What does a typical day look like for an SSAIB Security Services Auditor? To provide an insight into the role, one of SSAIB’s auditors, Lisa Nazareth, pictured, shares her experiences and reflections from more than a decade working for SSAIB. From travelling across the country and meeting people from all areas of the security sector, to helping organisations maintain high standards and making a real difference to frontline staff, no two days are ever the same. Here Lisa offers a glimpse into life as an auditor.
Can you tell us about your background, and what led you to become an SSAIB auditor?
I observed an ACS assessment whilst I was employed by the SIA as an investigator, which I did for 11 years. My first thoughts were it sounded too difficult and I wouldn’t be able to remember all those indicators! But years later, two ACS scheme managers came to talk to us at a training day. Afterwards I decided to ring one of them up and ask about a job, as I was looking to move on. They told me they weren’t recruiting but SSAIB was. The rest (as they say) was history.
What would you say to someone in security who’s never considered auditing as a job?
I’d say definitely consider it. Many roles in the industry would have transferrable skills relevant to assessing and auditing. I don’t think you necessarily have to have a quality background (although that helps).
What qualities and skills do you believe are most important for someone working as an auditor?
Listening, observing, interviewing and managing lots of information in your head. You have to keep control of the assessment and make sure you cover everything, which can be challenging. You also need to be able to give feedback.
What does it feel like to know your work raises standards across the industry?
I’ve felt this most keenly when I’ve been able to improve conditions for front line staff. Such as if they’ve been working in hazardous conditions or haven’t been paid properly. This is a role where you can make a tangible difference to the working lives of people working in the industry who would not necessarily speak up for their rights.
Describe two completely different audit days — what makes the role so varied?
Every day really is different. An example of an audit I recently completed seen me spend a whole day at a town in Kent, visiting both a shopping centre and a high street. The day included observing front line staff who were running the shopping centre control room, monitoring CCTV, patrolling the shopping centre and working as street marshals in the high street. I also interviewed customers and a variety of people who encountered security staff, including members of the public and retail staff. Finally, I asked to see site documents, records and other information to make sure staff had access to the information they needed. However, on other days I might be planning and preparing future assessments. I usually do this via a videocall as it’s simpler than sending zillions of emails!
What professional qualifications have you gained since joining SSAIB?
SIA Assessor Development Programme, ISO9001 Lead Auditor, ISO14001 Lead Auditor.
You’re home-based with a company car. What does that actually mean day to day?
It means you are field-based and travel to company offices and client sites. In the southeast where I’m based, that can mean driving two to four hours a day. The company car is fully maintained which means fuel and maintenance are covered. If you want to, you can choose to use public transport to travel to assessments, which I tend to do if I’m going to be in central London.
How does SSAIB support you when you’re working independently across the country?
There is always someone to call or seek advice from. Once I arrived on-site with a flat tyre so called the office to get details of who I should call to fix it. Other times I’ve come across a situation during an assessment that I wasn’t sure how to deal with. As a team, other assessors are also there to support you.
How has engaging with directors, managers and front line staff at hundreds of companies shaped you professionally?
I always say that everything I’ve learned about running a security business I’ve learned from the people I’ve met, including good ideas that I can share with others. I’ve also been able to see the impact effective security companies can have on the communities they work in, not just in terms of being service providers but also the social value many contribute.
Finally, what would you say to someone sitting on the fence about applying?
I would say go for it. Even if it’s not something you’ve previously considered, don’t rule yourself out. Many of the skills needed to be an auditor are transferable and can be gained through a variety of roles within the security industry. It’s a role that offers plenty of variety, continuous learning and the opportunity to meet and work with people from all areas of the sector. No two days are ever the same, and you have the chance to make a genuine difference by helping organisations improve and by raising standards across the industry. I’m really glad that I made that call and applied back in 2015. It’s been a rewarding career, professionally and personally, and I’d encourage anyone who’s curious about the role to take that first step and apply.
The SSAIB is seeking a new Security Services Auditor to join Lisa and the rest of the team. It’s ideal for experienced professionals with a passion for quality, compliance and maintaining high standards across the security sector. You can view the full job advert on the careers page of SSAIB’s website: https://www.ssaib.org/careers/security-services-lead-auditor/. To apply, send your CV to [email protected] or call 0191 296 3242 for an informal discussion.
