Dedicated Security Overlay developed for RIBA Plan of Work

The Security Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work is for everyone involved in the safe and secure design, construction and operation of any building and, in essence, seeks to support better long-term security outcomes for everyone involved in the lifecycle of a building.

The key benefits to the different members of any project adopting this overlay go beyond ensuring that a building is safer for its occupant. For project teams, this overlay considers the threats and determines the project-specific security risks from the outset using the security risk assessment, leveraging security as an enabler for better outcomes on a wide range of topics from operations right through to user safety.

For clients, ensuring that the security risk assessment is undertaken in advance of – or as part of – the briefing process informs the security requirements that will drive confidence in effective measures being put in place before the building is occupied, while also mitigating against any expensive retrofitting.

When it comes to architects and design teams, integrating security measures (including physical and technological features) within the design as early as possible then leverages the expertise of the wider security landscape, addressing key stakeholder concerns and helping to deliver a robust security strategy.

For contractors looking to deliver the project in line with the security strategy, this brings a clearer understanding of why these measures are proposed and, at the same time, provides transparency in relation to any risks for consideration during the construction phase.

In terms of operators, they receive a building that’s aligned with the security plan for effective day-to-day management that keeps occupants and visitors safe and avoids the need for any additional specialists, unsightly security measures and associated costs.

Assistance and direction

Alfie Hosker, technical manager at PCPI, explained: “This document can provide assistance and direction in how to deliver relevant security within a build project. It highlights the importance of planning a strategy, collaboration and partnership with all those involved, be it the Emergency Services, security specialists, architects or engineers. It’s about supporting and advising in a structured method such that the design of the build and the surrounding environment is fashioned through a co-ordinated approach. This process will help in identifying and reducing security risks for the building’s intended operational use and lifecycle.”

Hosker added: “Adopting a Plan of Works will assist in identifying any potential conflicting requirements at the earliest possible opportunity. It can also help in identifying the need for a specialist consultant to ensure that the process runs smoother. Financial costs of the build may be lessened due to the fact that considerations are identified earlier and delays reduced.”

The Security Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work can be downloaded here

PCPI is a police-owned organisation which delivers a wide range of crime prevention and demand reduction initiatives across the UK. The extensive PCPI portfolio covers a variety of crime prevention initiatives of which Secured by Design is the most well-known, with all initiatives designed to keep the public safe from crime and to reduce the demands placed on the police service.Secured by Design seeks to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings. Secured by Design team members work closely with builders, developers, local authorities and registered housing associations to incorporate police crime prevention standards into developments from initial concept and design right through to construction and completion.

Police Preferred Specification

Secured by Design’s product-based accreditation scheme – named the Police Preferred Specification – provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.

There are many hundreds of companies who produce over 7,000 attack-resistant crime prevention products that have met the exacting Police Preferred Specification. This includes high-specification security doors that have surpassed the most rigorous security testing and products that embrace the latest technology to ensure safe access control for buildings and businesses.

Last year, Secured by Design introduced the Secure Connected Device accreditation scheme in line with Government legislation. This is to enable companies providing Internet of Things (IoT) connected products and services to demonstrate that their products have achieved the appropriate IoT standards and certification, thereby providing customers with security assurance.Secured by Design continually monitors national crime trends in order to keep pace with changing patterns of criminal behaviour, advances in building design and the advent of new technology.

*Additional information is available online at www.securedbydesign.com