RiskUKSeptember2017

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The Changing Face of Security Services: Business Licensing The private security industry is growing and constantly adapting to changes in the many sectors which it serves so diligently. However, the industry continues to face the ongoing challenge presented by rogue traders. Unlicensed companies are a threat to the credibility of bona fide operators and clients alike. What’s the answer? Abbey Petkar focuses on the need for business licensing Business Licensing: A ‘Must’ for the Security Guarding Sector The Security Industry Authority (SIA) may have gone a long way towards improving the reputation of security companies and ensuring that we’re respected and heard in the corridors of power, but more needs to be done and soon. However, a Government swamped in Brexit negotiations is unlikely to make the right changes in a reasonable time frame. One of the latest high-profile challenges to the reputation of security companies was the news of a security firm allegedly supplying cloned badges to unlicensed stewards at festivals over the summer. If proven to be true post-investigation, such a blatant disregard for clients must be stamped out. Once again, this is a telling signal that business licensing is a ‘must’ if we’re to be seen as a professional and credible industry willing to manage its own profile and do what’s best for all concerned. Cut-throat pricing and poor standards are the hallmarks of many security companies. They send out unlicensed officers to protect members of the public with little or no thought for the consequences beyond their growing bank balances. Far too often, I hear clients complain of such a situation, but with no idea as to how to combat this behaviour. For them, it’s a lottery. How do they ascertain the legitimate professionals from the rogue traders? The simple solution would be a business-wide security licence. Business licences are not a new idea, nor one that has yet to gain much traction. The concept was first mooted in 2014, but here we are, three years on, and we’re no closer to a formalised legal system to establish the credibility and professionalism of security companies. Such regulation would ensure that all legitimate security service providers are licensed at a company level in tandem with their individual officers. It would benefit legitimate companies in terms of quality assurance and subsequent sales, but – and most importantly – it would also benefit the clients, who would then be safer and somewhat more trusting of their security partners. To succeed, business licensing needs ministerial and parliamentary approval, both of which are a challenge at the best of times. A minority Government seemingly embroiled in in-fighting with both eyes firmly fixed on Brexit isn’t likely to be interested in the complaints of an industry that, on the whole, manages itself. It should be. Terror threats are a part of modern life and security companies are at the forefront when it comes to protecting the public. Considering alternatives In the meantime, there are alternatives worthy of consideration. The current (voluntary) Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) could be made compulsory. It would provide an easy platform for security companies to demonstrate they’re reputable within a framework that already exists. More importantly, that solution could be swiftly introduced. This is just one idea, though, and something that would need to be discussed at length, but at a time when the Government’s priorities lie elsewhere, a mandatory ACS could indeed be a viable alternative. Compulsory business licensing is a necessity for our industry. At some point in the future it needs to become a reality. We must all work together to make that happen. Far too many security companies, who’ve worked hard to promote their professionalism, risk being tarnished by the failures of the rouge operators. Introducing an enhanced regulatory regime would afford greater credibility for genuine companies and encourage the industry to constantly deliver high-level services that benefit clients and serving security officers alike, while ultimately improving the reputation of the industry as a whole. Given security’s large workforce, regulation of our sector must be improved if the legitimacy, standards and reputation of companies and individuals within who provide a quality service are to be maintained. Only time will tell if business licensing arrives, let alone does its job. Hopefully, it will duly arrive and rid us of disreputable organisations once and for all. Abbey Petkar: Managing Director of Magenta Security “Compulsory business licensing is a necessity for our industry. At some point in the future it needs to become a reality. We must all work together to make that happen” 40 www.risk-uk.com
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Page 1 and 2: September 2017 www.risk-uk.com Secu
Page 3 and 4: September 2017 Contents 42 Meet The
Page 5 and 6: Editorial Comment More zones, more
Page 7 and 8: News Update “Employees pose great
Page 9 and 10: News Analysis: British Standard 859
Page 11 and 12: They see a well secured airport. Yo
Page 13 and 14: News Special: Cortech Open Innovati
Page 15 and 16: Opinion: ISO 22316 Security and Org
Page 17 and 18: Opinion: Apprenticeships in the Sec
Page 19 and 20: BSIA Briefing With an estimated eig
Page 21 and 22: “ MY PASSION IS PERFECTION IN EVE
Page 23 and 24: Enterprise Security Risk Management
Page 25 and 26: Bribery, Fraud and Corruption: Risk
Page 27 and 28: Crisis Management: Leadership in Pr
Page 29 and 30: www.coie.uk.com Cortech Open Innova
Page 31 and 32: Lone Worker Security and Safety wor
Page 33 and 34: The Changing Face of Security Servi
Page 35 and 36: Multi award winning security servic
Page 37 and 38: The Changing Face of Security Servi
Page 39: The Changing Face of Security Servi
Page 43 and 44: Meet The Security Company: Doyle Se
Page 45 and 46: Fire Safety Planning: Emergency Eva
Page 47 and 48: National Association for Healthcare
Page 49 and 50: The Security Institute’s View and
Page 51 and 52: In the Spotlight: ASIS Internationa
Page 53 and 54: FIA Technical Briefing: Gaseous Fix
Page 55 and 56: Security Services: Best Practice Ca
Page 57 and 58: Cyber Security: Risk Management in
Page 59 and 60: Training and Career Development ‘
Page 61 and 62: Risk in Action Cambridgeshire Fire
Page 63 and 64: Technology in Focus SPC Connect’s
Page 65 and 66: Appointments Magnus Ahlqvist The Bo
Page 67 and 68: thepaper Business News for Security
Page 69 and 70: CCTV CCTV Rapid Deployment Digital
Page 71 and 72: SECURITY ANTI-CLIMB SOLUTIONS & SEC

RiskUKSeptember2017

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