Feature Practical Measures


ProtectUK has already introduced an online app to support businesses including football stadiums by helping them to protect and prepare their customers, staff and premises against the threat of terrorism whilst also helping them increase their overall security.


Available on iOS and Android, the ProtectUK app allows users to access vital information and guidance on the go. It shares practical guidance on how to respond in the event of an attack, linked to the Counter Terrorism policing’s suite of ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) training products, the Security Industry Authority ACT Awareness e-Learning package and a range of NaCTSO guidance videos. Its latest bulletins include emergency response and post-incident guidance, together with details of the ACT online reporting form and confidential hotline.


Risk Assessments


The need for counter terrorism risk assessment for publicly accessible locations is anticipated to be a fundamental requirement of the Protect Duty scheme.


ProtectUK has provided guidance via a Risk Management Model comprising two main components: the identification of terrorist threats and evaluation of their associated risks.


Detailed information relating to aspects such as physical and active measures, as well as attack types, response mechanisms, intervention actions and recovery processes are all described.


Competent Persons


As part of the proposed Protect Duty terrorism-related requirement for those in control of certain public locations and venues a proposed Competent Persons Scheme will provide information and assistance


to the business community on security advisers and competent persons in the workplace.


Whilst the full scope of this new Scheme is yet to be determined, a ‘proof of concept’ using the Protect Duty consultation and Manchester Arena Inquiry as datasets will look at the potential for security advisers providing appropriate advice to businesses in matters relating to counter terrorism protective security/ preparedness. This will include employees in the workplace responsible for determining and implementing appropriate security practices within an organisation, such as a business owner or senior manager or a more security-specific role, for example a security manager or operations manager.


Accordingly, Approved Services’ Value


Those tasked with ensuring the safety and security of staff, visitors and others can already make use of approved security providers to improve the protective integrity of their sites. The value of specifying and utilising security services delivered by independently certificated providers is becoming ever stronger. One can imagine adequately protecting publicly accessible locations, such as sporting, entertainment and other event venues including stadiums and arenas, will require approved service


providers to be a benchmark for any organisation to adopt.


Third-party certification quickly and visibly demonstrates a provider’s technical expertise and reassuring quality of service. Buyers choosing an approved company benefit from the confidence of knowing their chosen provider is subject to ongoing


verification of compliance through a responsible


FSM


rigorous,


impartial audit programme, clearly signalling their openness to independent scrutiny, their professionalism and trustworthiness.


Security Industry Association (SIA)-licenced officers, provided by companies holding SIA Approved Contractor Scheme approval, give buyers reassurance they meet a defined and independently assessed set of quality standards throughout their business. This includes aspects such as completed checks on the identity, criminality, financial probity and integrity of those running the business (with all company directors requiring an SIA licence in addition to those they employ). ACS signifies to buyers a degree of professionalism and competence they can rely on, delivered as it is on behalf of the SIA by its three appointed expert assessing bodies, including NSI.


Certificated/approved security companies play a central role in helping buyers to discharge their legal responsibilities, including those related to health & safety, employment law and other requirements, e.g. related insurance stipulations. NSI’s Guarding Gold approval scheme,


of the leading providers of private security services in the UK have committed.


for instance, is one to which many Companies holding this approval can


demonstrate they undergo a rigorous, annual audit programme to verify compliance to British Standards and codes of practice. The majority of NSI Guarding approved providers combine their NSI approval with the SIA's ACS, through the NSI's 'Passport' scheme.


Conclusion


The Protect Duty proposals are rightly shining a


spotlight on future duty-of-care security


assessments and arrangements at stadiums and other places where the public have access. Reassuringly, third party certification infrastructure already in place has the potential to be deployed as part of the wider Protect Duty solution should it be called upon.


FSM


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