Brian Geary (BG): Broadland Guarding Services now manages and staffs CCTV Control Centres in over 50 towns and cities across the UK. All of those Centres have been developed in a partnership approach involving the local authority, the police and the contractor. Each entire project is built on the basis of staff training, integrity of evidence and creating a secure environment for our staff.
The net effect of all this is that we've managed to integrate technology and people within the secure environment of the Control Room. We see this as the future for us as the market continues to grow.
SMT: You have been in the industry a long time now, Brian. Have there been lots of improvements over the years, or has little really changed?
BG: The growth of so-called 'industry gurus' who seem to be selling or offering advice and services with very little knowledge of the modern manned security industry has been a theme. If ever there were a case for industry licensing and regulation, that's where I'd start.
SMT: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) began full operation on 2 April. Do you think the industry will change dramatically because of this and, if so, when might we see the full effect of regulation beginning to bite deep?
BG: Without doubt things are going to change. Security companies will have to be geared up towards ensuring that their members of staff comply with the licensing process for criminal record checks and training requirements. They will also need to decide if they want to participate in the Approved Companies Scheme, which would require them to operate to specified standards.
The SIA anticipates that licensing will be introduced for security officers from the tail end of 2004. As such, security providers must get themselves ready in the months leading up to that time – depending, of course, upon which role the SIA will be asking them to play.
Having said all that, companies already conforming to strict vetting standards, etc will not find this task nearly as demanding as those that haven't.
I also believe that in-house security teams should be included in the licensing process under the SIA umbrella to prevent the propagation of double standards within the private sector.
SMT: What do you feel are the negative factors facing those who want to join the manned security industry's ranks?
BG: You'd have to say the tight margins we have to endure, with a fair few manned guarding end users viewing security as a grudge purchase. The introduction of the SIA and licensing will help in forcing a change of attitude, and will undoubtedly enhance the sector's image. That should create a far more positive commercial environment for us all.
Not before time, the culture of long working hours is being eroded, with the forecast changes induced by the Working Time Directive merely serving to accelerate that process.
SMT: Do you believe the industry should wholeheartedly embrace the Working Time Directive? Would customers pay more if they were certain they'd be receiving better quality officers on site?
BG: Security companies should certainly be working towards the standards laid down by the Working Time Directive. There is a distinct need to improve both the salaries and working terms and conditions of officers across the board. Those are not easy targets to aim for, nor will they be achieved overnight – mainly because of the unwillingness among the client base to pay that bit extra for the service. Even the 'quality' security companies are facing significant commercial pressures just now.
It must be stressed that some great work is being carried out by the BSIA and individual companies to address these issues, but there are no short-term quick fixes to be had here. For example, 80% of our Control Room operators currently work less than 48 hours per week, but it has taken us a number of years to achieve that end result.
The whole issue may come to a head in any case if the 48-hour opt-out is removed, so the industry's client base is just going to have to accept the situation. I would support any move that reduces officer hours to a reasonable level. However, developments in relation to working time regulations should be introduced in a thoughtful, co-operative and controlled manner. We cannot hope to change what has been a long hours culture in a few minutes.
There are already plenty of quality security officers around, so that's not the only issue on the table when it comes to asking customers to pay more. The industry and its client base must look at all the options – including the shrewd and better-deployed use of technology – to make the most of those high quality members of staff.
Security companies should certainly be working towards the standards laid down by the Working Time Directive. There is a distinct need to improve both the salaries and working terms and conditions of officers across the board. Those are not easy targets
Certainly, the focus of the SIA in raising standards – including promotional activity aimed at the end user – will help to reshape the commercial environment. Less professional companies are likely to have difficulties in dealing with new legislative requirements. That being the case, customers will no longer be able to 'play off' quality security companies against those willing to accept unrealistic contract terms and conditions.
SMT: Do you see Broadland playing its part in any opportunities created by the Government's 'extended police family'?
BG: We already are – by dint of the fact that 70% of our business concerns public space CCTV Control Rooms. Additional services, as they're identified, will inevitably be taken on board by our staff in due course.
SMT: The Security Industry Authority will most likely insist on the Approved Companies Scheme. What do you think should be included in such a scheme?
BG: The scheme should involve appropriate operational standards. That is to say conformity with British Standards. It must include full adherence to BS 7858. Under no circumstances must vetting be seen to be unnecessary post-licensing. High standards of officer welfare, training, Control Room provision and general security management should also be included.
SMT: Are you a member of any Trade Associations and, if so, do you feel that value for money is forthcoming?
BG: Yes! BSIA membership is extremely valuable to us. We are given updates on the latest standards, legislation and police service policy. Membership also affords us numerous opportunities to network, share our views and concerns and participate in the lobbying process. It also affords me a number of ways in which I can promote the company. For instance, only recently we have been given sound advice during the bidding process for contracts in Germany and Belgium.
SMT: What do you think of the private security industry's inspection regime?
BG: Effective. That said, there are lots of changes being made in the sector at the present time. It needs to keep on evolving to meet clients' ever-changing needs.
The merger of NACOSS and the Inspectorate of the Security Industry to form the National Security Inspectorate made a great deal of sense because of the growing crossover between technology and personnel (in CCTV Control Rooms, for example).
We need to remember the importance of nationally-recognised standards and objective assessments by UKAS-accredited inspectorates and certification bodies – and the key role that our current inspection system plays here in avoiding ambiguity and uncertainty.
It will be very interesting to see how the SIA's requirements affect the inspectorates in both the short and longer terms.
SMT: Which companies do you rate among your competitors?
BG: Constant Security Services, and its managing director Mike Lee.
Like myself, Mike started his business later on in life and has managed to build the company's Special Events division. He enjoys an excellent reputation in the industry.
SMT: Where do you think Broadland Guarding Services will be in, say, five years' time?
BG: We'll still be here, occupying the middle ground in the industry.
Broadland Guarding md Brian Geary.
In 1990, Brian decided to set up his own business and formed Broadland Guarding Services – a manned security operation headquartered in Norfolk. Today, the company runs over 25 town centre CCTV schemes covering 54 towns and cities throughout the UK. The company runs manned guarding contracts nationally, employing over 320 staff. Over the years, Broadland has enjoyed several milestones. Having joined the International Professional Security Association in 1991, the following year it was awarded the monitoring contract for one of the first public space CCTV schemes in the UK. Broadland Security Training was established in 1994, with BSIA corporate membership for the company as a whole secured in 1995. ISO 9002:1994 accreditation with the Inspectorate of the Security Industry transpired in 1998, swiftly followed by Investors in People status a year later. 2000 saw the company become a member of the national CCTV User Group Standards Committee and, in 2001, Broadland was commended with The Security Watchdog’s Gold Award. Last year came ISO 9001:2000 accreditation, including elements of BS 7958 (CCTV monitoring) with the Inspectorate of the Security Industry. Re-accreditation of Investors in People status was also attained last year, and Brian Geary himself became chair of the British Security Industry Association’s PPSS Committee CCTV Sub-Section.
Source
SMT
Postscript
Security Management Today would like to thank Brian Geary of Broadland Guarding Services for his invaluable assistance with this article
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