Are your facilities secure?

For facilities management teams, security remains a top priority, as crime levels but also ‘terror attacks’ and other events, continue to highlight the importance of having a comprehensive security strategy in place.

Security threats can come in many different shapes and forms and the potential cost to business can be substantial. According to Home Office statistics, 28% of UK businesses have been affected by burglary in recent years, while 12% of firms experience a burglary every single year. (source Abloy)

When it comes to the physical assets of a business, there are three key areas of operation that need protection – people, property and premises. And according to Paul Howe, MD of Venture Security, the lack of a comprehensive and up-to-date security strategy can be an expensive mistake to make.

Paul commented: “We have been working with FM teams for over a decade now, and the reality is that for any type of business, it can take just seconds for a crime to be committed. While you will never be able to completely eradicate all risk, it’s vital you don’t make it easy for any would-be criminal.

"Facilities management security is about putting in place layers of protection that together combine to stop, or as a minimum slow, a would-be criminal in their tracks. You also need to ensure you are compliant with all legal obligations and duties of care you might have towards employees and site visitors.

“A key step in the process is to put together a physical security strategy and review it regularly, along with keeping abreast of all relevant regulations, to ensure you’re providing the strongest possible defence.”

FIVE STEPS TO CREATING A PHYSICAL SECURITY STRATEGY

• Conduct a security audit - Begin by assessing what the individual threats to the business may be and what their potential consequences are. These threats will vary, depending on the nature of the business and its operations. They may also change over time, which is why it’s important to revisit your strategy regularly.
  
  
• Work out how best to protect against each threat – You then need to decide what will be the most appropriate layers of security you can add, to protect against each threat. A combination of people, security measures and technologies will always be the strongest combination. Never assume you can rely on technology alone.
  
  
• Think what additional technologies you might need – Now you have a clear view of the current situation, decide whether you already have the tools and systems in place that you need, or whether there are additional technologies and systems you should implement. Also assess whether your current technology is still fit for purpose.
  
  
• Consider what training is required – The effectiveness of any security procedures and technologies you are using, will only ever be a good as the people operating them. Providing quality training that is kept updated and refreshed regularly, is a key part of the process. Consider your current training programmes and strengthen them if needed. 
  
  
• Decide if you need external security support – Finally, when thinking about the delivery of your security procedures, you need to consider whether you need the support of an external security provider. Before approaching any potential suppliers, make sure you define your need and have a clear idea of what you are looking for from a provider. For example, you need to be asking about experience and accreditations but also about contingency planning and reporting processes. Any supplier you use, should be making your life easier.

COMPLETE GUIDE FOR FACILITIES MANAGERS: USING AN EXTERNAL SECURITY PROVIDER

Based on the insights of facilities security experts, we have put together a comprehensive, free guide for FMs. It covers the key questions and considerations that need to be made when it comes to workplace security and the procurement of external security services.

 You’ll find advice on:

1. Security technology – do you really need people in the digital age?
2. Should you use an external security company?
3. Choosing a national versus a local security provider
4. Different types of security services explained
5. How to define your security needs
6. Checklist: What you need to ask when choosing a security provider