When an incident happens at your place of business, who is responsible? And, if the incident is the result of poor judgement or negligent behaviour from one of your temporary employees, is it the responsibility of the agency or the temporary employer? 

You might think that using an agency for staff such as doormen would be a better option than employing them directly. You needn’t worry about things like liability because the main employer shoulders problems such as the negligent actions of employees. By using an agency you’re paying for that convenience, right? 

Unfortunately subcontracting does not guarantee the protection you might think it does from the actions of an individual staff member, as the prominent Hawley V Luminar Leisure case demonstrates.

Luminar operates many clubs throughout the UK. It contracted with ASE Security Services to supply door supervisors at one of its clubs. One of these doormen was Jeffrey Warren. 

Mr Warren was working at the nightclub one evening in August 2000 when an incident occurred. Mr Warren punched one of the customers, a Mr Hawley, so hard that he fell and suffered permanent brain damage. 

Mr Hawley issued proceedings for negligence against both Luminar, the company which owned the nightclub, and ASE, which employed Mr Warren, arguing that because the nightclub had control over the actions of the door staff that it was effectively their “temporary deemed employer”. 

Luminar argued that it had contracted with ASE in its capacity as a “specialist independent contractor” to be responsible for security at the club. They said that although it was responsible for instructing ASE’s employees where they should stand and which customers to admit, they didn’t control the ways in which ASE’s employees carried out their work. And as such, they argued that there was dual liability, and that ASE should also be found to be vicariously liable for Mr Warren’s behaviour. However, the Court of Appeal upheld the decision of the High Court; Luminar Leisure was liable for David Hawley’s injuries even though they did not directly employ the doorman who caused them. 

Vicarious liability

There is little question as to whether Employers are vicariously liable for the negligence of their direct employees if the negligence was committed in the course or scope of the employment. But in a situation where an employer provides a temporary employee to a subcontractor, as in the Hawley V Luminar Leisure case, it is the responsibility of the temporary employer to show that it is not vicariously liable and not just assume that the responsibility is held by the main employer. 

Because Luminar was in overall charge of security; its management exercised detailed control over what the doormen did but how they were supposed to do it, the doormen were all part of the Luminar team, and that all of them wore the club’s uniform. It decided which customers to admit, which to exclude and which to reject. On that basis, the court said that Luminar had control of and responsibility for ASE’s employees, by virtue of the contractual provisions. It was Luminar who was “entitled and therefore obliged to control Mr Warren’s act so as to prevent it”. 

What this means for you

Despite what might seem obvious, that a temporary employee remains the responsibility of its direct employer, your company can still be deemed vicariously liable for the negligent acts of that employee where you are considered to be the employee’s “deemed temporary employer”.

Although ASE employed, paid and had the power to dismiss Mr Warren, it was Luminar’s management that exercised practical control over the provision of its services. 

As an employer of temporary workers with control over their actions, this case may serve as a warning to ensure that the individual concerned is sufficiently trained and properly registered. Carry out the necessary checks into whether he is a suitable person to be temporarily employed as a doorman and ensure he is adequately supervised while on your premises. At the very least, consider obtaining an indemnity from the temporary worker’s main employer to protect you from any vicarious liability you may face following negligence of the hired worker. Because as the Hawley V Luminar Leisure case demonstrates, you may be liable for their actions. Don’t assume that your contractual arrangements will protect you from vicarious liability, because in the event of an incident, the courts will examine not only the contractual arrangements but also the practical implications of employment status and this may just work against you. 

The recent pandemic has left many businesses vulnerable to crime – with empty buildings come opportunities for the vandals and thieves that permeate our society. But your business can be a victim of crime at any time, without warning, and it can cost you dearly. It may be damage caused to your premises and equipment, or the loss of assets through theft – any physical criminal activity against your business is something you’ll want to go to lengths to avoid. 

You’ve possibly considered CCTV, but nothing protects quite as well as a physical presence, and that’s why businesses rely so heavily on security personnel.  Security in the form of human deterrents has been around for thousands of years. But when it comes to security personnel these days we have a broad choice. Not least because we can choose to employ an in-house security guard, or we can let a security company find someone for us. 

But which option is best for your business?

Using in-house security

Company A is based in Sussex and sells horse-riding goods and associated paraphernalia. It has a large warehouse that needs protecting from theft and vandalism. The owner of the business has used CCTV in the past, but this fell short because blind spots left the warehouse vulnerable. 

The owner of Company A has decided that he needed to employ an in-house security guard for evenings and night time cover. He preferred to find and employ his own guard as he felt he had more control this way over the calibre of applicants, and he could ensure all the background checks are carried out to his satisfaction. 

He wanted to find someone who would fit well with the existing employees and become a part of the team, who would be a familiar face on the site, offering consistency and familiarity to employees and visitors. As an integral part of the business, the new security guard would also have a greater awareness for the wider company goals and objectives, and this, the owner felt, would encourage feelings of loyalty toward the business. It also meant that he would be more aware of unfamiliar personnel who may pose a threat. 

As well as these clear advantages to recruiting an in-house security guard directly, there are, of course, many disadvantages. For one thing, the employment of experienced guards is expensive and time-consuming. Then there are costs such as wages, national insurance, and pension contributions. This is even more costly for a larger site, where a larger team is needed. In the event of absence (holiday and sickness pay), the business still needs security, so another temporary security operative is necessary to provide those services. Those costs can become significant in the unfortunate event of long-term sickness. Then there are shift patterns, insurance premiums to pay, employment rules to follow, ongoing training and specialist equipment. All these come at a significant cost.

And that’s if things go well! if things go wrong – for instance, if you are faced with an individual who doesn’t pull his weight – he can be challenging to get rid of. Employment procedures mean that you can’t just shove him out the door. It can take a significant amount of time to be rid of an employee, and during that time, legally, you still have to pay him.  

Business owner A decided that finding and employing a guard that he had personally vetted, and whom he felt would be a part of the team, would far outweigh the cost and inconvenience that comes with recruitment and would be less likely to result in a rogue security guard.

Using an external security company

Business B is a nationwide stationery business. The facilities manager was responsible for sourcing security for the company. After having a bad experience with in-house guards in the past, it was agreed by the management that he would work with an external security provider. The facilities manager wanted the option of asking for a change of personnel, if a current placement was not up to scratch so that they’d not have to go through the drawn-out rigmarole of terminating his employment. 

The facilities manager also believed that there were extra benefits to using an external security business. It meant that not only does he not have the cost and time expense of finding and recruiting, but potentially, he had access to a much broader range of services. Supposing he chose a security company which offers services such as manned guarding, mobile patrols and alarm response, in that case he could tailor his security to the business’s specific needs – increasing or decreasing the manpower and support he needed, according to the ebb and flow of the company.  

But, he was aware that he would still need to put some effort into researching security businesses. He was aware that the quality of security business could vary quite significantly, and he wanted to be sure that he was going to be working with an experienced team who know what they’re doing. He started by looking for approved contractors on the SIA register. Having selected a couple of candidates, he went about checking out their credentials, including their communication and reporting procedures. He wanted to satisfy himself that the company he’d chosen to protect his business was kosher. 

Using an external security provider means that you don’t have full control over who comes on-site, and you’ll need to trust that work is being carried out to the level and quality that you are expecting. But it does mean that if you do your homework in the beginning, finding a qualified and reputable security business to work with, then those painful decisions about staff recruitment are taken out of your hands. You can leave it to the security provider to keep your business safe.

Whether you are choosing to work with a security company or decide to find an in-house security operative largely depends upon the needs of your business. As we have seen, there are pros and cons of each scenario, ultimately it is the way your business operates that will determine the best course of action. 

Never before has there been such a dire need for good security companies in this country. With crime rates increasing and the fallout from COVID-19 – with the increasing demand for security staff to monitor face covering and social distancing – the UK is desperate for more security to keep it safe. 

Add to this situation the fact that the police force is stretched to the limit with some crimes going unsolved and some vulnerable sites left insecure, this is no time for the police to be reducing their remit, but that is exactly what they are doing. But, for those considering setting up a private security company this is good news because this leaves your employees to step into the breach. 

What type of security business?

The security industry is not easy and it’s getting tougher, so the more experience you have in the industry the better chance you have of succeeding with your own company. There are different types of security business with different roles; patrolling premises, monitoring or securing via CCTV, guarding and securing people or valuables that are being transported, working security at an airport, door supervision for organisations, event security and handling guard dogs … the list goes on. 

You may have experience in one or two particular areas of security that will help you decide on your business specialism. And the more experience you have in these areas – the better your chances of success. Private security is not a business you want to go into blindly. And any previous experience in the armed forces or the police would be useful.

With plenty of experience under your belt you’ll have the necessary skill set needed to deal with whatever comes your way. But also, with experience comes a list of contacts you’ve acquired over the years, and you’re going to need those contacts to give your business a headstart.

Have you done your homework?

Of course, whenever new businesses start up, regardless of the type of business, to have any chance of success it must meet an existing demand, so consider the demand for your security services in its intended location carefully. If there’s little call for door security in your region, consider another niche to pursue. What existing security businesses are there in the area, and who are the potential clients?

But before you do any of the leg work, write out a business plan. In it, explain the nature of the business explain your vision and what you hope to achieve, choose the legal structure for your information, prepare a financial plan and do your market research. You can’t attract the best staff until you know how much you’ll pay them, whether they are full time employees or subcontractors, so see what other security firms are paying. 

What can you earn?

The average employed security guard salary in the UK is £24,880, but if you’re running your own business, this could be substantially more depending on the number of guards on your books, the type of security business you’re running and the rates you’ll charge your clients. 

In London, for instance, a security business can charge around £14.50ph for door supervisors and £10.50 for CCTV monitoring. But, the amount you’ll attract depends on the calibre, training and experience of your staff. 

You may consider being the quality (and expensive) option for clients but you don’t want to price yourself out of the running. For the most part, clients are going to be looking for the cheapest option for their security staff, simply because security doesn’t earn the client money, they just protect what they already have. It pays to do your research here – what are clients looking to pay for the quality of staff you will provide. 

What are the costs? 

There are certain training and licensing specifications you’ll need to run a security business and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is probably the best place to start. It’s the body responsible for regulating the private security industry. 

There are different licenses, certificates and accreditations available depending on the type of security you’ll offer so it’s worth researching the options available and what you’ll need to apply for.

When calculating your costs, make sure you factor in the costs of equipment. This will depend on the type of security service you’re offering, but might include; radios and smartphones, torches, cameras and recording equipment, alarms for lone security guards, specialist clothing such as uniform protective vests, durable footwear and high-visibility jackets. Then there are your additional costs such as staff training.

Sort your insurance early on in the process. For a security business, you’ll need public liability insurance, which will cover you if a member of the public suffers an injury or loss because of your business. If you have employees you’ll need employers’ liability insurance, which covers you if an employee is injured or gets sick as a result of working for you. Professional indemnity insurance, covers mistakes made in the advice or service you give to clients. And depending on the type of business you run, you might need tool and equipment insurance, to ensure radios, cameras and recording equipment are covered in the event of theft. 

When hiring security staff make sure they have the right licenses and training, carry out checks on their experience. 

How will you find clients?

There’s little point having a business plan, a name for your security business and a sparkly new website without a strategy for finding clients. 

Unless you have contacts or existing clients who are happy to hire you or your staff you’ll need to market your business and make it easy for clients to find you. To create your brand – start with a logo, build your website, listing the services you offer and your contact details, create leaflets and build a social media presence. Use this to target your clients. 

Other ways to gain customers is to bid on and apply for contracts – there are online portals you can use to find and apply for security contracts. Contact bigger companies who might need security services, letting them know what you’re offering and why they should choose you over anyone else. 

Referrals are a great way to win new business, so those contacts you made in your previous security job? Ask them for referrals. Don’t be afraid to ask any client or contact to refer you if they’re happy with your services.

The need for private security is not going to diminish – in fact, with the police reducing their duties, it can only increase. But don’t go into it blindly. If you do your research and find out what security is needed, in what area, and what clients will pay, then you are well-prepared when it comes to starting your own business. But be sensible – write out your business plan before you commit any money to your new venture, and you will stand a better chance of success.  Good luck!

Security was an industry once limited to nightclub bouncers and store security guards, but in the last decade or two it has quietly grown and diversified and now helps to support a significant chunk of public services. In fact, it has been called the UK’s fourth emergency service.

For an industry so important that it supports public services you would think that money would be pouring into it. Yet, for some workers in the industry, door supervisors for example, rates have remained static for the last two decades, which, in real terms, means they’ve effectively fallen. For a door supervisor to be eligible for work now he would first have to fork out for a licence costing £220, and the compulsory training course costing £145, and this is to receive an average pay rate of only £10 per hour.

Why this lack of regard for door security? Perhaps there is less risk to the job? No. In fact, the opposite is true. Door security are facing increased levels of personal risk, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic and its fallout, where angry people are taking out their frustrations of the placid doorman.

Perhaps the reason for the static rates of pay is because there are fewer responsibilities and therefore fewer costs associated with being a door supervisor and the industry feels his present job role doesn’t justify pay that is in line with inflation.

But this is clearly not the case. Security is becoming more vital in our society as violent crime increases and police numbers decline (There are currently 386,657 security licence holders in the UK and by comparison, about 146,000 police officers.) Karen Bermingham of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), a regulatory agency, said in The Guardian that the trade has become vital to tackling crime. “We’re the eyes and ears on the ground and we are spotting and reporting cases where, for instance, there is grooming. We’re kind of like an emergency service.”

Terrorist attacks, particularly the spate throughout 2017, emphasises the importance of security guards in protecting the public and preventing possible atrocities. And, as numbers of police officers reduce, private security guards are stepping into the breach, hired to fulfil the security role, and in some cases have been trained to support the National Crime Agency (NCA) and intelligence agencies in helping to solve crimes.

The expanding need for security not only covers roles previously carried out by the police and other public services but also many other additional functions that have resulted from our changing habits. Especially since the beginning of the pandemic, when increasing numbers of us are shopping online. This has led to an increase in the need to patrol the mammoth warehouses where retailers store their goods.

But whether they are neighbourhood wardens, hospital security guards, park wardens, shopping mall guards or train guards, we are relying on them more and more to keep us safe. So why are they not being suitably recompensed? They are after all, putting their lives at risk each and every day. The fact is that it is now harder to work as a security operative, and more costly, there is more legislation and the introduction of the S.I.A licensing scheme has meant that door supervisors have incurred increased costs at entry level.

So what are the reasons security guard pay rates have remained so static despite the increased responsibility on their shoulders with keeping us and our property safe?

The most obvious economic reasons why the pay rates have frozen (in reality decreased) and one which has had the most widespread impact is the introduction of security companies contracting with multiple site operators. The pub or club, for instance wants to reduce and standardise operating costs, and is reluctant to pay, particularly as security doesn’t directly make them money. The security company has to comply and/or undercut its competitors in order to stay in business. And if the employee doesn’t like the pay, the security company can easily find other personnel who will be happy to take what’s on offer. The companies may realise that this attracts the less reliable type of employee but are beholden to the site operator.

Had security companies not sprung up in the last 20 years, door supervisors would have negotiated better rates for themselves directly with the operators, but as it is, in some cases they are actually more poorly paid than bar and waiting staff who are paid on average up to £12.00 per hour with additional benefits such as tips, bonuses and discounted meals. And they have no licence requirement or compulsory training to add to costs.

With the rise in terrorist attacks and other violence, the decreasing responsibilities of the public services and changes to the public’s behaviour and habits, you would think that security is an important job and would be treated as such. Unfortunately, the rate of pay that security personnel is being paid is sending the message that it holds the same importance as menial jobs such as flipping burgers or washing dishes. One has to ask – who in their right mind would confront aggressive individuals or shoplifters while making such a paltry wage?

Before the pandemic, security guards were mostly a discreet presence at venues, within businesses, malls and large stores, quietly keeping an eye out for anything untoward. Now, with all large gatherings and events cancelled, bars and clubs closed for the foreseeable future, many buildings and venues have less need for door security and the sector is having to adapt. 

The biggest threat

With the threat of the coronavirus upon us, security guards are taking a more prominent position in society and enlisted to meet the demand from hospitals, supermarkets, stores and pharmacies for a different type of security. By standing on the doors of shops, they are helping to manage the spread of the virus by controlling social distancing. 

This more direct involvement with customers means more responsibility and more risks for the security operative. They are emerging as the first line of defence against customers who refuse to follow mask and social distancing requirements. There have been many instances in the news about security guards, who are mostly unarmed and don’t have the authority to make arrests, being attacked or verbally abused by angry customers asked to wait to enter a shop or wear a mask. 

Businesses rely on security 

Shops and other businesses are relying on guards to help minimise the negative impact of the Covid-19 threat. They must ensure customers uphold the 2-metre rule and wear a mask, monitor the numbers allowed inside and control the waiting lines outside with some now also checking customers’ temperatures before they are allowed in. This can place a heavy burden on security guards, who have to do it all very diplomatically to avoid exacerbating what is already a sensitive situation, and they need to do it from a distance. 

In the present climate, where our freedoms are rigorously curtailed and our interactions with others are firmly controlled, situations can quickly get out of hand and cause upset amongst customers. Security operatives must take calm, non-confrontational tones with customers and explain how social distancing and mask policies are designed for their safety. But there is a limit to what an unarmed security operative can do, without the authority to make arrests. 

The key worker status given to security officers is a result of them having been on the front line since day one of the virus, helping to keep our businesses and buildings safe when the rest of us were safely working at home. And they’re still on the front line in a more prominent role as more buildings are becoming re-occupied, tasked with enforcing social distancing rules. 

A big responsibility to keep the public safe

And this will become increasingly important with more people returning to the office over the coming months. Capacity restrictions in small interior spaces such as lifts, washrooms, meeting rooms and in staff restaurants, means that security officers now have to work to ensure people abide by the social distancing rules. This is not as easy as it sounds and can be quite challenging when officers are caught in the middle of a clash between one individual who is quite anxious about the spread of the virus and another who may be more relaxed about it. They must help to diffuse volatile situations while keeping everyone safe. 

The new normal is a very different animal to before. Smaller numbers of people may be occupying buildings, but more security officers are holding the entrances to workplaces, shops, and other venues tasked with reinforcing social distancing. It is the security officer’s new responsibility to ensure this vital rule is upheld, and to reassure people that they are safe. 

Security operatives are keeping the public safe and secure. And, despite the challenges, they are in a position of responsibility for the safety of the public. People will look to them to feel safe, so we need our security operatives to reassure by asserting their authority over those who don’t play ball.

As further restrictions are lifted, the safety of the country is in the hands of the security worker, guarding and supporting social distancing in supermarkets, and other essential operations. And they must take that responsibility seriously. 

The challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic has led to many changes in our lives but not least is the sight of security operatives at the door of retailer on the high street.

We’re used to seeing security personnel in and around businesses, but until now they’ve taken a less visible position, on the edge of our eye line, discreetly keeping us and our businesses safe. But the last four months we’ve seen them become a more visible part of our lives. No longer are they restricted to patrolling, key-holding, incident assistance, the prevention of theft and the discreet protection of staff. Changes to the way we interact, mean that security is now being called upon to assist the government in the protection of the public from COVID-19.

The sight of security personnel has become more frequent as they control the number of shoppers entering retail establishments to allow for physical distance between shoppers, assisting with crowd management as well as making sure the NHS, the elderly, and key workers get access to the supplies they need, screening people and keeping track of numbers.

There’s also plenty of changes going on out of public view too. With many commercial, retail, or office premises presently closed as a result of furloughed or self-isolating staff, business depression or government directive. This means lots of empty buildings, which presents plentiful opportunities for offenders. Security officers have been busy protecting these empty buildings or supporting the remaining skeleton staff.

These examples show just how crucial a role the security professionals play in the protection of the public, businesses and assets at this unprecedented time. Their physical proximity to the public puts them on the frontline in the battle to ensure the safety of others – the government has now classified license-holding security professionals as critical workers – 

while they themselves could be at risk.

The very nature of the service that security personnel provide – to protect people and property – puts them at greater risk of harm than many other occupations. Indeed, a recent ONS (Office for National Statistics in the UK) report says that “COVID-19 exposure will be highest among occupations involving frequent and close interaction with others, either directly… or indirectly”. And it reveals how male security guards are among those most at risk.

Security personnel most at risk

There are potential consequences for security companies and individual security personnel working on the front line to protect critical assets and ensure public safety. This demonstrates the importance of ensuring that security officers have access to quality PPE when on duty, to provide as much protection as possible. 

“The government is clear that the responsibility for undertaking a proper risk assessment, and implementing the necessary measures, rests with the employer. We agree with this approach, because only the employer can understand the specific details on the ground.”

Ian Todd. CEO, Security Industry Authority

Working in the security sector as a door supervisor or security guard has always meant being aware of the surrounding environment to ensure the safety of employees or the public and preventing loss or damage to property. But now, with this new threat, it is more vital than ever before that security professionals are prepared for the unexpected and equipped with the skills to deal with individuals who could put others at risk, to ensure the safety of themselves and the people they protect. 

How can security firms adapt? 

Nothing has prepared us for the drastic changes that we’ve seen in our society in the last four months. And security firms will have to adapt further as these changes embed themselves in our society. 

Advanced technology will need to play an increasingly prominent part in the future of security. Software which offers the same level of security without the need for putting bodies at risk, such as equipment with clear remote visibility of a vacant site, or advanced communication software – technology that helps security firms to be more efficient but helps keep security personnel safe as they work to protect those around them. 

COVID-19 is an unseen threat and can have tragic consequences for many individuals and their families, which makes it all the more dangerous. Even the best-trained best-equipped security operative will not have an advantage against this threat as he would a felon. Yet, whilst they may not be recognised as frontline heroes like the medical personnel working in the NHS, it is the security personnel who will be working in the public eye and behind the scenes to support UK infrastructure, and in doing so are putting themselves at risk. And their role will continue to be vital as lockdown measures continue to ease and businesses start to function properly again.

The pandemic rages on, and with it the need for those who work in close contact with the public to adapt their behaviour to protect themselves and others. 

A security professional protects the public daily and responds to the challenges this presents. As a security operative, your current challenge is that not only are you expected to continue your service of safeguarding people and businesses but you must also support the government in helping to combat the pandemic, and protect people from any actual and perceived threats, even though you are putting yourself in the firing line in doing so. 

This is why it is important that you are fully aware of the requirements for keeping both yourself and the public safe. You must take the necessary actions to protect yourself and those around you from the current pandemic by adhering to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), law enforcement and security protocols.

Recognise the signs 

It is important to be vigilant and recognise the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone displaying symptoms that include fever, cough, and shortness of breath should be identified to the appropriate healthcare professionals to ensure they get the proper care and that others around them are protected.

The new normal is social distancing – we have all become used to practising this every time we leave our homes or when we are in the company of others. But the media is awash with instances of individuals who contravene these rules. Social distancing can work in your favour in identifying these individuals. The very conscious distancing by most people can help us to more easily identify those who flout the rules as being either deliberately malicious, or foolish – they cannot easily hide.

Protect yourself 

As a security operative, you are expected to protect the public, but it is equally important to shield yourself from exposure.  At the time of writing 45,000 deaths have occurred in the UK as a result of the virus. And there is still more every day. According to the Office for National Statistics, male security guards are among those most at risk. This acts as a reminder to those of us who employ security operatives of how important it is to meet our legal obligations to ensure the safety of our staff and the people they protect. And for individual security personnel, we must ensure we are equally responsible for our own safety and that of those we come into contact with. 

Your employer has a responsibility to provide you with the relevant Personal Protection Equipment. The Centers for Disease Prevention and control suggest that law enforcement and public services personnel should, at a minimum, have disposable latex gloves, respirator and protective eyewear. However, they don’t protect you unless you actually use them. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published guidance on what security personnel should do if you come into close contact with someone displaying symptoms, during apprehension. However, your organisation should have a plan for exposure control so that you know who to contact should you suspect someone of having COVID-19 and have them seek medical help. 

Protect your team

The Security Industry Authority (SIA), the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry, maintains that it is the responsibility of the employer to meet the correct legal obligations to ensure staff safety. Here are some of the steps you can take to protect your team. 

• Furlough any security personnel who are classified as extremely vulnerable 
• Rearrange shift patterns and working arrangements to ensure precautions are taken
• Ensure people self-isolate if they or their families develop symptoms
• Supply PPE including masks, gloves, goggles, anti-bac gel and anti-bac wipes for equipment use 
• Update staff on the latest guidance about wearing masks and other safety requirements
• Carry out COVID-19 site audits and supporting risk assessments 
• Carry out COVID-19 online training modules to enable managers to monitor the health, safety and welfare of their colleagues as well as in promoting safe systems 
• Hold regular health check-ins between line managers and security officers to understand any potential health concerns or vulnerabilities. 
• Take advantage of Government testing so that officers and staff with symptoms (or symptomatic members of their household) have access to the tests being offered. 
• On client run sites, brief security personnel on changes to procedures, workstations, processes and protective equipment or clothing.

The role of the security operative is to provide security and safety; to provide vigilance and deterrence to public threats. They must now also respond to the changing situation by adhering to additional safety requirements. 

Maintaining high levels of vigilance is essential for the containment of the virus. Being familiar with the dangers that can threaten us all and knowing the signs and how to deal with them is key in making sure we keep the public safe and that we don’t fall victims ourselves. 

The purpose of a security guard is to ensure the safekeeping of your business. Whether you’re a retail store or a nightclub, organise events or run a high-capital business, a security guard is there to ensure the safety of your enterprise, the people and property within it. 

A professional security guard has, at times, a very demanding role, sometimes having many functions to fulfil. He must prevent threats and resolve issues, assist the public or simply act as a deterrent. But he is also a representative of your business, frequently occupying a physically prominent position at the entrance or outside the business premises. To do the job well, he needs to be both professional and unobtrusive. We read about security staff who have transgressed, betrayed trust or reacted badly to a situation. Not only does this kind of behaviour call into question their personal character, but it also reflects poorly on the business they represent, which could be yours.

It can be challenging to find someone who can carry out their job role with the professionalism it needs, so how do you know that your security guard possesses the right traits to do the job properly? We’ve put together the 5 most essential traits of a good security guard. If he can demonstrate these attributes, then it is highly likely you’ve found a security guard who’ll be an asset to your business.  

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