The managers of larger buildings such as offices, hotels and shops – a ll of them structures defined by a heavy daily footfall – could possibly be doing more to reduce security risks and loss through innovative building service engineering.
In recognising that fact, WSP Group consulting engineers’ Buildings Division is doing something to assist them. The division’s Jim Whitcomb and Darren Wood have just become the first practitioners from a UK multi-disciplinary consultancy to undertake a BTEC-accredited qualification in security risk management.
The programme is designed to provide a broad understanding of risk assessment, along with the planning and selection of appropriate countermeasures.
Protecting margins and preserving budgets
Associate director Whitcomb told SMT Online: “In the current climate, the threat to security is a significant issue for many of our clients. The need to prevent losses to protect margins and preserve budgets is more pressing than ever. We believe a considerable degree of prevention can be designed into premises by building services engineers, and that the link between building services design and security could be strengthened.”
This new service means the WSP Group is able to assess the types of risks posed to people, information, activities and operations, facilities, equipment and materials, subsequently offering tailored advice on how these risks can be minimised. This is in addition to the fire and large-scale security risk management services already offered by the Group.
WSP Group plc is a global design, engineering and management consultancy specialising in projects for the property, transport and environment sectors. Its 10,000 employees in 35 countries work with clients to create built and natural environments for a sustainable future.
Wood chipped in: “WSP can now offer a holistic security consulting service that encompasses the whole lifecycle of security, from the initial client security threat and risk assessment through to the design and management of system implementation encompassing CCTV, access control and intruder alarm systems.”
Consultants now embracing security
Whitcomb and Wood – a senior engineer at WSP – were trained by SAFE Limited, which provides nationally-certificated training and learning materials for the security and facilities sectors.
The organisation’s managing director Raymond Clarke commented: “We’re delighted to see multi-disciplinary consultants embracing security as part of their service to property clients. This particular SAFE training programme is designed to set the standard for those providing risk management advice and consultancy.”
In Clarke’s opinion, the resulting BTEC 4 qualification is “testimony to the professional standard achieved by successful candidates”.
For further information contact Jim Whitcomb or Darren Wood on (telephone) 020 7314 5776 or via -mail at: [email protected] and/or [email protected]
