As part of this process these individuals will undergo immigration, criminal record and security checks to help ensure the safety and the security of the Games.
The Home Office is carrying out these checks on behalf of The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).
Once the background checks have been carried out, the Home Office will then recommend to LOCOG that an accreditation should be refused to any individual it believes may present a safety or security risk.
The “rigorous [checking] process has been designed in partnership with LOCOG, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
Commenting on the procedures involved, Home Office minister Damian Green said: “We’re undertaking stringent checks on all those seeking accreditation. This rigorous process has been designed to ensure those working at the Games are fit to do so. We will leave nothing to chance in our aim to deliver a safe and secure Games that London, the UK and the whole world will enjoy.”
Delivering a safe and secure Games
LOCOG chief executive Paul Deighton explained: “The accreditation process is a big job, and it’s one that’s crucial to the delivery of a safe and secure Games. We are working closely with our colleagues at the IOC, the IPC and the Home Office to deliver a system that works both efficiently and effectively.”
The accreditation pass will also act as a visa waiver for those Games family members from overseas who would normally require a visa to come to the United Kingdom.
It will be refused where an individual’s presence at the Games or in the UK would “not be conducive to the public good”.
BSIA praises publication of business preparation guide for 2012
At the same time, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed the publication of a new guide to help businesses prepare for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Entitled ‘London 2012 Games: Planning Information for Businesses’, the guide has been co-ordinated by the Cabinet Office with contributions from all organisations involved with delivering the Games. It provides useful hints and tips for businesses located near a Games venue or hotspot.
Business continuity advice included in the guide incorporates the many challenges that businesses may face at Games time, from staffing and home-working, telecoms and travel disruption through to, of course, safety and security.
“Helping its members plan for the events of 2012 remains a priority for the BSIA,” commented David Evans, the Association’s dedicated project director for 2012.
“Many of our members operate near Olympic venues, or will have their operations and supply chain affected by road disruptions. This guide will prove invaluable in helping such businesses make robust plans for dealing with the challenges of next summer’s events.”
The arrival of the Games will impact on over 30 live sites across the country, with 37 competition venues across the UK (27 of which are in London).
Alongside the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the summer of 2012 will also see a wide range of other celebrations in London including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the famous Notting Hill Carnival and the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.
Evans continued: “For all businesses located or operating near a Games venue or hotspot, this guide is an ideal place to start planning for the impact of next summer’s celebrations.”
To access a copy of ‘London 2012 Games: Planning Information for Businesses’ click here
