CoLCPA and NSI detail Building Security Assessment Scheme partnership

Formerly known as the CoLCPA’s Building Security Accreditation, this long-standing initiative – itself developed from a joint collaboration involving the City of London Police, the City of London Corporation, representatives of managing agents and the security industry – aims to strengthen security and fire safety standards within multi-occupied commercial buildings.

In existence for more than a decade now, the initiative serves as a benchmark reflecting the commitment of property owners or their representatives to safeguarding their premises, staff, visitors and members of the public in general.

Earlier this year and in response to evolving security needs, the CoLCPA invited the NSI to ‘refresh’ the scheme, ensuring that it aligns with today’s security requirements, while being practical for those overseeing building security. The NSI is the sole third party assessment body and has also taken over administration of the scheme, streamlining the process for applicants.

In practice, applicants undertake a self-assessment of their building’s security strengths and vulnerabilities, followed by an independent on-site review process conducted by the NSI. This process yields valuable insight around existing strengths and delivers constructive feedback for potential improvements.

Scheme criteria

The comprehensive scheme criteria cover risk assessments, evacuation and invacuation plans, trauma pack accessibility, Safe Haven status, electronic security measures and personnel training (the latter including Project Kestrel fire safety training as well as counter-terrorism training).

In the wake of a successful pilot in London, the first premises assessed under the new scheme received their certification at the CoLCPA’s November meeting. Those premises are as follows:

*125 Old Broad Street, London EC2. Tenant: Cushman and Wakefield. Security provider: Unitrust 

*1 Curzon Street, London W1. Landlord: Colliers. Security provider: Vigilant

*Berkeley Square House, London W1. Landlord: Colliers. Security provider: Vigilant 

*33 Cavendish Square, London W1. Landlord: Colliers. Security provider: Vigilant

Enhanced safety and security

Don Randall MBE (pictured, above right), chair of the CoLCPA, enthused: “The CoLCPA is extremely pleased to be able to partner with the NSI and update and refresh the newly-formed Building Security Assessment Scheme. The latter will enhance the safety and security of all building occupants, support the blue light services and future-proof current and planned legislative changes.”

Richard Fogelman (pictured, above left), CEO at the NSI, responded: “With over 50 years of experience in the security sector, we are honoured to be chosen as the CoLCPA’s trusted independent assessing body for the Building Security Assessment Scheme. Reviewing and enhancing the scheme has been a privilege and ensures its relevance in today’s challenging environment.”

Fogelman added: “We extend an invitation to commercial property owners and representatives in London to apply for the scheme to visibly demonstrate their security commitments and instil confidence that their building security operations are dedicated to continual improvement.”

Peter Lavery FSyI, associate director for EMEA security and operational resilience manager at Cushman and Wakefield, noted: “Cushman and Wakefield is delighted to be among the first to have achieved the Building Security Assessment Scheme certification. By submitting our building’s safety and security operation to a rigorous assessment process, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to keeping our tenants and the general public safe.”

Lavery went on to explain: “Cushman and Wakefield is determined to continue to provide a safe and welcoming place for businesses, the public and the local community and we are committed to working with the police and our security partners to continuously test, evaluate and improve our processes.”

In conclusion, Lavery informed Security Matters: “We are particularly proud that the assessment was facilitated by our building management team and Unitrust as one of our security partners. In the spirit of collaboration, the certification was ultimately achieved by a multi-disciplinary team, the members of which are wholly committed to safety, security and defeating crime.”

Like-minded network

The CoLCPA facilitates a network of like-minded security professionals. It’s a partnership between the City of London Police, the wider security community and all those involved with safety, security and emergency response. This unique association runs monthly meetings to disseminate the latest terrorism and crime updates, as well as information on other threats and risks complete with suggestions on measures to mitigate them.

The CoLCPA provides the City of London Police and the community it serves with an invaluable communication network. Over the years, joint initiatives have achieved a great deal in tackling new crime risks as well as maintaining vigilance around more traditional problems.

The CoLCPA has been instrumental in the start-up and development of both the Cross-Sector Safety and Security Communications initiative and Project Griffin. It’s also a founder of the aforementioned Project Kestrel training course.

*Further information is available online at www.cityoflondoncpa.org.uk and www.nsi.org.uk