ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

The profile of security in structures and their surrounding environment has never been higher – and the demand for more secure buildings is increasing rapidly.

Can this growing need of clients be satisfied in a cost-effective manner? Who’s responsibility is it to demand security, and to ensure that it’s duly delivered?

‘Designing, Constructing and Maintaining Safe, Secure ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½s’ is the title of a two-day conference in central London this month that aims to address those questions and many more besides.

Organised by the British Standards Institution’s Business Information Division, the event takes place at The Hatton from 22-23 November (and is preceded by Workshops on 21 November).

Delegates can learn about – and thus begin to understand and prepare for – potential changes to the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations following the introduction of the Sustainable and Secure ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½s Act 2004 (‘Construction time again’, SMT, March 2005, pp25-26) and debate the core issues of the day.

The pre-Conference Workshops will cover BS 8220: Security of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½s against Crime, understanding how to work with security standards, carrying out a security risk assessment analysis (with first class tips from Barry Walker, the senior security advisor at TPS Consult) and the principles of secure design, wherein Mark Rowan of the Control Risks Group will examine the principles behind a ‘layered’ and structured approach to security provision.

The main Conference will be chaired by Roderic Bunn, publisher at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Services Research and Information Association and former Editor of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Services Journal. The Keynote Address is to be given by David Loader – principal consultant of the Crime Risk Management Team at the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Research Establishment (BRE) – who’ll be answering the following questions: ‘Built-in or bolt-on security? Should security be a priority from the outset?’... And: “Should building-in a certain degree of security become a regulated requirement?’

What is driving demand

David’s colleague at the BRE, Mike Roys – principal consultant for the Housing Centre Social Research Team – looks at the issues addressed in the Sustainable and Secure ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½s Act 2004. What are the implications of the Act, and the cost to businesses? What is the likely impact on crime? Following Mike’s delivery there will be an open discussion and debating session.

The trends in creative resilience are all-important. What are we securing ourselves from? Perception often differs from reality. With this in mind, Darius Aibara of TPS Consult will join forces with Barry Walker in an attempt to anticipate future changes across the UK’s built environment.

Offenders’ perspectives on crime are always of great interest. Speaking to offenders about their motivations, methods, skills and networks offers important clues for prevention. Thus Dr Tim Pascoe, business development manager at Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International, will draw on a wide range of studies conducted by his own organisation. He’ll look at environmental crime patterns and several recent examples of designing-out crime.

Legal issues are next on the agenda, with Hammonds Solicitors’ partner Rupert Cowen providing an overview of the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations and their implications.

In a similar vein, Nick Bason – policy advisor at the Association of British Insurers – reviews the current insurance requirements, the costs and benefits of certain security features and the challenges of new technology.

Security’s ‘marketability’

Is there a sound business case for delivering higher security specifications? Will the current market pay a premium for secure property? Will the inclusion of security measures alter the perception of security? Dr Steve Everson and Peter Woodhouse of Design Out Crime will attempt some answers to these tricky questions.

An excellent case study courtesy of Paul Snoddy, client project director at The British Library, promises much. Paul will look at the occupier’s perspective. Budgets and the creation of effective communications networks with the design team, contractors and end users top the agenda here.

Everson and Woodhouse then return to the question: ‘Is Security Safe, Accessible and Sustainable?’ Will security requirements hamper or help the client to deliver sustainability?

Arup Security Consulting director David Hadden will look at the security issues arising from the type of security project to be carried out, and the various challenges engendered by type of use.

Calvin Beckford of ACPO CPI will then review the initiatives devised under Secured by Design to combat crime and improve security, while the impact of risk assessments on security provision and business continuity planning is tackled by Jonny Gray (head of the crisis and security management section at Control Risks Group).

The architect’s role is mapped out by RIBA immediate past-president George Ferguson, while BT Redcare’s industry and standards liaison manager James Winter tackles integrated solutions.