Leading security organisations unite in reaffirming shared values

The open letter serves as a shared statement of purpose at a time when the role of the private security industry continues to expand, both in terms of its scale and level of responsibility. It highlights the sector’s essential contribution to public confidence, national resilience and the protection of people and infrastructure, while in parallel emphasising the need for a profession that’s diverse, respectful and representative of the communities it serves on a daily basis. 

By formally recognising these responsibilities, the signatories are seeking to reinforce the high degree of professional, ethical and cultural standards that underpin effective security practice and maintain confidence in the industry’s work going both now and into the future.

The ‘Open Letter to the Industry’ has been signed by ASIS International UK, the Association of Security Consultants, the British Security Industry Association, the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, the International Foundation for Protection Officers UK, the International Professional Security Association, the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board, The Security Commonwealth, The Security Institute, the UK Crowd Management Association and the Women’s Security Society.

Safeguarding people, assets and communities

Here is the letter in full:

“To our colleagues and partners across the security profession… The fundamental purpose of the security industry is to safeguard people, assets and communities. To truly fulfil this mission, our sector must embody the diversity of the societies we serve and ensure that our workplaces are free from any form of discrimination or inequality. Only by achieving this can we deliver security services that are trusted, credible and inclusive.

“Behaviours such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and other forms of discrimination are not merely differences of opinion. They actively undermine safety, erode trust and compromise the integrity of our profession. On the other hand, embracing a diversity of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives strengthens our industry.

“We acknowledge that society is experiencing a period of significant division. However, it is precisely during such times that our commitment to public safety, unity and fairness must remain steadfast. Any form of hate or discrimination threatens those we are tasked to protect. Safe communities are best supported in inclusive environments where every individual feels secure, respected and truly represented. The integrity of our industry relies on our professional conduct reflecting the values of equality, fairness, and protection.

“We are proud of the international nature of our workforce, with nearly half of all Security Industry Authority licence holders being foreign nationals. This diversity is a distinctive strength for the industry, contributing a wealth of experience, knowledge and resilience that enhances our adaptability and ability to serve the public effectively.

“We pledge to uphold inclusive standards of behaviour and to hold leaders accountable for setting the right tone. We are dedicated to actively challenging discrimination and promoting allyship throughout organisations. Diversity, equity and inclusion will be embedded into recruitment, training and career development. We will celebrate and support role models who embody the richness of the communities we protect. By working together, we can ensure our industry inspires confidence and strengthens public trust.

“We invite individuals, organisations and professional bodies across the sector to endorse this vision. By standing together, we reaffirm our shared mission: security that protects, includes and empowers everyone.”

Rapid change and growing complexity

Darren Carter, chair of ASIS International UK, said: “This is a much-needed re-affirmation of our shared values. At a time of rapid change and growing complexity, it’s essential that we stand together as an industry in order to uphold the principles that define responsible security practice.”

Anne Marie Chebib, chair of the UK Crowd Management Association, explained: “Central to our mission at the UK Crowd Management Association is the belief that diversity and inclusion are catalysts for meaningful change. We recognise that our strength lies in our differences. Together, we celebrate the strides the security industry is making toward a more inclusive, ethical and respectful culture.”

David Rubens, executive director of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management, noted: “This is a timely and necessary statement for our industry. As global instability continues to reshape the risk landscape, reaffirming our shared professional values is essential for maintaining trust, credibility and collaboration.”

Together, the signatory organisations have issued a clear and collective statement on the standards and culture expected within the profession. The letter reinforces a long-standing commitment to ethical conduct and inclusivity, duly recognising that a diverse and respectful workforce is essential for delivering effective security and maintaining public confidence.

The signatories now invite other organisations operating across the security sector to demonstrate their alignment with these principles and to continue promoting the integrity and professionalism upon which public confidence in the industry depends.