Why security training is vital for all employees and how to deliver it

When did you last talk to all your staff about security?

Physical security is essential for any business to keep its premises, assets, and people safe. It can also help prevent or reduce the impact of various threats that could disrupt business operations, including theft, vandalism, trespassing, terrorism and freak weather events.

But something that can be overlooked by businesses is that it’s not just down to the inhouse security guards, or an external security provider, to ensure that physical security measures are effective. It is the responsibility of every single team member.

Far from just being an investment in alarm systems, CCTV cameras, access control systems, ID cards and other technology - security is ultimately about people. Which is why awareness and education is important, so staff fully understand and uphold security measures, policies, and procedures.

Having staff security training form part of your business' security strategy is a great way to enhance the safety and security of your employees, customers, and visitors, as well as confidential and sensitive information you may hold. This is especially true with the blurring of the lines between the online and offline world, where actions taken by staff online (such as on social media) could impact on the business’ physical security systems too.

Here, we’ve taken a closer look at the importance of physical security training for employees and our top tips for delivering an effective physical security training programme.

So, how might employees weaken your security processes?

Here are some examples of different ways staff might unknowingly or without thinking, weaken the security processes that are in place.

• Leaving secure cabinets or rooms unlocked
• Failing to secure windows and doors before leaving the premises, such as when popping out to grab some lunch
• Using boxes to prop a fire door open in summer
• Sharing sensitive information or office-based photos on social media
• Holding a door or barrier open to let someone into the building
• Leaving access cards or keys in unsecure places
• Sharing passwords

5 reasons security training is important for all staff

1. Raising awareness

Physical security training can help your staff become more aware and knowledgeable about the potential threats and vulnerabilities that your business might be facing, and how to recognise, prevent, and respond to them. For example, what to do if they spot a stranger on the premises.

2. Understanding personal responsibility

It can help your staff understand the role they personally play in your security defences and why it’s important for all staff to work together to uphold security processes and procedures, including considering security within risk assessments.

3. Developing good habits

Physical security training can encourage staff to improve their habits and behaviours, such as locking doors and windows, securing devices and data, reporting suspicious activities, keeping restricted areas secure and following all security protocols and procedures.

4. Enhancing communication

It can support staff to enhance their collaboration and communication with each other, as well as with your security team, providers, and other stakeholders. Creating a culture of trust and transparency that encourages staff to share relevant and timely information can help lessen the potential impact of any security incidents.

5. Improving compliance

Physical security training can help your staff improve their compliance and performance in relation to any regulations and standards that might govern your industry or sector. It can also help you measure and improve physical security performance over time, while identifying gaps or weaknesses.

How to create and deliver an effective physical security training programme

Define the scope and objectives of the training

Before you start any training, you need to define the scope and objectives.

The scope refers to the topics, areas, and aspects of physical security that you want to cover in the training. Typical examples would be access control, surveillance and security personnel.

The objectives refer to the specific outcomes and results that you want to achieve from the training, such as increasing awareness, developing skills, enhancing collaboration and improving compliance.

Assess the needs and expectations of your staff

The next step is to assess the needs and expectations of your staff in relation to physical security training. You need to understand the current level of knowledge, skills, and attitudes of your staff, as well as their learning styles, preferences, and motivations. You also need to understand the challenges and opportunities that your staff face or encounter in relation to physical security, and how they can be addressed or leveraged in the training.

Design and develop the training content and materials

The next step is to design and develop the training content and materials that will suit the needs and expectations of your staff, as well as the scope and objectives of the training. You need to ensure that the training content and materials are relevant, accurate, and engaging, and that they cover the key concepts, principles, and practices of physical security. You also need to ensure that the training content and materials are aligned with the learning outcomes and assessment criteria that you have established for the training.

Choose and prepare the training methods and tools

The next step is to choose and prepare the training methods and tools that will deliver the training content and materials effectively and efficiently. You need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of different training methods and tools, such as lectures, workshops, simulations, games, quizzes and how they can facilitate the learning process and outcomes. You also need to consider the availability and accessibility of the training methods and tools, and how they can be integrated and coordinated with your existing security systems and platforms.

Implement and evaluate the training programme

The final step is to implement and evaluate the training programme, according to the plan that you have created. You need to communicate and coordinate with your staff, security team, providers, and stakeholders, to ensure that the training programme is smooth and successful. You also need to monitor and measure the training programme's effectiveness and impact and collect and analyse the feedback and data from the training participants and facilitators. Then review and update what you’re delivering regularly, based on your results, feedback and lessons learned.

About Venture

Venture Security is ranked within the top 1% of UK providers by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). We provide a range of professional security services and event security services, for customers based across Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Surrey.

• To find out more about our award-winning security services, please contact us using office@venturesec.co.uk / 01264 391 538
• To find out more about career opportunities visit: https://www.venturesec.co.uk/recruitment

FAQs

1. What specific methods or tools can be used to deliver effective security training?

   Organisations can employ various methods and tools to deliver impactful security training to employees. Some options include interactive workshops, online courses, simulated phishing exercises, and role-based training. Additionally, leveraging security awareness platforms or learning management systems can enhance the delivery of training content.

2. How can companies measure the effectiveness of their security training programmes?

   To assess the impact of security training, companies can track metrics such as phishing click rates, incident reporting, and knowledge assessments. Regular post-training surveys can gauge employees’ understanding and retention of security concepts. Furthermore, monitoring security incidents before and after training implementation provides valuable insights.

3. Are there any legal or compliance requirements related to security training for employees?

   Organisations should be aware of legal requirements related to security training. Depending on the industry and location, regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or industry-specific standards may mandate security awareness programs. Compliance with these regulations ensures that employees receive necessary training to protect sensitive data and maintain regulatory compliance.

   Remember, effective security training not only educates employees but also empowers them to actively contribute to safeguarding the organisation’s digital assets and information.