Counter Terror Awards shortlist announced

The organisations shortlisted by Counter Terror Business magazine for the 2020 Counter Terror Awards have been revealed.

The Awards acknowledge excellence in the global fight against terrorism. For the last two years, organisations and individuals from the UK and overseas have been recognised across 20 categories for their contributions to reducing the threat of global terrorism. This year, in a shorter category list, Counter Terror Business, organisers of the Awards, again looks to share appreciation and celebrate the people and organisations who are making the country and safer place to live. From communications and cyber security efforts, to policing on the front line and educating pupils against radicalisation, the shortlisted entries have been chosen for their actions in the last year, where the threat of terrorism has again grown.

Despite the threat level in the UK having been reduced to substantial in November 2019, meaning an attack is likely, incidents have been witnessed across the country. In the same month that the terrorism threat level was downgraded to ‘Substantial’, London Bridge played scene to another incident when 28-year-old Usman Khan started attacking people with a knife and was then shot by police. Only this month, Sudesh Amman stabbed people in Streatham a week after being released from prison after serving half of his sentence of three years and four months for terror offences.

The 2019 Global Terrorism Index has revealed that deaths from terrorism have halved in the last four years, but the number of countries affected by terrorism continues to grow, and, in the UK, the Home Office has announced that funding for counter terrorism policing will grow to £906 million in 2020 to 2021 - highlighting the scale of problem and resources needed to ebb the terrorist flow.

In spite of the challenges, policies, practices and solutions are being created to counter the threat - something our shortlisted entries can all be proud of. So, check out who has made the shortlist for the 2020 Counter Terror Awards below, or click here to read the reasons why they have been chosen.

Communications Award
- The ACT Awareness eLearning package - Counter Terrorism Policing
- Pool Re and the Joint Security and Resilience Centre
- The Metropolitan Police

Cyber Security Award
- Cyber Threats Research Centre at Swansea University
- The National Police Chiefs Council
- The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit

Emergency Services Award
- London Ambulance Service
- West Midlands Police
- Northumbria University

Perimeter Security Award
- KrowdThink - for The Krowd App
- Thames Water
- Manchester City Council

Counter Terrorism Education Project Award
- The ACT Awareness eLearning package - Counter Terrorism Policing
- The PSHE Association

Transport Security Award
- Gatwick Airport
- Heathrow Airport
- British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) and The Department for Transport

Counter Terror Policing Award
- City of London Police
- Leicestershire Police
- Counter Terrorism Policing - for #BeSafeBeSound social media campaign

Outstanding Contribution to Counter Terrorism
- Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu
- Figen Murray
- Deputy Assistant Commissioner Lucy D’Orsi