Built environment security professionals outline roadmap for SABRE

For context, SABRE is the established and respected security risk management standard for new and existing buildings, infrastructure assets and managed space. The scheme provides the industry with a framework that can be used during the design, construction and operation of assets in order to achieve better security outcomes and return on investment.

Further, SABRE allows organisations to evidence their commitment to security and communicate their ability to manage security risks. In turn, this provides valuable assurances for tenants, insurers, investors, regulators, planning authorities and other interested parties.

Partnership formed

Back in August 2022, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) entered into a partnership with The Security Institute in relation to the SABRE certification scheme. Underpinning that agreement, The Security Institute would take the lead on the delivery of SABRE assessor training and licensing, in addition to administering the registration of those facilities undergoing SABRE assessment.

For its part, BRE Global Ltd – which sits within the BRE Group – retained the certification responsibility for SABRE and has since continued to list certified SABRE assessments on Red Book Live.

At the time (and as reported by Security Matters), Dr Shamir Ghumra (who was head of building performance services at the BRE, but has since moved on to work at NHS Property Services) commented: “This move is a natural next step for us as we ensure SABRE is poised for future growth. The Security Institute is perfectly positioned to support us in our ambitions. We very much look forward to seeing SABRE grow and strengthen to help more organisations showcase their commitment to security. This is paramount as national security becomes increasingly more important.”

Collective statement 

The group of professionals that has issued the collective statement includes Richard Stones OBE CSyP FSyI RISC (CPTED UK), Stuart Williams MSc CSyP FSyI (Blackford Security Consultants), Ken Graham CSyP (Instrom Ltd), Chris Aldous BSc (Hons) CSyP (Design Security Ltd), Bill Nelson CSyP (Rose Associates International Ltd), Narinder Dio MSyI (CornerStone GRG Ltd), Niall Burns FdA MSyI F.ISRM (Subrosa Group), Kevin Burrows (Kabsec Consultancy), Simon Trundle (GDA Ltd) and Alan Meryick MSc CPP CSMP (AESG).

While The Security Institute will not be administering SABRE beyond 31 August this year, the group is keen to point out that the BRE isn’t discontinuing the scheme. Indeed, SABRE continues to be licensed by the BRE and the latter is wholly supportive of finding a new organisation willing to accept responsibility for its delivery.

The collective statement reads: “There’s a group of interested parties actively working with the BRE to find a natural and future home for the SABRE scheme. The aim is to ensure contractual responsibility for the scheme and update it where necessary such that it can become an efficient, cost-effective and valuable tool for benchmarking security excellence.”

In addition, the group notes: “We are also working with the BRE to ensure that the current connection between security, SABRE and the BREEAM scheme is maintained. This will mean that security remains a key component of sustainable development and clients delivering security excellence can gain appropriate recognition for their hard work through credits within the BREEAM scheme.”

Smooth transition

The group continues: “We fully appreciate the concern from clients who are already registered within the scheme. As stated, The Security Institute will be supporting any ongoing applications up to 31 August. Our group of interested parties will be looking to ensure a smooth transition from The Security Institute to the new organisation such that there should be no break in continuity for SABRE scheme users.”

The statement adds: “A letter will soon be issued to all past, present and future potential users of the SABRE scheme in order to encourage ongoing support and garner feedback on how the scheme can be improved once established in its new home.”

In conclusion, the group observes: “The SABRE scheme is alive and well. We look forward to issuing further news very soon. Watch this space.”