NBCC’s Safe Spaces Scheme extended to private security industry

Also known as Operation Portum, the Safe Spaces Scheme is an overarching initiative that businesses can sign up to and support in order to create safer spaces in retail outlets for employees, customers and individuals in the community who feel vulnerable.

A large number of national retailers have already signed up, but the National Business Crime Centre recognises that private security also operates within this space and plays a significant role in keeping customers safe and secure.

Private security companies are being encouraged to sign up to the scheme and commit to raising awareness of Operation Portum among security officers when it comes to the latter’s principles and provide guidance on how officers can use the principles to support and assist those who feel vulnerable.

Basic guidance

National Business Crime Centre lead Superintendent Patrick Holdaway affirmed: “It’s quite likely that, if someone needs help, they will approach a private security officer in a store. That being the case, it’s really important that employee knows about the Safer Spaces Scheme and understands what to do next.”

Holdaway continued: “It might be that the retail outlet they work with is already signed up to Safe Spaces, in which case they should have a process and training in place already. If not, by following the basic guidance on how to respond, they can be confident they’re doing the right things to support the individual in need of help.”

Mike Reddington, CEO of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), added: “The safety of the public in our town centres and retail parks is paramount. It’s our duty as an industry to adopt Best Practice in ensuring this situation continues. The BSIA actively endorses and supports Operation Portum, and we encourage our members to sign up and embed the principles of this scheme into their training programmes.”

Jason Dean, harm reduction manager for the Security Industry Authority, commented: “The National Business Crime Centre’s Safe Spaces Scheme provides the security industry with an ideal opportunity to further contribute towards public protection and community safety. Security companies provide services to the retail sector across the UK’s towns, cities and local communities and are a reassuring presence for retail staff and members of the public, as well as those who may be vulnerable or need assistance. We encourage the security industry to be part of the National Business Crime Centre’s Safe Spaces Scheme and explore with their clients how they can implement it in order to increase the network of support available across the UK.”

Existing supporters

The Safe Spaces Scheme has already gained support from the John Lewis Partnership, Waitrose, the Co-op, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, Next and Boots. As such, there are currently in excess of 13,000 retail units offering a safe space.

The National Business Crime Centre has developed specific guidance for private security companies wanting to sign up to the Safe Spaces Scheme. More information – including details on signing up – is available online at Safe Spaces (nbcc.police.uk)

The Operation Portum guidance for security personnel can be accessed (and downloaded) online at Safe Spaces for Private Security