An international supply chain security standard, ISO 28000, has been launched by BSI. British Standards describe it as an independent assessment scheme to assist companies of all sizes to achieve and show competence in their supply chain security.
Risk-based, it’s for businesses to manage new threats as they emerge and set appropriate controls. The security and logistics contractor Wilson James is the first company be independently assessed by BSI and achieve certification to ISO 28000.
In 2013, the company won the contract to secure the new London Gateway site of port operator DP World. Part of the selection of a security contractor was that the appointed company would achieve ISO 28000 certification by the end of 2014. The idea: to match supply chain management with security measures such as validating supplier credentials, screening cargo and securing cargo transit. Addressing security threats aids the global fight against cargo theft, reassures stakeholders of an organization’s commitment to the safety of its people, and the security of goods and services.
Wilson James points to other benefits besides satisfying the client. Angela Goldberg, Quality Manager at Wilson James, said: “As the first known UK security company to achieve ISO 28000 we can deliver high levels of security management to our customers, differentiating us from others and giving us a clear competitive edge, helping our customers recognise the value we can deliver to their business. Another important benefit is the reassurance ISO 28000 provides to existing and potential customers and, early indications show it may also save the company money as a result of the introduction of best practice procedures that will in turn lead to improvements in performance and efficiencies.”
Goldberg argues that that if you have a robust management system it will run your day-to-day business for you – leaving you the time you need to manage any exceptions. “ISO 28000 pulls together all the requirements of the security codes of practice we comply with into one fully integrated security management system. The early indications are that it will also save the company money. If people are working according to best practice procedures, our level of incidents is going to drop and we’re going to have more time to be proactive rather than reactive. That in turn, will lead to improvements in performance and efficiency – and that’s what we’re finding.”
Lucy Flight, Wilson James’ Site Security Manager at London Gateway, spoke of a change of culture. “We put all 65 security officers back through the induction process. We explained what was involved in the standard, why we were doing it and what their role was in achieving and maintaining it. We ensured that they fully understood the value of ISO 28000 and were open to change, which was vital for the project’s success. We are already beginning to see that the change in culture has been effective. There has been a recent upsurge of continuous improvement suggestions from the team with – a record breaking 15 suggestions in July. This proves that the team are fully engaged in continuously improving the security management system at London Gateway – which is a key requirement of the standard.”
CHQ Security Services as security and risk assessment consultants to the London Gateway project were featured in the January 2014 print issue of Professional Security.
Lorna Anderson, Supply Chain Security Scheme Manager at BSI said: “International cargo is the life blood of our global society and essential for countries and companies to reach new markets and achieve growth. Therefore the compromise of supply chains imposes both direct and indirect impacts. These include the cost of managing security incidents, increased insurance premiums, and indirect impacts such as reputational damage and loss of trust resulting in a drain on global productivity. By addressing and reducing the impact cargo disruption has on their business and their clients, organizations stand to benefit financially as well as assist international trade.”
Angela Goldberg and Lorna Anderson, and Courtney Foster and Anthony Pelli, BSI Supply Chain Solutions, were among speakers at an October 2 seminar to launch the standard at BSI head offices in Chiswick, west London.
BSI tips for doing ISO 28000
1. Lead from the top by securing commitment from senior management
2. Involve the whole business through effective internal communication
3. Review existing processes with relevant ISO 28000 requirements
4. Bring your customers and suppliers on board by soliciting feedback on security practices
5. Establish an implementation team to get the best results
6. Map out and share roles, responsibilities and timescales
7. Adapt the requirements of the ISO 28000 standard to your business
8. Motivate staff with training and incentive
9. Encourage staff to train as internal auditors
10. Regularly review to ensure continual improvement
To view the full Wilson James case study visit: http://www.bsigroup.com/Documents/iso-28000/case-study/BSI-ISO-28000-WilsonJames-case-study-UK-EN.pdf.
