Liverpool-based security guard contractor Stone Security is advising businesses to give careful consideration to how they go about contracting in security services.
Managing Director Lee Jones said: "Finding the right supplier can be difficult. It’s estimated that there are between 300,000 and half-a-million people working in the security business in the UK, ranging from the highly professional at one end to a small criminal element at the other. As part of the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme, we want to make businesses aware of how the security industry is changing for the better as the SIA raises standards and drives out businesses that aren’t legitimate."
Stone Security has suggestions to help the process of buying in security services run smoothly in the light of new legislation:
Before you begin, make yourself aware of the implications of the introduction of licensing for contracted-in security guards. Take a look at the Security Industry Authority’s website for an overview of the new regulations.
Make sure that the companies you shortlist are happy to guarantee that security staff and their managers have SIA licenses. It is a criminal offence to work as a contracted security guard in England and Wales without an SIA license. A security firm that doesn’t comply could be closed down, leaving you high and dry.
Shortlist SIA-Approved Contractors. These organisations are some of the best providers of private security services in England and Wales. The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is voluntary and you can expect its members to be responsive and quick to adopt new methods and best practices.
Whether or not you put the contract out to tender, specify on quality of service, not price. Don’t make the mistake of buying the cheapest service possible, the quality of service will reflect what you pay.
Ask how much your shortlisted firms pay their guards – this will vary according to the nature of the assignment, from construction sites at the lower end to retail and, at the higher end, concierge/facilities management. Within those scales some companies will pay better than others, so bear in mind that a minimum-wage hourly rate could lead to a fast turnover of poorly motivated staff.
Ask for a customised service rather than an ‘off-the-shelf’ package. This will help ensure that the service meets your requirements.
Appoint a company that has a good relationship with the local police – this will provide practical benefits through ‘joined-up’ police, business and community initiatives. The status of the ACS is recognised by the police so assists good working relationships.
Make sure you have a contract you are happy with in place. A reputable security firm should draw up a contract to include terms and conditions appropriate to that assignment, preferably after carrying out an initial site survey.
Safeguard your insurance. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has recently issued guidance to insurance companies on the importance of SIA licensing. When underwriting a risk, your insurer will want to check that you are using licensed security operatives. If you have to make a property claim, policy conditions may not have been fully met if unlicensed security operatives have been employed. Visit www.the-sia.org/ACS
Get hold of a copy of the ACS Security Buyer’s Guide for more advice. This can be obtained from security companies that are members of the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme.
