The International Working Group of RISC - “RISC International” - is chaired by Mr Shaun Hipgrave (Managing Director, Forensic Telecommunications Services Limited). The group meets in London on a quarterly basis to consider on behalf of RISC the industrial aspects of international security policy.

The priorities of the group include, but are not limited to:

• Working with UK Government departments (especially the FCO, UKTI and the OSCT) to develop the strategy for doubling the UK’s share of the global security market in the next five years.
• Establishing the availability of collaborative security research funding sources outside the UK and improve access of UK companies to them.
• Maintaining RISC’s relationships with key security organisations and initiatives outside the UK. 
• Providing industrial advice to the UK Government on international security issues.
• Representing the UK security industry in overseas policy environments.

Members of the group participate in roundtable discussions with leading UK Government and international security officials, contribute to the formulation of the policy positions of RISC, and receive information on key developments, including:

• EU Industrial Policy for the Security Industry.
• Transatlantic security cooperation.
• International efforts to reduce third party liability claims against security suppliers.
• Opportunities arising from the EU’s Security Research Programme.
• The international elements of the UK Government’s National Security Strategy and Strategy for Countering Terrorism (CONTEST).

Members of RISC International receive presentations from leading figures within a wide range of UK Government departments, international bodies, think tanks and academic institutions. The following organisations have previously presented to the group: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the European Commission, the UKTI Defence and Security Organisation, the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism, the European Organisation for Security and the EU Border Agency (FRONTEX).

Membership of RISC International is via the trade associations of RISC. For more information on the group’s activities, or to attend future meetings, please contact the secretary of RISC International.

29 June 2011