Is your Residential Security Team up to scratch? How do you know? Let me tell you. (Part one)

So, how do you know if your Residential Security Team is up to scratch? How would you know if they weren’t actually very competent and know only a little more about residential security than you do? Just enough to fool you into believing that they were ‘experts?’

It can be difficult to establish whether or not someone is doing a good job when you have a limited knowledge of what it is they do. There is an old saying that, “In the valley of the blind, the one eyed man is King” and this applies to most professions, not just security.

To help you we have summarised 4 important key points you must consider when reviewing your residential security team.

So, let’s dive in.

• Are all the operatives properly licensed with the SIA? (Security Industry Authority)

  1. They will need an SIA licence. Do they have the necessary licence? 
  2. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-you-need-an-sia-licence 

• Do they all have a ‘Right to work’ in the UK?

  1. Employing someone without the right to work is illegal and can attract heavy fines for the employer and attract unwanted attention to you.
  2. https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work

• Does the security company have a valid and comprehensive business insurance?

  1. Insurance is no substitute for the feeling of being safe in your own home but you need the reassurance that if something does go horribly wrong then there is insurance to cover it.
  2. When you security provider can demonstrate that they have a good and robust insurance in position you can take that as reassurance that you are dealing with a bona fide company. 

• Have they created a set of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) specific to your property explaining in detail how to deal with every eventuality? For example. 

  1. Do they have Log books to log in and log out visitors, contractors etc. and a separate ‘Incident Log Book?’
  2. Have they instructed all the other staff ( chefs, nannies, chauffeurs, housekeepers, house managers etc.) in the house that only security can allow visitors to enter the premises?
  3. Do they full understand how to operate the CCTV / access system? Do the operatives have the right demeanour and character to work in a private household which is someone’s home? 
  4. Do they carry out a comprehensive handover / takeover at the end of every shift?

Conclusion

This is by no means a comprehensive list of things to look for. Far from it, but hopefully it will give an indication what to look for.

It is vital that the company’s operatives are licensed with the SIA and have a right to work in the UK. Ensure the security company who offer you their services have a valid and comprehensive business insurance. And equally important, that Standard Operating Procedures specific to your property are in place.

The points above will help to confirm that you are dealing with a bona fide, reputable , well managed and professional company

If any of these things are missing from your current security team then perhaps now it the time to explore your options.

If you would like to discuss you current security provision with us then we’d be delighted to speak to you.

You can call us now on 0207 118 1168

Book your security review today with one of our experts