Mitie’s Security Radar Report highlights evolving legislation and skills gap

The survey of over 100 senior security decision-makers has identified key challenges and opportunities these leaders are grappling with including technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), attracting and upskilling talent and preparing for pending legislation.

Technology is seen as a clear opportunity for the industry with almost a quarter (22%) of security decision-makers stating that they’re already using AI as part of their security strategy, with a further two-fifths (41%) intending to deploy AI in the 12 months.

With almost half (48%) of respondents saying advanced security technology is essential for their organisation to remain resilient to security threats, and over one-third (36%) suggesting that intelligence gathering will be essential in the next year, security teams are embracing the potential of technology to identify and respond to issues on a faster basis.

Two-fifths (ie 42%) of respondents voiced the opinion that on-site security risks have increased in the past year, while half (51%) are upgrading surveillance and monitoring systems to help protect colleagues.

This news comes ahead of the introduction of the Workers Protection Act, which requires organisations to take appropriate steps to protect colleagues from harassment in the workplace. There are a range of preventative measures which can be implemented including educating colleagues about violence against women and girls, raising awareness of support systems – such as the 61016 text service and Rail Guardian app, which are helping to increase reporting and safety across rail networks – and ensuring that procedures are in place to improve the reporting of sexual harassment.

Qualified professionals

The research also reveals that one-third (33%) of security decision-makers think the limited pool of applicants is a barrier to hiring qualified security professionals. Just shy of one-third (31%) of respondents to the survey are looking to collaborate with the police to confront security threats and deal with societal issues, like retail crime and protecting people in publicly accessible locations. It’s abundantly clear that professionalising the industry and strengthening expertise by investing in training and development opportunities is increasingly important.   

Assisting security leaders in confronting these challenges and remaining ahead of the threats, Mitie’s new Security Radar Report offers insight on organisational resilience from security experts and industry leaders including Lucy D’Orsi (chief constable of the British Transport Police) and counter-terrorism campaigner Figen Murray OBE.

Importantly, the Security Radar Report addresses seven essential priorities for security leaders over the coming year focused on strategy, legislation, violence against women and girls, technology, retail crime, intelligence and counter-terrorism.

Strategy

Exploring ways in which to foster skills in order to develop a more professional and more collaborative security industry

Legislation

How organisations can set a seven-point plan to prepare for incoming legislation as a wealth of new security bills, such as the National Security Bill, proceed through Parliament

Violence against women and girls

Outlining steps organisations can take to think differently about their workplace strategies and ensure safer spaces for women and girls

Technology

Looking at how technology is reshaping security strategies and empowering organisations to embrace technological change now

Retail crime

Reviewing how collaboration and data sharing between retailers, the police service and across the security industry is a force for tackling retail crime and protecting shop workers, including ‘hotspot policing’ as an effective strategy to deploy resource in the right areas and gather the evidence needed to secure more convictions

Intelligence

Exploring how data and generative AI can enhance protection by providing enhanced insight on a broad range of issues

Counter-terrorism

Looking at how organisations can prepare for Martyn’s Law by taking advantage of free training offered by relevant authorities and implementing measures to prepare for a lockdown

Jason Towse, managing director for Business Services at Mitie, said: “This research reveals that security leaders are navigating an increasingly complex landscape with rapid technological advances, rising risks and new legislation coming down the track fast, in turn bringing new challenges, but also new opportunities. The Security Radar Report offers valuable insight on how to embrace these opportunities and remain prepared for potential threats so that, together, we can create safer communities where people feel protected.”

*Read the Security Radar Report issued by Mitie

**The research surveyed 107 senior security decision-makers and was carried out by Opinium between 29 April and 23 May