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Category Archive: Training

1. Security by Design- IFSEC Insider

   29th September 2023 8:26 pm Leave a Comment

   Early engagement: Why the Security Overlay to RIBA Plan of Work is a ‘game changer’ for security industry

   Simon Whitehouse, Managing Director at SGW Consulting, covers the new security overlay from The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Simon explains why the overlay, designed to integrate security into the building design process, is a ‘game-changer’ for the security industry and what its impact may be on the wider consultancy and built environment landscape.

   Fundamentally changing attitudes to security in design

   Security has often been an afterthought tacked onto the end of the building design process just before completion, leading to ineffective, overly complex, and often visually unappealing security measures.

   Security consultants have regularly been appointed too late in the architectural design process to have any ability to influence plot selection, access and circulation, critical asset placement and the architectural intended use of space. The new Security Overlay aims to guide the design team in taking an alternative and suitably informed approach.

   The guidance provides a blueprint for undertaking rigorous security risk assessments before the design brief has even been drafted. This allows the identified risks to inform design decisions from the beginning of the process proactively.

   For clients, this fundamental shift brings significant advantages. Integrating security considerations early on helps get safety and security outcomes perfectly aligned with their organisational goals, risk appetite, security posture and operational needs without requiring expensive retrofits later.

   As an embedded member of a new build or refurbishment project’s design team, a security consultant is crucial in defining security requirements for different project phases:

   • The base build phase involves designing the fundamental structure and systems of the building. During this phase, a security consultant focuses on establishing the foundational security measures to support the building’s overall security strategy.
   • The shell and core phase involves designing the building’s structural elements, façade, and core systems. The security consultant ensures the building’s basic security features are integrated into these elements.
   • The fit-out phase involves designing the interior spaces of the building, including partitions, finishes, and furniture. The security consultant ensures that the interior design supports previously established security measures.

   Click to read the full article.

2. LPS-1175 Team Training

   15th September 2023 6:42 pm Leave a Comment

   SGWs Consulting Team Completes LPS-1175 Training

   We are thrilled to share a few behind-the-scenes photos of the SGW team as we embarked on a day of intensive LPS-1175 training at our Edwinstowe House headquarters.

   At SGW, we believe in continuous improvement, and our commitment to investing in Continued Professional Development (CPD) is unwavering. As a security consultancy specialising in the built environment, we are proud to have invited Richard Flint MSyl, Technical and Commercial Lead for Physical Security at BRE, to conduct the LPS 1175 – Issue 8 training for our team.

   Why is this training important?

   SGW understand that preparation is key in an evolving landscape of security challenges. LPS 1175 – Issue 8 sets the benchmark for loss prevention standards, offering essential insights on the effects of delays to physical security treatments.

   

   A few behind-the-scenes photos of the SGW team as we embarked on a day of intensive LPS-1175 issue 8 training, delivered by BRE’s Richard Flint, Technical and Commercial Lead for Physical Security at our UK office.

   LPS 1175 Part 8.1 is a British standard that specifically deals with the testing and classifying of security doors, shutters, and grilles intended to protect against unauthorized forced entry. This standard is used to assess the resistance of these products to various methods of attack, including physical attacks like drilling, cutting, and prying, as well as the use of tools and techniques commonly employed by burglars and intruders.

   To follow a risk-based protective countermeasures approach on their projects, physical security consultants can use LPS 1175 Part 8.1 in the following ways:

   1. Risk Assessment: Consultants begin by conducting a comprehensive risk assessment for the specific project. This assessment involves identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and assets that need protection. It considers factors such as location, building layout, the value of assets, and the threat profile.
   2. Classification Levels: LPS 1175 Part 8.1 provides different security classification levels, ranging from SR1 (lower security) to SR6 (highest security). Consultants can use these classification levels to determine the appropriate level of security required based on the identified risks. For example, a high-value jewellery store may require a higher SR level than a standard commercial building.
   3. Product Selection: Based on the determined security classification level, consultants can recommend security doors, shutters, or grilles that meet or exceed the required resistance level specified in LPS 1175 Part 8.1. Manufacturers often provide products with LPS 1175 certification, making it easier for consultants to select suitable options.
   4. Specification and Design: Consultants work with architects, engineers, and security experts to integrate the chosen security products into the overall building design. This includes specifying the appropriate product types, installation methods, and any additional security features needed to achieve the desired protection level.
   5. Compliance Verification: Consultants ensure that the selected security products meet the requirements of LPS 1175 Part 8.1 by verifying that they have been tested and certified to the appropriate security classification level. This step involves reviewing product documentation and certification from manufacturers.
   6. Integration with Other Measures: A risk-based protective countermeasures approach often involves a combination of security measures, including access control systems, surveillance cameras, and security personnel. Consultants ensure that the physical security measures recommended in accordance with LPS 1175 Part 8.1 are integrated effectively with these other measures to create a holistic security strategy.
   7. Periodic Review: As security threats evolve, physical security consultants should periodically review and update the protective measures in place. This includes assessing whether the existing security products still meet the required protection levels and making adjustments as necessary.

   

   LPS 1175 Part 8.1 is a British standard that specifically deals with the testing and classification of security doors, shutters, and grilles intended to provide protection against unauthorized forced entry.

   In summary, LPS 1175 Part 8.1 is a valuable tool for physical security consultants to assess and specify the appropriate security measures for their projects. By conducting a thorough risk assessment and using the classification levels provided by the standard, consultants can tailor their recommendations to the specific security needs of a given site, helping clients implement effective protective countermeasures.

   Simon Whitehouse, Managing Director at SGW, said, “As we navigate the complexities of modern security threats, this training equips us with the latest knowledge and techniques to protect your interests better”.

   Planning Today, Protecting Tomorrow: This isn’t just a tagline; it’s a guiding principle that underscores our dedication to staying at the forefront of physical security expertise!

3. Launch of The Security Consortium

   15th October 2020 12:51 am Leave a Comment

   SGW is pleased to announce and support the launch of The Security Consortium.

   Along with UK market leaders the Frontier Risks Group; Silverback Security Academy and Bucks New University, The Security Consortium has a mission to inspire and develop excellence in security, risk, and resilience through innovative, current, and collaborative learning opportunities, accredited qualifications, and support for the global, interconnected security profession.

   

   The Security Consortium has launched a new website. Here, Learners, Clients, and Potential Partners can find out more.

   Inaugural Board Meeting & Workshop

   SGW’s Managing Director, Simon Whitehouse, and Senior Security Consultant, Alan Meyrick, attended the first workshop and board meeting for the newly-launched Security Consortium on 25 September at Missenden Abbey.

   The event, hosted by Professor Phil Wood, CSyP, Head of School of Aviation and Security at Buckinghamshire New University, brought together the Consortium Board members for the first meeting since the Security Consortium launched in early September. The Security Consortium has been well received since its launch with a high degree of interest from across the security sector and the board was keen to build upon this initial success.

   The workshop explored a number of key aims and detailed a strategy for the Security Consortium as we move towards 2021. The core aims addressed on the day were developing an ‘Associate’ and ‘Member’ framework, developing learning pathways to support those within the industry to meet career aspirations, and begin identifying avenues for future growth to ensure The Security Consortium continues to positively grow. One of the future aims of the consortium is the hosting of conferences, webinars, and events which ‘Associates’ and ‘Members’ will be welcome to attend.

   SGW is delighted to be a key member of the Security Consortium and is excited to help develop the consortium as it evolves in the coming weeks and months. SGW shares a similar vision with The Security Consortium in relation to providing high-quality and innovative training programs that promote learning and knowledge transfer for security practitioners looking to enhance their careers.

   Providing Learning Pathways & Choice

   From short courses to master’s degrees for individuals or bespoke company and organisational development programmes, The Security Consortium has the answer.

   A wide range of pathways is on offer which is intended to provide learners with freedom of choice to select the most suitably experienced professional provider of shorter security risk management, counterterrorism, and security engineering for the Built Environment professional courses, before using credits attained upon completion towards one of the academic security degree courses offered by Buckinghamshire New University.

   

   The Security Consortium offers a wide selection of learning pathways within the Security Sector.

   Commenting on the workshop and the Security Consortium, SGW’s Managing Director, Simon Whitehouse said “ The Security Industry presents many varied and rewarding career paths and lifelong learning opportunities, yet I am of the opinion that as an industry, we need to do more to formalize occupational standards and core competencies in various Security Disciplines, to give people from all age groups a clear learning pathway and to create more options for career transition and development of mature students. The Security Consortium founders are all passionate about improving standards, competencies, and career opportunities in our sector. We will offer seamless learning pathways for individuals to progress their security careers, from short specialist qualifications to academic degree programs.”

   For more information on the Security Consortium, the current board, and how you could get involved, please visit; https://thesecurityconsortium.com/

4. University Recognition for Certified Counter Terrorism Practitioner (CCTP) programme

   19th May 2018 11:27 pm Leave a Comment

   Following a period of review and due diligence, The Certified Counter Terrorism Practitioner (CCTP) programme has been recognized by The University of Portsmouth, Institute of Criminal Justice Studies.

   CCTP delivered in partnership with SGW, has received recognition by the Portsmouth Institute to the value of 20 Level 6 credits, the equivalent of one final year undergraduate module. There are 180 credits at each level and 360 in an undergraduate degree in total. The course shall now be entered on the ICJS RPL Tariff.

   The next Certified Counter Terrorism Practitioner (CCTP) programme will take place from Tuesday 24th to Thursday 26th July 2018, in Nottinghamshire, UK.

   The course, delivered by SGW Consulting, consists of three days’/25 hours’ contact time and an examination.

   The Certified Counter Terrorism Practitioner (CCTP) certification assesses your ability to apply counter-terrorism and security planning knowledge to real-life situations. Successful completion of the Certified Counter Terrorism Practitioner (CCTP) Program tells your prospective clients, industry professionals, other experts and future employers that you have met rigorous professional standards of competence in protection, defence and security planning.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   It is aimed at Property Managers, Security Managers, Police Officers, Private Security operatives, and Security Search teams. Course benefits are as follows:

   1. Competence in the principles and best practices in the counter-terrorism field.
      Participation in a recognized professional group.
   2. As the global terrorism threat keeps evolving, the Certified Counter Terrorism Practitioner (CCTP) certification keeps you up to date with tools and tactics to counter and respond to the evolving threats.
   3. Recognition of professional competence by peers in your profession as well as management.
   4. Advanced career potential and growth due to recognition as a Certified Counter terrorism Practitioner.
   5. Certification can improve overall performance, remove uncertainty and widen market opportunities.
   6. The process of achieving and maintaining certification helps ensure you are continually improving and refining your activities within the homeland security and counter-terrorism fields.

   Course Prerequisites

   The participant is required to have either one of the following: 1.1. A minimum university degree and at least 2 years’ experience in the security, law enforcement or military field. 1.2. Relevant experience in the field of security, law enforcement or military with at least 5 years in an executive or management role and/or responsibility if you do not have a relevant degree. Age: Minimum Age of 25.

   Candidates are required to submit two professional references.

    

   Dr Alison Wakefield, Senior Lecturer in Security Risk Management at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, University of Portsmouth said:

   We are very pleased to recognise the CCTP certification through our Recognised Prior Learning process, which enables us to give credit exemptions to individuals progressing from the CCTP to undertake our BSc in Risk and Security Management. Due to the rigorous standards of entry, teaching and assessment, we will be offering graduates of the CCTP 20 credits at Level 6 on the UK’s Qualifications and Credit Framework. SGW Consulting is the UK’s sole provider of this prestigious international certification, and I am proud that we have been able to partner with SGW to provide this recognition.

   Simon Whitehouse, Managing Director at SGW said; We are delighted that CCTP has gained recognition by academia, and in particular, the highly respected institute of Criminal Justice Studies at The University of Portsmouth. I firmly believe professional short courses provide an ideal platform for security and counter terrorism professionals to enter a learning pathway to academic degree programmes, giving students a mix of practical, operational and theoretical experience in their chosen security related discipline.

   Pricing, Discount & Booking Information

   For pricing and information on discounts available for The Security Institute and ASIS members, please visit our listing on All Security Events.

   To book your place on this course, please visit the CCTP Course booking site page