Be sure to let us know your views on all the topics mentioned here…
The Latest Industry News and Opinion
(1) Regulation of the private security industry courtesy of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) tops the news agenda yet again. According to an official News Release issued from 50 Broadway on 29 November, the SIA licence processing backlog (induced by a late flood of licence applications prior to the 20 March deadline) is now at an end. Processing times are back to normal.
The SIA’s assistant director of licensing, Paul Douglas, told SMT: “The usual processing time for licence applications is approximately six weeks, at least in terms of correctly completed applications that require standard checks. However, applicants need to be aware that complicated applications or those requiring overseas criminality checks, qualification verifications and/or additional Criminal Records Bureau classification may take longer.” Read more at www.the-sia.org.uk
In addition, the SIA is to launch the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) in Scotland two months early. In response to requests from private security companies operating north of the border, the Regulator has brought forward the launch date from 1 June to 6 April 2007.
“This is good news for private security contractors operating in Scotland,” states Andy Drane, the SIA’s deputy chief executive. “There is still much work to be done by everyone in order to bring private security regulation into effect, but this early launch of the ACS will mean that the best providers can show their customers real commitment to regulation.”
To apply for the ACS status in April-June, security companies need to have at least 40% of their licensable staff already SIA licensed or have their licence applications pending (this percentage will increase progressively after June has passed). This means that companies licensing their staff during the early stages of regulation are in a position to attain Approved Contractor Scheme registration much faster than would otherwise be the case.
The exact launch date of the ACS in Scotland is subject to ministerial approvals. For further information log on at www.the-sia.org.uk
The Home Office’s Security Industry Section (Crime Reduction and Community Safety Group) has issued its 47-page Regulatory Impact Assessment on Security Guards at Sports and Other Events. This offers full details on how security officers working at sporting events and similar major events are affected by the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and is aimed at sports and events organisers, groups representing the private security industry, police representative bodies, relevant local authority organisations and a wide variety of other concerns with an interest in the sports and events sector (and the all-round effectiveness of the private security industry).
Generally, respondents to the consultation fell into two main groups: those from the security industry (including service providers and trainers) and individuals from the sports and events sectors (event organisers and representative bodies). In general, the former group appeared to be in favour of the law as it stands, and cautious about moving to modify or reduce the coverage of the licensing regime as dictated by law. The latter group was more diverse, with certain quarters completely opposed to the licensing regime (mainly due to the fact that they interpret it to be directly applicable to themselves).
Apparently, one of the most common themes running through the consultation was that of clarity of definition. Some of the issues raised suggested that, with a better understanding of the Act and greater individual confidence relating to its application, many of the more significant concerns could be allayed. For example, a number of respondents weren’t certain whether they would have to ensure that ‘stewards’ operating in a safety rather than a security capacity had to be licensed, when in fact such activity may not fall within the remit of the 2001 Act.
Most responses from the sporting sector favour blanket exclusion from licensing and regulation for those grounds covered by safety certificates. Concerns from the events sector tended to focus on whether exclusion was appropriate for premises which could potentially host a whole range of different events… a view echoed by some practitioners from the security industry and, indeed, the regulatory side of the fence. There was also a strong view that either exemption or exclusion could create a two-tier system (both across the sector as a whole, and between in-house and contracted security staff).
Security Management Today readers can access a summary document on the Regulator’s web site. This PDF format file may also be downloaded.
(2) The British Standards Institution has published two new British Standards for security professionals. BS 7858:2006 Security Screening of Individuals Employed in a Security Environment (Code of Practice) supersedes BS 7858:2004 (with the latter being withdrawn as of 31 December 2006). It covers acquisitions and transfers, ancillary staff, contractors and subcontractors, individuals employed in security screening and the screening process itself. For further information log on at www.bsi-global.com/bs7858
In addition, BS 8473:2006 Intruder and Hold-Up Alarm Systems – Management of False Alarms (Code of Practice) offers guidance for end users on the management of alarm conditions when they occur in order to reduce the nuisance factor and cut back on wasted resources used when exploring false alarms. This British Standard applies to all remotely notified intruder and hold-up alarm systems, as well as audible-only intruder alarms and hold-up alarm systems. BS 8473:2006 supersedes DD245:2002, which is now withdrawn.
For more information and to order a copy, log on at www.bsi-global.com/bs8473
(3) Research specialist Market & Business Development (MBD) has just issued its annual UK Manned Security Market Development Report. As you would expect, the market continues to be highly competitive with margins continually being squeezed, a problem only exacerbated in recent times due to the rising costs related to licensing. However, the value of some contracts is likely to increase over the next few years, in part due to regulation and the trend of an increasing number of companies providing fully-integrated security solutions.
Between 2007 and 2011, annual growth levels are expected to remain relatively consistent (at between 2% and 3% in real terms). Overall, the market value should increase by 13%. According to MBD, that growth should be driven by strong development in the custodial sector and Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit.
Margins are also expected to improve in the medium term once the initial costs associated with the introduction of licensing have been fully absorbed by the service providers. However, a stronger market development should be restricted by the increasing substitution of security guarding in favour of systems.
Copies of the full report are priced at GB pound 550.00. Log on at www.mbdltd.co.uk for ordering details.
(4) The City of London Police plans to expand a ground-breaking scheme that will see small and medium-sized businesses gather local intelligence on suspicious persons and activities for the benefit of all.
The intention is to build on the success of Project Griffin, an innovative scheme that has involved private security personnel working at buildings in London’s financial ‘hub’ reporting on anything they regard as suspicious. In particular, the authorities are keen to disrupt anyone perceived as undertaking ‘hostile reconnaissance’ ahead of a potential attack.
Detective Constable Ian Mansfield (counter-terrorism security advisor to The City of London Police) has stated that two pilot studies for Project Griffin 2 (as the scheme is currently known) will begin “early next year”. If successful, the programme may then be rolled-out to all UK police services.
Among the warning signs of potential hostile reconnaissance are someone taking a significant interest in the outside of a building, two or more people studying the location of CCTV cameras at a given premises and individuals taking photos of/making notes on a specific site. Other signs include vehicles being left outside a building for longer than is the norm, activity inconsistent with the nature of the location and the use of disguises (including motorcycle crash helmets).
If you want to find out more, go to www.reliancesecurity.co.uk
(5) Over 3.5 million Britons admit to shop theft during the last 12 months… Just 35% of Britons would actually report someone they suspected was selling stolen retail goods to the police… One-in-four would knowingly purchase a stolen item if the price were attractive. These are just some of the astonishing findings of G4S Security Services (UK)’s 3rd Annual Retail Crime Survey.
“We are creating a culture in which some sections of society are happy to turn a blind eye to crimes like shop theft,” claims Douglas Greenwell, G4S Security Services (UK)’s marketing director. “We would encourage the public to report any criminal activity to the relevant authorities. Consumers should recognise that retail theft impacts on the price they pay for goods because retailers need to recoup their losses.”
Greenwell’s company is warning the public that purchasing goods stolen from a retail outlet encourages further shop theft and funds anti-social activity (including drug abuse). A staggering 85,000 Britons have each stolen over GB pound 5,000 of merchandise from retailers in the past year.
“We believe that members of the public are providing an easy channel for criminals to dispose of ill-gained merchandise,” continues Greenwell. “Britons should seek to establish the provenance of any goods before making a purchase. For their part, consumers can take simple precautions to avoid purchasing stolen goods. They should steer clear of items being resold that contain another retailer’s store tags, and ought to be particularly vigilant of prices when making purchases. They must also avoid unlicensed street traders.”
Research company TNS conducted the online survey of 1,008 British adults aged between 16 and 64 during the period 31 October through to 2 November. For further details log on at www.g4s.com/uk-security. You can also read Douglas Greenwell’s views on why retail security solutions ought to be designed to meet the individual needs of the stock, the store and its location in the December print edition of SMT. Go to ‘Retail theft: a Darwinian Influence’.
(6) The UK’s privacy watchdog has called for action on deciding an acceptable level of data that can be collected and stored about individuals, warning that the UK has become a ‘surveillance society’.
At an industry event in London, Information Commissioner Richard Thomas launched ‘A Surveillance Society’, a report into the level of surveillance currently ‘in situ’ coupled with predictions up to the year 2016. The report highlights various activities, mostly supported by technologies such as biometrics and databases, that could intrude into individual privacy. These include workplace monitoring of e-mail and Internet use, and the systematic tracking of travel.
“Two years ago I warned that we were in danger of sleepwalking into a surveillance society,” suggested Thomas. “Today I fear that we are in fact waking up to a surveillance society. As evermore information is collected, shared and used, it intrudes into our private space… I am keen to start a debate about where the lines should be drawn.”
Security Management Today’s views on this matter are made clear in the December edition’s Editorial Leader. What do you think? We would be keen to start our own debate concerning this topic, so do let us know your views. Send an e-mail to: [email protected], or comment via our web site at http://www.smtdirect.co.uk/feedback.asp
(7) For the second year in succession, SMT’s Editor Brian Sims has won a prestigious award from the industry. This time around, Brian picked up the Skills for Security Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Security Business Sector at the 2006 Skills for Security National Conference (www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk).
The Special Award is designed to be “an honour for the industry’s unsung heroes who, perhaps unlike many other Award recipients, have no vested interest other than to lead the security industry forward into the future, altruistically and with true passion.”
In his citation to the 200-plus delegates in attendance at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, Skills for Security’s business development director Stefan Hay commented: “Brian Sims is an outstanding individual who has adopted our industry as his own and who, through tireless effort, has highlighted the need for – and determinedly pursued the concept of – Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for security managers, directors and operational personnel ever since taking over at the helm of what he has made the private security industry’s leading journal.
“Brian has been fully supportive of Security Industry Authority licensing, but has never been afraid to challenge the decisions of the Regulator when appropriate. He has consistently been first on the scene to report both honestly and transparently on every major initiative or event that has impacted on our industry during the past six years. He has also given hundreds of ours to additional activities on behalf of The Security Institute, the British Security Industry Association, The Company of Security Professionals, ASIS International’s UK Chapter 208 and our own organisation in pursuit of the furtherance of this business sector and its many practitioners.”
(8) There is much debate in the world of security consultancy just now following the finalisation of BS 8549, the British Standards Institution’s Code of Practice outlining “recommendations for the management, staffing, operation and provision of contracted security consultancy services” that “might assist those who wish to contract the services of a security consultant”.
The Security Institute’s chairman Bill Wyllie has offered some strong views on this Code at www.smtdirect.co.uk, and in the December print edition of the journal. Is a debate on this matter about to unravel across the industry? As yet, the Association of Security Consultants hasn’t issued an official statement on the matter. SMT will be publishing further views on this topic in the January 2007 print edition, so look out for that.
Just so that we have covered all the bases, there is also an excellent Opinion piece for you to read… Peter Speight of the Reliance Security Group offers a timely discourse on the prospect of SIA licensing for practitioners in this field. Seemingly there are important lessons to be learned from the close protection operatives’ experience… Digest Peter’s thoughts and then feed us your opinions!
(9) The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has appointed a project director to focus the work of the Association for the 2012 Olympic Games. David Evans, former managing director of Legion Group plc, has taken on this hugely important role.
David Dickinson (chief executive of the BSIA) comments: “The 2012 Olympic Games will provide significant opportunities for UK business, particularly the security industry. The appointment of a project director has been welcomed by the Association’s Council. It’s an exciting step forward ensuring that BSIA members can make the most of this unique event. The task of the project director will be to foster an environment whereby BSIA members are recognised as the leading resource for private security services in the UK. I am confident that David Evans’ breadth of knowledge and deep experience within our industry will help us to achieve these aims.”
David has served as managing director at the Legion Group plc for the past seven years. Prior to this, he held positions as sales and marketing director with Securicor Guarding and commercial director at Sterling Granada. His experience in those companies has ranged from security guarding through to systems, event security and consultancy. He also chaired the Home Office Working Group on Safe Deposits.
David is a Freeman of The Company of Security Professionals, a Fellow of The Security Institute and a member of SMT’s Editorial Advisory Board.
For further information on the current work of the BSIA log on at www.bsia.co.uk
(10) It is widely acknowledged that the role of the chief security officer is now more important than ever before. The majority of managing the risks faced by major corporate enterprises fall within their remit but, nonetheless, they are still rewarded with lower salaries than other comparable function department heads. In truth, this can average 15% for an executive at senior level, or 25% at country executive level. Clearly, some important messages are not being heard in the Boardroom.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. SSR Personnel Services’ European Salary Survey 2006 shows that senior security executives will have enjoyed salary increases averaging 10% in the current round of wage negotiations. Again on average, new job hires in security departments or those subject to position re-grading will benefit to the tune of 25% of their previous salary level.
See how your salary compares to that of your fellow managers.
On The Horizon
Security professionals will be well aware of IP technology, and the inroads it is beginning to make in relation to surveillance, voice and data transmission. In January, you’ll have the chance to catch up on all of the latest systems developments at IIPSEC 2007. Now in its fifth year, the event is designed to highlight how the sharing of both video and information across the IP medium can actively increase functionality, quality of service and value.
IIPSEC 2007 runs from 23-25 January at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry. For further information log on at www.iipsec.com
The February print edition of SMT marks the first in a series of new initiatives we are putting in place for 2007. In support of the dedicated IP and Networked Solutions running in Hall 18 of the NEC at IFSEC 2007 next May, while also mirroring the requests of readers and the industry at large, we’ll be introducing a dedicated section on ‘all things IP’. Entitled ‘Protocol’, the section will contain interviews with the major systems providers in the IP sector and their end users, practical Case Studies of operational installations from which security managers can learn about systems implementation and costs and details of the latest products and solutions.
In the meantime, look out for the December print edition. There are some thought-provoking features discussing video content analytics, ID management solutions for the corporate environment, The Security Institute’s push for Chartered status and all of the latest products and systems installation news.
Until next time…
Best regards
Brian Sims
Editor, Security Management Today (SMT)
