SECuRiTYPROViDERS:
What does today’s security services provider offer? T
here are now more than 7,000 companies registered in the UK providing security services. What do these companies offer and how do you choose the right one for your business?
Much has changed in the last decade for security companies. Their services can now be much broader than just the provision of security officers. Many offer a suite of security- related services with technology playing a significant role. Whether you are procuring security services or looking to develop your security career, what does today’s security services provider offer?
Role
The primary role of security companies is to protect people and property through the provision of security staff and supporting
11 © CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – SPRING 2023
The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) managed by the SIA is a voluntary quality assurance scheme where companies are measured against 89 indicators of achievement. There are several assessing bodies for this, such as BSI, NSI and SSAIB. As well as ACS, many companies choose to apply other quality assurance schemes such as ISO 9001, established by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), which demonstrates their commitment to a quality service and ISO/IEC 27001, which assesses information security management.
technology. According to a recent IBISWorld report, there are currently more than 7,000 private security companies in the UK, with a market size of £8bn, employing nearly 200,000 – another report puts this figure at 300,000. This compares with 136,000 police officers currently in the UK, according to Statista. The number of active SIA license holders is around 375,000 (this doesn’t include those working in-house). But security clearly involves more than front-line security officers.
Legislation
Those working in the security sector must understand and adhere to a range of related regulations. The Private Security Industry Act (2001) was brought in to set, maintain and raise the standards of the UK’s private security industry. It created the Security Industry Authority (SIA), an independent body that reports to the Home Secretary. Its aims are to regulate the private sector security industry effectively, to reduce crime, raise standards and recognise quality service.
Martyn’s Law – otherwise known as the Protect Duty and covered earlier in this magazine – will come into force soon and aims to reduce the risk to the public from terrorism by the protection of public venues. This legislation will have implications for those in the security sector.
Other related legislation that may impact on the work of those working in security includes the Fraud Act 2006, the Terrorism Act 2006, the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Accreditations and licensing
There are no mandatory licensing or accreditation schemes for security service providers. Nevertheless, there are a number of schemes that security providers can qualify for.
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Individuals working in front-line security roles require an SIA licence. In fact, it is a criminal offence to engage in licensable activities – like door supervision, close protection and public space surveillance using CCTV – without a licence. The directors and managers of security services companies must also hold non-front line security licences. The SIA ensures these regulations are enforced and individuals are regularly prosecuted for related offences such as supply of unlicensed operative and contravention of a condition of an SIA licence. In order to hold an SIA licence, you must receive training and achieve the appropriate qualifications from an approved training provider.
In 2021, the SIA made changes to the licence meaning holders must have first aid and related training and certification. It should be noted that security officers who are employed in-house are not required to have a licence (unless working in liquor licensed premises).
Range of services offered
The vast majority of security service companies will provide security officers (sometimes known as manned guards). They will carry out a range of roles such as such as security patrols, CCTV monitoring and alarm response, and this will be supplemented by related services such as securing vacant properties and key holding. They will also offer linked services like Front of House staff. Many companies now offer a complete solution with integrated technology, so may install and maintain access control systems, CCTV and other surveillance and security systems.
The provision of detection and patrol dogs is a key service offered by a number of security service providers. Using their hunt and prey drives, dogs can be trained to detect a wide range of items, such as drugs, explosives, currency and mobile phones. This means dog teams can provide a rapid, non-intrusive screening service. Dog teams work alongside other security personnel and technology, as part of an overall provision.
We asked Barrie Millett, Director of Intelligence Operations, Security and Business Services, Mitie, how have the range of services offered by security providers has evolved? “The security landscape is continuously evolving, with intelligence-led services now
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