There’s an industry-wide reduction in the numbers of badged security and stewarding personnel according to a report published by the United Kingdom Crowd Management Association (UKCMA).
The finalised report delivered by the University of Derby has been agreed with the Football Safety Officers Association (FSOA) and the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Supporting data was provided by the SIA on the number of licence renewals, which have seen a reduction of nearly 40pc since 2013, but the aim of the survey was to gather more detailed factual evidence to explain this trend.
Both buyers and suppliers in the security industry were invited to take part in the inaugural survey, to share their views and provide the necessary data to benchmark the state of the industry.
Mark Harding is chairperson of the UKCMA and Managing Director of the event security and crowd stewarding contract company Showsec. As featured in the January 2017 print issue of Professional Security, he aired the known likely shortfall in badged staff – especially at peak midsummer time of demand – and the survey at the UK Security Expo in late 2016 at London Olympia.
The survey organisers say that the findings will be used towards discussions to identify ways to act. As a result of the report’s key findings, some suggested actions include:
1) Diverting monies from the UK Government’s apprenticeship levy, which event security contractors suggest is unsuitable in supporting the night-time economy, into training funds.
2) Creating qualifications beyond the restrictions of the NVQ to improve opportunities for people to work in the industry, including upfront, flexible training which is relevant to a multitude of venues and sectors.
3) Ensuring the private security sector has the necessary resources to play a key role in counter terrorism, meet increased demand and enhance public safety in the wake of several UK terrorist attacks earlier this year.
UKCMA members agreed that in many cases, especially over the busy summer period, security providers have been working at maximum capacity and more resources will be required to meet future demand. This presents an opportunity for more licence holders to enter the industry, particularly if Government funding can be secured to assist with this.
Mark Harding said: “It’s really encouraging that the industry has recognised there is a problem, as this acquisition of evidence is all in the interest of public safety. The next stage is to engage stakeholders to find solutions.
“The Government needs to collaborate with industry authorities on an action plan to address the deficiencies in skills and numbers of security personnel. The private industry must have the capability and capacity to meet not only ongoing business, but any upsurge in demand caused by one-off incidents.”
The SIA meanwhile commented that the report raises some health challenges about how adequately the market is supplying qualified and vetted security operatives, and the problems that losing skilled staff represents to the industry. For the SIA’s response in full visit the SIA website.
Picture by Mark Rowe: Barnsley FC.
