So began the programme Foreword scripted by Home Secretary David Blunkett for last month's official Launch Conference of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which marked the 'First Birthday' of this specially-created independent Government body tasked with regulating the private security sector.
Now more than ever before, the shared objective of both private sector practitioners and the Government must be to create a skilled and truly effective security industry that, through time, is highly regarded both nationally and on the international stage (as is the case with Sweden's equivalent industry) – and one that is a valuable and efficient addition to the much-touted 'extended police family'.
In its short existence, the SIA has already had a massively positive impact, working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to find ways of bringing to an end the notion that this vitally important industry of ours represents a service sector that all-too-often fails to deliver on its rich promise.
Last year, we saw the building of the SIA's foundations, with the development of necessary systems and processes to support the new licensing strands.
Working out of its Broadway hq in central London, the Authority has sponsored in-depth research and the production of a long-term sector skills strategy for the industry. In consultation with key stakeholders, it has produced 'Licence to Practise' competency standards for the initial sectors to be licensed (namely door supervisors and wheel clampers). The big change here will be the new focus on communication and conflict resolution skills.
Importantly, the criminality criterion for all sectors (including manned security personnel and security consultants) has also been defined – carefully balancing the requirements of the Human Rights Act and the review of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act on the one hand, and the Government's obligation to enhance public security on the other.
Reform and future development
The SIA has also been working closely alongside the Learning and Skills Council, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the Sector Skills Development Agency and other national organisations that can assist with reform and development of the industry.
The Home Office and Scottish Executive have expressed their commitment to extend the SIA's remit such that it has a major influence north of the border as well as throughout England and Wales.
In addition, Home Office representatives and members of the SIA are also in discussion with the Lord Chancellor's Department about the possibility of extending SIA regulation to enforcement officers of the Courts.
That said, the SIA's work is really just beginning. In the coming 12 months alone, 'Licence to Practise' standards will be developed for both security officers and keyholders. The criteria for voluntary company and contractor approval by the SIA will be finalised, and there'll be completion of the compliance and enforcement strategy for implementation alongside licensing in 2004.
"We understand our remit, and are firmly focused on our mission," states SIA chief executive John Saunders in the same event programme. "We recognise our responsibility in terms of converting aspirations into results. Our business planning reflects an action-based mindset, and a wish to be judged on our achievements. We hope that our approach of collaboration, openness and fairness in achieving these goals can be recognised already. We want this approach to become our hallmark as the SIA continues to develop its organisational personality and style."
The fact that Government, the private security industry and many of its stakeholders are making a significant investment in the SIA – and like what they see emanating from Broadway thus far – was evidenced on Wednesday 2 April at the SIA's official Launch Conference. Held at the QEII Conference Centre in London's Westminster, over 800 delegates attended the event (which followed on from six regional Roadshows held up and down the country during the early part of 2003).
Although the Home Secretary couldn't be there in person, a pre-recorded video address set the tone for the day and a highly-expectant audience that represented the Cream of the Crop in the private security industry.
"People must now be prepared to look at what it is they do, and aim for better practice. There is a win for everyone in doing so, both economically and socially. The anti-social behaviour measures now being devised by the Government will aid that process," said Mr Blunkett. Strong words from Westminster.
Response is an essential
Taking up the cudgels in his KeyNote Address, Lord Falconer – minister of state for Criminal Justice, Sentencing and Law Reform – suggested that the Government has reached a point where it has had to respond to concerns from the police and public at large to the rising societal tide of criminal behaviour.
Poor service delivery from certain quarters in the private sector has tarnished the whole, which is unfortunate. There’s a desperate need to raise standards, and the Private Security Industry Act must be seen as the bedrock upon which we do so
Lord Falconer
"Poor service delivery from certain quarters in the private sector has tarnished the whole, which is unfortunate," suggested Lord Falconer. "There's a desperate need to raise standards, and the Private Security Industry Act must be seen as the bedrock upon which we do so."
Many practitioners in the industry are champing at the bit to see the SIA make a real difference, but in Lord Falconer's eyes partnership and a touch of realism are the way forward in the short term.
"The days of Government imposing unwieldy legislation on a given industry are long gone," he stated. "The Government is tackling anti-social behaviour via the Police Reform Act. In line with that legislation, security personnel can make a difference to community safety and the reduction of crime, but if the job isn't done properly that in itself creates insecurity and fear. The prime responsibility must be to protect the public."
Lord Falconer is extremely keen to see the SIA engender a level of confidence in society, but feels that such a goal will only be realised by the ongoing development of skills in the industry. "We need to restore public and police confidence in the private sector," he said. "Service delivery must play an equal role in contract negotiations alongside cost."
Quality of service delivery
The mission, vision and aims of the new Authority were expanded upon by SIA chair Molly Meacher. "We want this industry to gain a reputation for quality of service delivery right across the board," opined the SIA supremo. "That cannot be achieved either quickly or easily, and we will all need to adjust our ways of thinking." Now half way through what Meacher termed the "set-up phase", there is still much work to be done.
Meacher pointed out that the SIA has to be seen to be transparent, and that there'll "be no secrets" between the Home Office body and the industry it has been tasked to regulate.
According to Meacher, the Government has two major aims behind setting up the Authority: to raise standards of security provision in the private sector, and ensure the placement of "fit and proper persons in positions of trust". In the short term, this will necessitate the introduction of minimum standards of competency which the industry must meet. Not to mention a recognised training regimen and the introduction of a dedicated Sector Skills Strategy.
"Many members of staff in the private sector are indeed well trained," commented Meacher, "but a good deal of that training is cursory in too many companies. We know that, for some, the hurdles we set will be too high, but that's the only way we will ever improve standards."
Speaking about the first elements of the industry to be licensed – ie door supervisors and wheel clampers – Meacher was quick to suggest that the training regimen for the former will be much more wide-ranging, taking in knowledge-based testing to encompass legal issues, Health and Safety, fire prevention, First Aid and conflict management.
"Four days of basic training is what we are proposing, and that will have an impact on employers," added Meacher.
A similar basic training and educational timetable is planned for security officers, whose own licensing comes into force next year. "There's a basic skills issue to be addressed in this part of the industry, and training must be delivered wherever it's needed," said Meacher.
Addressing basic issues now
There are basic numeracy and literacy problems among the security officer fraternity, hardly surprising given that many recruits come into the industry from the ethnic minority community because of the low pay and expectations perpetuated – it must be said – largely by the industry itself.
"Security companies should start to address these issues now, not wait another year," urged Meacher. "There's now a huge opportunity for the security industry to upskill its workforce." In a regulatory and accreditation-fuelled private sector, the value of Learning and Skills Council funding could be worth "millions of pounds" each year. A statement worth bearing in mind.
Meacher then referred to the extensive research work being carried out by Professor Martin Gill and the team at Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International ('In Perpetuity', SMT, December 2002, pp16-20). The results of Gill's analysis of the industry's training needs – scheduled for publication this summer – will provide the basis for a final decision on whether or not a Sector Skills Council is formulated to drive the industry's knowledge base. Ultimately, full discussions will take place with the industry and the Sector Skills Development Agency.
"The majority of people in the industry have impeccable credentials, but the rogue elements continue to make the public suspicious," opined Meacher. "Make no mistake. We will root out the criminals" – a comment which met with great approval from the many end users in the audience.
"We'll look at the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, and take each case on its own merits. If any serious offence has been committed by an individual in the five years leading up to their application for a licence, they'll not be issued with one," said Meacher firmly. "We'll also review the severity of a given offence, if there's a pattern of offending and the seriousness of any given person's attempts to improve themselves thereafter."
Meacher predicts that anywhere between 20-30% of security officers currently employed in the private sector will not qualify for a Government licence once the SIA's regime begins to bite.
"Those people have a year to move on," said Meacher, who swiftly added that five years of verifiable checks will be made on applicants from countries on the SIA's Approved List in line with the terms and conditions of the Human Rights Act.
Many members of staff in the private sector are indeed well trained, but a good deal of that training is cursory in too many companies. We know that, for some, the hurdles we set will be too high, but that’s the only way we will ever improve standards
Molly Meacher, chair, Security Industry Authority
Licensing in-house operatives Of vital importance to many of Security Management Today's readers is the whole question surrounding the licensing of in-house security staff (who are not currently part of the Government's regulatory plans).
"We'll be considering this issue as a matter of urgency, and recommending changes to the 2001 Act to the ministers concerned," commented Meacher. "Many discussions" will take place with interested stakeholders before final decisions are taken.
Meacher signed off with a telling statement. "All of this work will be carried out in close collaboration with employers, industry associations and other stakeholders. We'll only achieve fundamental changes in attitude and behaviour if security companies, training organisations and operatives believe in the reforms proposed. Together, we can create a private security industry which, over a period of time, will develop into a model of good practice and success."
As president and chief executive of Swedish guarding contractor Securitas Security Services, Thomas Berglund is well placed to offer an international picture of regulation and the future of the industry here in the UK. "What we all want is a 'clean' industry. A quality service for the end user. A job with pride and a future. All of those wishes are interlinked, and there's a framework that we need to put in place to realise them," explained Berglund.
"In the UK, there has been a major failure when it comes to wages for security officers," he continued. "It is not that easy to live off what you might earn as an officer. If we can get the wages up, the turnover of personnel will start to drop. Inevitably, this will mean that contractors have to charge end users more for the service, but with better people who are well paid and less stressed because they're working less hours, we'll be able to do more for the client."
As a global player, Securitas operates security services for clients in many countries. In some nations, basic training can be anything up to 400 hours in duration (far exceeding the levels on home shores). "Training costs us around 2-3% of our total revenue," added Berglund. "The plain truth is that we can train a given officer a great deal more if they stay with us for a long time with not much additional cost". A very salient point well enunciated.
Training: a shared responsibility
"We're really talking about a shared responsibility here," continued Berglund, who joined Securitas at the tail end of 1984. "It's down to the Government to set the basic rules, but the industry and interested employee organisations should be the ones to develop the wages and, to a large extent, the training regimes. The security companies and their clients must then work together on an ongoing basis to reform the service and make it as cost-effective as possible. We've waited a long time for the SIA, but the UK Government has now shown that it's serious about the industry."
Berglund added that the main responsibility for increased professionalism rests squarely with security companies like his own. "We're not abdicating those responsibilities, but we will have to depend on solid partnerships with our customers and the Government if we're to succeed in our endeavours."
When it comes to setting the basic rules, Berglund harked back to the 'Euro experience'. In the Netherlands, for example, they've been screening security staff for over 30 years now and they boast 80 hours mandatory training. The equivalent figures in Finland are 20 years and 100 hours, with training administered by a National School. In Norway, screening has been carried out for the past 30 years, while security companies are checked by external auditors.
In terms of money paid to security officers in the private sector, 25-40% higher wages have been offered in France, Spain and Portugal when compared with the UK over the last 2-4 years. Indeed, Spain experienced a 16% increase in 2002, and turnover there is now down to 20-30%.
Back in Berglund's native Sweden, so often viewed as an exemplar for private sector security provision, the authorities operate a central training school for officers that's run and financed by the industry and the unions. 240 hours of mandatory training is the basic requirement. "Let's face it. Training is ongoing," said Berglund. "It shouldn't be a couple of days and that's that. The needs of society and the end user are changing all the time, and training provision must reflect this."
A recognised private sector
So how might we refine matters here in the UK? Berglund's vision is one that will "take half a generation" (ie anything between 10 and 15 years) to create. "The aim must be to build the most recognised private security industry in the world through high standards, good people and refined services," he stated. "In two or three years' time it will be difficult to spot a great deal of change, but in six years time the work of the SIA will really bear fruit. We'll need an industry that can show a little more ingenuity than has been the case in the past. We need managers who are a touch more 'obsessed' about what they do. Then the industry can really come out of the shadows."
Concluding the morning session, SIA chief executive John Saunders examined the SIA's 'agenda for implementation', and how the Authority will look to turn its bold aspirations into reality. "It's quite surprising that there remains this amateurish view of the SIA," began Saunders. "One that suggests that we're just here to license the industry and then slip away. That's an entirely false impression. We're not about superficial polish. What we are going to adopt is a courageous approach with uncompromising standards."
What are the real ambitions of the industry? In Saunders' eyes, those ambitions would encompass new markets for security companies, bigger margins and an end to competition based on price as absolute fundamentals. "A modernised industry that is trusted and respected, and where technology is exploited for success," added Saunders, who was awarded the OBE in 1998 for services to the National Business Link.
Is the SIA challenging conventional wisdom with its plans? Yes. Will the latest business model for the private security industry be changing? Most definitely. Will that mean additional costs? It will.
"The majority of this industry is desperate for better standards. By late 2003 we'll have all the licensing systems in place, and during 2004 we'll begin licensing the door supervisors and wheel clampers," added Saunders. "Come early 2005 we'll concentrate on security officers. We're already in the process of setting up a Working Group to assess competencies. Then in 2006 we'll turn our attentions to private investigators and consultants."
Saunders confirmed that officers, directors, managers and supervisors of security companies will all be subject to licensing which, he stressed, must be compatible with vetting and BS 7858. "The SIA licence will be a requirement for any security job in the private sector," added Saunders, "but it will not be an entitlement to employment."
The cost of regulation
The SIA chief executive next brought up the thorny subject of the cost of regulation, which seems to have created many an opinion in the wider industry – many of them less than complimentary, it must be said.
HM Treasury requires fee levels to cover the cost of service delivery. The SIA creates direct costs (in terms of infrastructure and communication needs). There's also enforcement and compliance costs, and those generated by fees for outside contractors (PRCI being a good example). 15% of the licensing cost is directly attributable to verification and compliance via the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Police National Computer checks.
It will not be until late on this month that contractor fees are decided, while the SIA is "not yet in a position" to cost CRB checks.
"We estimate that the cost of a three-year licence will be in the region of £150-£190," opined Saunders – at which point most of the assembled throng let out a gasp and began to mutter quietly.
"We need to be fair about this," he continued. "Smaller and medium-sized businesses must not be penalised. Our processes and procedures for the Approved Companies Scheme have to be smart and non-bureaucratic."
Apparently, the SIA is "acutely aware" of the needs of buyers when selecting a security contractor. Buyers look for quality of service, training standards, value for money and financial stability in their security company. "The strong message is that we must design a scheme that builds on established Best Practice techniques," added Saunders. "A structure will be in place by this coming Autumn."
Saunders is determined that nothing and no-one will be able to escape the SIA's regulatory regime if they want to work in this industry. Both he and Molly Meacher will influence Government to apply legislative muscle where necessary, while a whistle-blowing policy is also being fully encouraged.
If it’s not properly enforced then regulation will not work. Upskilling in the sector is not negotiable. The industry has to recognise that
Proffessor Martin Gill, Director, PRCI
For the next two years the SIA will be funded by central Government. From Year 1 of full operation it will then be self-financing. Saunders rounded once more on the fact that a "quick fix" will not be possible for all the industry's ills, but tempered that truism by stating that the SIA will be judged on its results. "We have a serious and highly responsible job ahead of us," he said with conviction. "How well we do that job will impact greatly on peoples' lives. It's to them that we must be accountable, and now's the time to start walking the talk."
The immediate post-lunch session consisted of several figurehead-rich panels discussing regulation and its implications, and then fielding questions on the same by way of excellent 'facilitator for the day' Angela Rippon, the former BBC newsreader.
On the first panel sat John Saunders along with BSIA chief executive David Dickinson, Chris Smith – head of regional security for the HSBC – and Geoff Capes, the well-known chairman of Capes UK Security Guarding Services. "My main desire is to see top class security officers," said Chris Smith. "There must be a certain standard of training involved. I believe that individuals should pay for their own licence. After all it's theirs, and it's transportable. As an end user, I will be prepared to pay towards the cost of training."
Towards professional status
Malcolm Cheshire – director of The Arkwood Centre, and a trained clinician/security practitioner – asked whether or not the security industry should be looking to become a profession "much like the nursing fraternity".
"The security function does need to become a profession," said John Saunders. "What we want to do is turn the job of 'security officer' into a career, and turn the industry into a profession," chipped in David Dickinson. "John [Saunders] is quite right. There are no quick fixes. It will be a ten-year job at the very least."
Philip Gater, head of security systems specialist TDSI, then asked a very salient question. "What can we do as technologists to help move things on?" said Gater.
"Well, as a security manager I'm going to have to work smarter with less resources through time. That's where you guys come in," replied Chris Smith. "More of a process needs to be in place, then," countered Gater. "I'd suggest that maybe a Joint Consultative Committee for the industry is what's needed here." Food for thought for both the SIA and industry professionals.
Richard Sheikh, chief executive of major security industry insurance broker Camberford Law, wondered whether the SIA has fully considered insurance requirements in a regulated industry, and how they might dovetail with licensing.
"We have indeed opened dialogue with the insurance community on this matter," said John Saunders, "and are talking about the commercial advantages of introducing change to the industry. Part of our remit is to work closely with the sector's insurance providers."
When asked if the SIA would act as 'arbiter' if the insurance industry hikes up prices too much, John Saunders declined to comment.
"Licensing and the Approved Companies Scheme will not in themselves make more people want to join our industry," suggested Wilson James' director Stuart Lowden, a long-term advocate of the 48-hour working week for officers. "If robust and mandatory, the Approved Companies Scheme in itself may well do." "I totally agree," said Chris Smith. "Reducing officer hours is crucial, as it will help us to cut back on staff churn which has always been a major burden on the industry."
Raising the skills level
Chris Humphries – director general of City & Guilds – then reviewed the whole area of training and skills in the industry, and how we might raise the stakes a little. "Training is the key to productivity and competitiveness," began Humphries. "Productivity is obviously affected by levels of investment, the leading edge application of technology, management and work organisation. We're facing a major skills gap in comparison with our European competitiveness. If we want greater returns from our own industries then training and skills must be paramount in our thoughts."
Humphries believes the way forward to be a strong bond and partnership between the training sector and the security industry. There must – in Humphries' eyes – be industry investment in training supported by public funding. There also has to be an accessibility to that training. "A 'centre near you'-style approach," said Humphries.
Sitting on the following training panel Q&A session alongside Humphries was Paula Bedborough (director of The Licensed Trade Trading Company), Professor Martin Gill and Andrew Drane – director of operations and compliance at the SIA.
Gordon Tyerman of the CCTV User Group kicked off the open forum by noting that there's currently no requirement for CCTV operators to be trained. "Will the SIA address that issue?" said Tyerman.
"There is a loophole here. It's something of a shame that in-house staff are not included in licensing," suggested Professor Gill. "I for one am very pleased that the SIA is looking to address this issue."
At this point Patrick Somerville, chairman of the International Professional Security Association, chipped in. "There doesn't seem to be any grading for security officer licensing and training, nor for supervisors. Is anything going to be happening in this regard?"
Speaking from the floor as opposed to the podium, SITO general manager Stefan Hay drew attention away from the panel in answering Somerville's question. "You cannot possibly ring fence the education and training process," said Hay. "It's an evolving and progressive function" – a response which drew much applause.
Enforcement is the key
"Regulation has failed in lots of countries because of 'get out' clauses and a lack of enforcement. Those issues must be at the top of our agenda," commented Professor Gill. "If it's not properly enforced then regulation will not work. Upskilling in the industry is not negotiable. It's going to happen, and the industry has to recognise that and embrace it."
Bringing the SIA's official launch to a fitting conclusion, Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir John Stevens talked about a unified approach to crime reduction and the wider police family. "We have been waiting ten years for this legislation. It's a very important development for the police service," he said.
"For the past five years or so the relationship between the police and the private security industry has been dynamic. At a time when we need to drive up the standards of our national and regional security, the SIA is most definitely good news for us all."
For Stevens, partnership is very much the route to reducing crime and disorder in our society. In stressing that a regulated private sector has a key role to play in fighting crime, Stevens stated that last year alone there were 2.5 million emergency calls to New Scotland Yard in the Capital, and no less than one million crimes committed during the past financial year. "The threat we now face from drug and gun-related crime is at its highest level ever," he said. "To reduce that crime we are going to have to engage with our partners in the law enforcement community."
In the Metropolitan Police commissioner's eyes at least, any intervention by the private sector must be "appropriate and justified".
Source
SMT
Postscript
Copies of speeches presented at the SIA's Launch Conference are available on the Internet at: www.the-sia.org.uk
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