors such as cyber security and the operational advantages that these technologies can deliver to the industry. By ensuring these technologies are implemented responsibly, the SIG aims to enhance the safety of individuals, properties, and infrastructure, while driving operational efficiency for the security sector.
How does it achieve its goal?
The BSIA Special Interest Group (SIG) achieves its goals by bringing together experts from the security and technology sectors to focus on specific issues, such as AI and biometrics. It does this by facilitating collaboration and discussion among its members as well as other important stakeholders including academia and government, sharing knowledge and best practices, and addressing industry challenges.
The group’s industry-first, government-acknowledged legal and ethical recommendations on facial recognition technology informed the first ever British Standard code of practice on the topic – Facial recognition technology – Ethical use and deployment in video surveillance-based systems – (BS 9347: 2024).
Through regular meetings, workshops, and the publication of guidance documents, the SIG works towards setting standards and improving the adoption of secure, ethical, and effective practices within the industry. By fostering these collaborative efforts, the group ensures that it stays ahead of emerging trends and legislative changes, enabling the industry to respond proactively and maintain high standards of security and innovation.
This structured approach helps the SIG to influence the direction of the industry and ensure that it remains aligned with regulatory requirements and public expectations.
What does your new role of group chair involve?
As Chair of the BSIA Special Interest Group (SIG), my role revolves around leading a diverse group of industry professionals to drive progress in key areas such as AI, biometrics, and cyber security. This involves organising meetings, setting priorities, and encouraging collaboration between members to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities within the sector.
A core responsibility is ensuring the group remains focused on tackling the ethical and practical issues surrounding the use of emerging technologies. I aim to foster open discussions that bring together a broad range of perspectives, from manufacturers to legal experts and end-user security professionals. This diverse input is crucial for developing innovative solutions and guidance that truly reflect the complexities of real-world security challenges.
In addition, my role includes representing the group in wider industry discussions to help shape best practices and regulatory standards. By managing the group’s outputs, such as reports and position papers, I work to ensure that the SIG delivers tangible operational benefits, enhancing security practices and fostering greater trust in AI and biometric technologies.
Ultimately, my goal is to unlock the full potential of the SIG by building customer confidence in these technologies, promoting their responsible and effective use, and contributing to a safer society.
What are your credentials for the role?
As Chief Technology Officer at Reliance High-Tech, I have led the development of innovative AI solutions that deliver “Value Beyond Security,” helping our clients not only protect their assets but also derive additional benefits from the technology. We have established ourselves as leaders in the industry by creating solutions that go beyond traditional security, offering enhanced operational value to our customers.
In my role as Chair of the BSIA Special Interest Group (SIG), I apply this expertise to bring together the leading minds in AI and biometrics. My focus is on facilitating collaboration between industry professionals and technology experts to tackle the most significant challenges facing the security sector today.
One of my key responsibilities is to ensure that technical insights are translated into clear, actionable intelligence that BSIA members can easily implement. This is crucial in helping them stay ahead of technological advancements while ensuring that AI and biometric solutions are used both effectively and ethically.
With over three decades of experience in the security industry, I am a strong advocate of horizon scanning, continually looking towards future trends and challenges. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the SIG not only addresses current issues but also prepares the industry for what lies ahead.
Ultimately, my goal is to turn the collective expertise of the group into practical guidance that strengthens the responsible and ethical use of AI and biometrics, building trust in these technologies and contributing to a safer, more secure society.
What kind of topics do the group’s meetings cover?
The meetings of the BSIA AI & Biometrics Special Interest Group are broad in scope, offering members and participants the chance to discuss a variety of critical topics with significant relevance to society. For instance, in my first meeting as Chair, we explored AI standardisation, the implementation of the AI Act, and conducted a review of the BSIA’s legal and ethical guidelines for facial recognition technology. These discussions ensure that we stay at the forefront of regulatory and technological developments, addressing both current issues and those on the horizon.