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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
SGW Safety & Security Ltd (SGW) are pleased to announce that we are one of the first companies to become a SABRE Licenced Company by BRE Global Ltd.
Both SGW’s UK and United Arab Emirates offices are included in the scope of SGW’s SABRE Company Licence; number SLC-004, from where SGW are currently able to offer SABRE Assessment Services internationally, per the scope and geographical reach of the company’s professional indemnity insurance provisions.
SGW Providing SABRE Certification
As a Sabre Licenced Company, SGW can provide the SABRE certification scheme to new and existing customers to recognise and reward best practice.
SGW are pleased to now offer SABRE assessments to those involved in a range of infrastructure operations and construction.
What is SABRE?
Sabre is a security risk assessment and certification scheme for new and existing buildings and built infrastructure assets.
SABRE is owned by the BRE Global Ltd (part of the BRE group), the international provider of robust, independent, third party certification of fire, security, and environmental products of services. SABRE is the result of fundamental scientific research funded by the BRE Trust.
SGW are licenced by BRE Global Ltd to provide Sabre Security Assessment.
The benefits of SABRE
SABRE has many benefits to industry stakeholders including:
• Improved design and construction quality
• Enhanced marketability of built assets
• Increased operational effectiveness
• Independent assurance of security performance
• Promotes value for money security solutions
• Benchmark your facilities across a portfolio and the wider sector
• Showcase your capability
• Attract security minded tenants and clients
• Insurance incentives
Who is SABRE for?
SGW are delighted to provide SABRE certification to clients across the following sectors, with the primary focus on the process of security risk management:
• Office
• Education
• Healthcare
• Residential
• Mixed use
• Data Centres
• Industrial
• Retail
• Other buildings
How does SABRE work?
The SABRE scheme incorporates nine technical stages and 70 assessment issues. To meet the criteria for SABRE certification, each stage has an aim accompanied by suitable metrics to demonstrate compliance.
To determine the approach to security of any new or existing building or infrastructure asset there are long-established principles of international management and risk management.
This includes:
• Establishing facility security requirements
• Managing security risks
• Planning and designing an appropriate security system
• Implementation of plans and, for existing facilities, managing change at a facility.
Assessment and Certification
To determine whether a building or built infrastructure asset meets the requirements of the SABRE scheme, the facility must be assessed by a SABRE Registered Assessor. SGW are licensed to provide this service and will work alongside the project team (new facilities) or building management (existing facilities) to gather evidence in support of the applicable scheme criteria.
Successful assessment results in a SABRE Rating and LPCB certification, which can be used to:
• Communicate the security credentials of the facility to internal and external stakeholders
• Measure facility performance and target areas for future improvement and investment
• Benchmark performance across a portfolio of assets
• Demonstrate that a project has delivered on contractual requirements.
SABRE Ratings
It is not possible to guarantee that a facility will be secure all the time. However, we can have increased confidence in a facilities ability to provide security. SABRE recognises this, and rates facilities on a sliding scale between ‘Acceptable’ (1 Star) and ‘Outstanding’ (5 Stars). The higher the rating, the more closely the SABRE framework was followed and the greater the level of assurance one can have in the approach to security risk management at a facility.
It is important to note that not all facilities need strive for the highest possible SABRE Rating. In some cases, ‘Acceptable’ may be good enough. Applicants are encouraged to seek advice from a SABRE Registered Assessor when determining a target SABRE Rating.
Commenting on the new SABRE security risk assessment and certification scheme, Simon Whitehouse, Managing Director of SGW said; I am delighted that SGW has become one of the first companies to be granted a SABRE Licence by BRE Global Limited. I firmly believe that the SABRE scheme will prove to be a highly-recognised means of ensuring that the security design and assessment process for built infrastructure assets is fit for purpose, commensurate with risk and third party certified to robust standards. Furthermore, I believe the recent launch of SABRE by BRE Global Limited is suitably timely given the content of the recent letter sent to all Local Authority chief planners in the UK by Stave Quartermain, CBE, Chief Planner at the Department for Communities and Local Government. Mr Quartermain’s letter reminded local planning authorities of the important role which the planning system has in ensuring appropriate measures are in place in relation to counter-terrorist and crime prevention security. I also believe SABRE will eventually be a key component in the future of how the planning system will be used to create safe and secure urban environments.
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