Mike Bluestone MA CSyP FSyI, Chartered Security Professional, and Executive Director of Corps Consult
Against a backdrop of rising inflation, manifesting itself with increasing energy and employment costs, the challenges presented to businesses and organisations, whether in the public or private sectors, to maintain the edge in security and resilience is taking on a new and pressing meaning. Now is the time to review security measures by conducting Efficiencies and Resilience reviews. Doing nothing at this time is simply not an option. Indeed, it is not just economic issues that are prompting reviews, but time is short before the introduction of the long awaited ‘Protect Duty’ legislation, now anticipated in early to mid-2023.
The new legislation is expected to impose ground-breaking rules and requirements for securing publicly accessible locations and events. Whilst the exact details remain unknown, the indications are that businesses and organisations will be required by law to plan and prepare security measures which must be proportionate to the risks and threats and engage in thorough risk and vulnerability assessments. In short, security measures will need to be tight and fit for purpose, and the advice and planning for security measures will need to be conducted by suitably qualified professional persons.
One important expected outcome of the legislation will be to impose strict accountability for those with the responsibility for implementing security measures, and readers should bear in mind that these will be embedded in law, and thereby accompanied by penalties for any breaches of the new legislation.
As in the case of most challenges, the current set highlighted above, present an opportunity for reflection, change, and enhancement. Now is the time to pause, take a step back, and review existing security measures and pose the question: What can be done differently to deliver more resilient and effective security solutions? There is room for optimism, since new security technology can offer different ways to deliver security solutions, which can often result in cost savings and efficiencies by complementing and sometimes replacing traditional guarding measures by for example, re-examining the posts deployment and shift patterns of security personnel. The outcome of a professional Security Resilience and Efficiencies review can also highlight relevant cost savings.
Navigating through this turbulent storm of change, namely inflation, increased energy and employment costs, and the impending new legislation, can all be eased by retaining qualified security professionals to conduct the reviews and submit detailed reports which will set out the necessary efficiencies and changes. We here at Corps Consult are Chartered Security Professionals with recognised qualifications and certification, coupled with extensive experience in delivering such reviews. It is important to start the process sooner rather than later. Global events will continue to be major influencers in the current economic climate so early action is advisable.
