Why “Professionalism” counts in UK’s Security Industry

Becoming a licensed Security Officer in the UKThose pursuing a career as Security Personnel in the UK must satisfy a rigorous process before they can work legally in the security industry. Although they need an appropriatenbsp;Security Industry Authority (SIA)nbsp;licence, they are also expected to undergo a meticulous BS-7858 vetting process that assists employers in screening security personnel before employing them. To secure an SIA licence, aspiring security personnel must take training specific for their desired roles, such as Door Supervisor, Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), Close Protection, etc. Whereas to satisfy BS-7858 checks, the candidates must prove with evidence, to mention a few, that they have worked in the past (5-10 years) with good standings, they have acquired appropriate SIA licence, are legally permitted to work in the UK and have not been involved in any fraud or illegal activities. These requirements are set to ensure the security personnel charged with keeping the peace can discharge their duties nbsp;professionally, and ethically. With such rigorous and resource taxing procedures, it is fair to expect security personnel to be professional and reasonable in their actions. However, a recent incident in Manchester reveals the unsatisfactory evaluation level of ‘professionalism’ of security personnel.nbsp;An unfortunate incidentA boy, understood to be 14 years old, was violently pushed to the ground from behind by a security officer employed by UltraSec Security.nbsp;Video footage shows the security officer wearing a high-visibility tabard running up to the student from behind, wrapping his arms around the pupil’s waist and violently pushing him to the ground. Co-op Academy Manchester, based in Higher Blackley, north Manchester, confirmed an internal investigation was underway.nbsp;The explanations providedThe principal Chris Beard in a message to the parents, said, A member of the security team, provided by an external company, used physical intervention to deal with a students behaviour. We are formally investigating the matter. One wonders how severe the students behaviour must have been that warranted such a violent physical intervention. The principal added that the student was safe and well, and the school had spoken with his family. He added, As a result of this incident, the security guard involved will not be on-site whilst we investigate what happened. Incidents such as this are not representative of our community. Mr Beard goes on to write On a personal note, I am troubled by what has happened, and I want to make sure that all parents and careers know that we are taking immediate action.UltraSec Security, in a statement, confirmed it was made aware of the incident. A spokesman said” “The security guard has been suspended pending a full investigation. UltraSec Security is working with Co-op Academy Manchester to ensure a full and in-depth investigation is completed. Our role in schools is to ensure the safety of students; we are taking this incident very seriously”.The incident is indeed unfortunate, as it indicates elements of excessive force. Considering this force was used on an approximately 14-year-old boy further highlights that perhaps ‘professionalism’ may not be a consideration as long as any security personnel has secured an SIA license and satisfied BS-7858 requirements. The question that emerges is a simple one, yet it has implications for the entire community; who is responsible for ensuring the security personnel entrusted with safeguarding shall carry out their duties in a fair, respectable and professional manner?nbsp;Where EarnFlex (Ltd) stands outFor recruiting Security Officers, usually, the presence of an SIA license is enough to place operatives in the field. However, EarnFlex (Ltd) believes such sensitive responsibility warrants a detailed evaluation of any officer’s suitability before formal engagement.nbsp;Recruiting Security Personnel at EarnFlex (Ltd) is a multi-layered process with elements designed to evaluate each applicant’s reliability and professionalism in a security role. For each applicant, the first step is a verification of the licence directly from the SIA database to ensure the validity of the licence. The second is a rigorous BS-7858 vetting in which the applicant is asked to submit seven documents as specified in thenbsp;British Standard -7858. The third element is an evaluation of professionalism, starting when an applicant submits their application and concludes in a formal interview. By carefully observing the applicant’s interaction, their choice of words, quality of documents submitted and responses to carefully tailored interview questions, EarnFlex (Ltd)’s HR team assesses the professionalism levels of each applicant. Should the applicant not be able to satisfy any one of these elements, their application is refused.nbsp;This recruitment process is indeed resource taxing; however, it ensures each client receives what they expect; Security Officers who are licenced and will always discharge their duties professionally and ethically.nbsp;