Protect Duty Terrorism Protection Plans Underline The Value Of Approved Security Services

Matthew Holliday, the National Security Inspectorate’s Director of Approval Schemes, reviews the adaptable role third party certification can play in the context of the Government’s Protect Duty legislative plans to address an identified need for improved protection of public spaces including stadiums and arenas.

The Government’s January-published response to a public consultation regarding Protect Duty proposals has focused on its intention to address the current lack of a legislative requirement for organisations or venues to consider or employ security measures at the majority of public places. This initial consultation, conducted between February and July 2021, has prompted responses from 2755 organisations, campaigners and others such as victims’ groups.

The Protect Duty consultation provides thought-provoking ideas about a range of potential future protective responsibilities and measures to improve security to places where the public have access. In the wake of the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack and the subsequent Martyn's Law campaign by Tigen Murray following the tragic loss of her son in the incident, Certification Bodies including NSI are well placed to react swiftly to adapt their approval schemes to meet any changes in regulation and legislation.

Approved Security Provision

As the Government continues to engage with stakeholders in preparing forthcoming legislation – whilst collaborating with the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office and Pool Reinsurance to develop a new interactive online platform to provide advice, guidance, e-learning and other helpful content – those tasked with ensuring the safety and security of staff, visitors and others can make use of approved security providers to improve the protective integrity of their sites.

The value of specifying security services from independently certificated providers, to adequately protect sporting, entertainment and other event venues including stadiums and arenas, is becoming ever stronger.

Security Industry Association (SIA)-licenced guarding officers, provided by companies holding SIA Approved Contractor Scheme approval, give buyers reassurance regarding aspects including the 'fit and proper' nature of their selected provider. This includes aspects such as completed checks on the identity, criminality, financial probity and integrity of those running the business (with all company directors requiring an SIA licence in addition to those they employ). ACS signals to buyers a degree of professionalism and competence they can rely on.

Approved security companies play a central role in helping buyers, such as stadium and arena owners/managers, to discharge their legal responsibilities (including those related to Health & Safety) and other requirements including Police alarm response and related insurance stipulations. NSI Guarding approval, for instance, is a compliance-driven scheme based on British Standards and codes of practice. The majority of NSI Guarding approved providers combine their NSI approval with the SIA's ACS, through the NSI's 'Passport' scheme.

Labour Supply Integrity

A number of tangible risks related to sub-contracted staff and potentially poor integrity in the labour supply chain have been addressed in a code of practice for the provision of labour in the security and events sectors (Football & Stadium Management, April/May 2021).

From 1st January 2022 compliance with this Code is now mandatory for all NSI Guarding Gold and Silver approved companies. Mindful of the need to maximise the benefit industry-wide and in the interest of all security providers and event organisers – and the public attending those venues -– Certification Bodies operating in this sector and appointed by the SIA recently came together to jointly offer the Labour Provision scope of approval to all approved companies operating in the sector.

Importantly, NSI has also proposed the Code of Practice be adopted by the British Standards Institution in a new industry standard and it’s hoped this will progress during 2022.

Risk Assessment

Third party certification also offers valuable reassurance in the context of site-specific risk assessment procedures and implementation of appropriate protective measures including electronic and physical security systems. The correct installation, commissioning and operation of measures including CCTV cameras and access control, with visitor management/controls such as barriers, fencing and remotely operated electronic locks ensures a flexible response to the changing risks involved.

The Protect Duty proposals are rightly shining a spotlight on future duty-of-care security arrangements at places where the public have access. Changes in legislation emerging in the aftermath of such tragic events could do much worse than leverage UKAS accredited third party certification to relevant standards, operational procedures and codes of practice to drive the behaviours necessary to manage security risks on the ground, and meet the needs of operators seeking to ensure adequate protection for the public in spaces and places they manage.