Blended
audits certification is, of course, one answer. Certification plays proxy for the buyer: it provides confidence in the capability and integrity of providers, reassurance of
quality
companies
services who
supplied
meet
by
relevant
standards and operational codes of practice. NSI has been in the Certification business just shy of 50 years. It’s a
A BLENDED APPROACH As staff begin returning to their workplaces Richard Jenkins, Chief Executive of the National Security Inspectorate describes how the certification body is adapting its auditing policy to best serve the future interests of security buyers facing significant COVID-19 related challenges.
deep
cleaning
procedures,
PPE
provision, social distancing and resetting limits on headcount within the workplace.
committed player. Its approved companies recognise the value it brings. Its stakeholders invest huge trust in its rigour and impartiality. It does not take its responsibility lightly. Companies
providing
certificated
security services achieve and maintain
Safety of staff, visitors and the general
their Certification
‘benchmark’ by
public is at the forefront of thinking for
signing up to a rigorous ongoing
facilities managers, whilst underlying
independent audit programme. For
security risks have not gone away. New
UKAS-accredited certification bodies
opportunities for those intent on crime
such as NSI the logistical challenge
Employers, site owners and facilities
may only become evident in the fullness
since the start of the COVID-19
managers are all now engaged in
of time. The impact of COVID-19 has
pandemic has been how to maintain the
required businesses, the security sector
rigour for which it is known, in a period
included, to be adaptable in delivering
in which auditors have had many
its security response in this changed
constraints on movement and access.
planning and implementing a range of practical measures to help safeguard workforces including those returning from nationally imposed ‘working from
environment. In this context heightened attention
home’.
CERTIFICATION PLAYS PROXY
Health and Safety for all is the
has been given to the potential for remote audit, using – as indeed we all
How can security buyers be sure of
are – communications technologies
meeting the required demands and best
now part of everyday life, such as
is being given universally to COVID-19
discharging
Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams
best practice, be it in increased and
Leveraging independent third-party
predominant topic as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds. Extraordinary focus
28
Spectrum
| Autumn 2020
related
responsibilities?
amongst others.