UK Security Industry Update. September 2023.

Welcome to the Get Licensed security industry news and events rundown for September 2023. There’s been a lot going on so without further ado, here are the highlights.

Job news:

GuardPass has posted a huge number of new jobs in the last 30 days. Whatever you are searching for, this is by far the best place to look. As noted, the following companies are currently hiring: Bold Security Group, Compass Group UK & Ireland, Professional Security UK, County Enforcement Limited, 118 Security Limited, Regency Security Services Ltd, Trusec Security Ltd, Get Licensed, Metroguard Oxford Limited, Vigilancia Group Limited, Anabas, Trusec Security Limited, The Westgrove Group, Midland Heart, Active Security Solutions, Secure Alliance Limited and more.

Get Licensed security industry news run through

International Security Expo:

This event takes place annually at Olympia, London, and consistently draws a large attendance. It’s free to attend but requires online pre-booking. This year it took place on the 26^th & 27^th of September. Furthermore, it featured expert seminars, demonstrations of new security tech, and hundreds of exhibitors. I have said it before, but whatever your role in the security industry, there will be something of interest to see, and a lot of movers and shakers to network with. If you’re local, pop it in your diary for next year. If you live further afield, there are several excellent, free to attend, regional events to check out. We’ll let you know some of the key ones right here.

Security industry training fraud exposed:

Following on from a powerful investigative article post on the Get Licensed website recently, https://www.get-licensed.co.uk/get-daily/the-uks-sia-security-training-scandal/ the BBC File on 4 documentary series has gone undercover and exposed more trainers offering training certificates for cash, requiring next to no attendance by the “trainee”. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66923084 This shocking behaviour is rife in the industry. It is allowing the licensing of “Security Officers” that are a danger to themselves and everyone around them. However, the Security Industry Authority has now issued a comprehensive response to this documentary. You can read it here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sia-response-to-bbc-file-on-4-investigation-into-security-training We can only hope that, this time, and at long last, they will focus their enforcement resources on this issue.

New initiative to deter “steaming” shoplifting gangs:

Every security officer working in a retail environment will recognise the increase in shoplifting, in the last couple of years. With the Police failing to enforce the law, criminals think it is open season in our high street shops. One of the most concerning trends is the large steaming gangs that enter a shop mob-handed, gather up anything they want, and simply walk out. Threats of violence silence anyone who dares to raise a complaint. There is simply nothing that security or store staff can do. Thieves frequently target high-value items. SelectaMark is now working with mobile phone company Three, and hopefully an increasing number of retailers, to forensically mark their goods, allowing Police to easily identify any stolen items, and making resale difficult for the criminals. Small steps, but hopefully this will act as an effective deterrent at many outlets. Anything to make retail security jobs safer.

Lone worker safety improvements:

With so many security officers working alone, especially at night, and the massive increase in criminality, the issue of Lone worker safety is of huge importance. Moreover, the hourly or two hourly check calls simply are not enough, especially when a busy control room does not chase up a missed call in good time. There are solutions out there. Last month a company called BusinessWatch has equipped its engineers with a Storm, emergency SOS communications system. Using GPS, voice, or multimedia information, it is a simple and effective way for any lone worker in trouble to summon help, giving location information to a control room, who can direct assistance to the user. We hope to see far more of this sort of technology across the guarding and response sectors.

Password Security:

A massively important issue, basic password security is crucial for the protection of you, your clients, and your employer’s, important data. Subsequently, with cyber criminals becoming increasingly skilled at extracting valuable information, and using it for their own direct gain or holding it to ransom, this is a subject that is worth looking at again. Our friends at the International Security Journal have just published a highly recommended article. You can find it here: https://internationalsecurityjournal.com/password-security/

Get Licensed announces industry leading “GuardPerks” benefits system:

In the complex world of loyalty discount schemes, GuardPerks stands out as the ultimate membership to have. Picture a place where your favourite brands present you with irresistible deals. This is what GuardPerks offers to those who opt for the gold, platinum or Flexi+ security training courses with Get Licensed. Certainly, GuardPerks can be your card to enjoy exclusive perks. Find out more here: https://www.get-licensed.co.uk/get-daily/guardperks-your-key-to-exclusive-discounts/

A few of the latest blog posts on the GuardPass website:

Have a look at some of the latest expert advice and views covering subjects like: A.I. and the future of security, Security recruitment and the “Recruit it Right” toolkit, Unconscious Gender Bias in Job Adverts and How to Fix It, 8 essential skills every security officer should have, Your guide to finding and applying for security jobs and much more. Find this free resource at: https://www.guardpass.com/resources/