What to Expect from a Manned Guarding Security Service
What is Manned Guarding?
Manned guarding (also known as on-site guarding or security guards) is a security provision put in place to protect people, equipment, processes, high value assets, spaces and more. Manned guarding protects against criminal damage, assault, vandalism and theft (to name a few) and usually takes place out of hours but sometimes when staff are still present. It is one of the most effective measures that can be taken against crime-related security risks.
When hiring manned guards you should ensure they are licensed by the SIA and have passed the relevant CRB and right to work checks. Generally uniformed by the organisation manned guards not only provide a visual deterrent but also protect the people / property they have been instructed to do. Manned guards work in conjunction with other systems, such as CCTV monitoring, alarm systems and mobile patrols allowing the security guards to not only do their job but also add value in other areas.
Is Manned Guarding right for your organisation?
No matter the size or nature of your organisation manned guarding can help, whether you require front of house access and exit, night patrols, onsite security or lock up and unlock services. Here are a few examples of businesses that can benefit from using manned guarding service:
Manned guards can help prevent unauthorised access to your premises
Physical (and visual) deterrent is generally more effective when compared to standalone / remote monitoring only
Manned guards respond to any issues arising on sites instantly
Security guards are supported by 24/7 control room who work with the security team and are able to check on the status of the security guards but can also bring in additional support if an incident occurs or in an emergency situation
Monitor daily tasks, provide reports and provide feedback where value added services can be implemented
Fully trained manned guards are usually able to anticipate issues before they arise meaning problems are eliminated before escalating
Peace of mind that people, property assets and equipment are protected
Protection from unforeseen threats such as fires or floods. Having manned security means these issues are responded to instantly limiting damage, minimising closure and protecting people on site
Protection for staff and visitors. Having a security guard on site means they are quickly able to respond to emergencies but also provide a reassuring and friendly face in public areas, if trained correctly they can also provide additional assistance for anyone who needs it
Potential discounts from insurance companies to businesses that have manned guarding provisions in place
Being the eyes and ears on site means fully trained security guards are able to recognise changes in the nature and levels of risks and inform about the types of changes required to maintain an effective security provision
What to look for when hiring manned guarding security services
Choosing the right manned security guarding for your business is important, here are some of the key things to look for:
Security guards are verified and carry a SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence. The SIA is a department of the UK Home Office. The role of the SIA is to ensure that the legal requirements of all employees working in the security industry are appropriately adhered to, making sure that everyone is correctly licenced for their job role, as it is a criminal offence to work in the industry without being correctly licenced.
Security guards should be employed by the organisation and not self-employed or subcontracted. They should be CRB checked and Right to Work checked and should be matched to the customers’ requirements based on specific profiling to ensure the best fit. English language and personality tests should be carried out by the organisation before employing the security personnel.
The security provider should participate in the ACS (Approved Contractor Scheme) run by the SIA, which is a voluntary scheme for security companies to join to prove they meet and exceed quality standards and are audited twice a year as a minimum. 20% of the security industry are currently registered on the ACS scheme. There are approximately 4000 companies in the security industry of which 800 are members of the ACS.
Security guards should be covered by the relevant insurances protecting you from unexpected costs.
The security supplier should provide a bespoke security package based on the requirements of the organisation. Using a 3-step process to recognise the value of high-quality security service provision:
Identify what security operations success looks like for your organisation.
Define and identify the right team to work within the organisation. Set up and run the security provision as a live eco-system.
onstantly review, update and report on the security provision and value-added operations provided.
The security guards should not only provide the core functions of the contract but also provide an added value service that focuses on creating a positive return on the investment in security through operations continuity, people protection and equipment loss minimisation, plus identifying ongoing operations efficiencies that extends beyond the manned guarding security service typically supplied.
Manned Guarding working to deliver a return on investment
Your manned guarding service should be able to adapt to your organisation’s requirements. Whether you require a team of security guards, security monitoring equipment or an individual guard your provider should be able to scale up or down quickly and efficiently for a seamless security provision.
Through extensive experience, the team at Magenta Security are able to offer tailored and flexible solutions that set the standard for every security requirement. We are a member of the ACS scheme, which we joined at inception in 2006, over the years we have constantly achieved a rating that put us in the top 5% of members. To find out more about a security service that provides true added value, get in touch today and see how we can help your business achieve its security objectives. Our team of experts will discuss your specific requirements and provide a tailored quote to meet your needs.
Magenta Security provide award winning security services throughout the UK. We are in the top 5% of ACS approved contractors and were the first security company in Europe to be awarded ISO 14001 for our environmental management systems.
