25th April 2019
Whether you are looking to implement event security, venue security, manned guarding, festival security or another security service, planning is one of the first crucial steps that you should carry out. With years of experience providing high-quality security solutions, we know just how much of a difference proper planning can make. A security audit is an essential aspect of the planning stage for identifying effective and safe solutions and determining how best to implement them.
We have provided a summary of some of the most important steps of a security audit…
A security audit can be a lengthy and highly involved process depending on the specific scenario. Factors that affect the audit include the venue size, surrounding environment and potential risks. One of the first and most important steps of a security audit is to carry out an initial site inspection. At Stage Security, we offer an initial inspection for free. The purpose of this first visit is to prepare the initial security plan and identify any risks associated with the venue and surrounding areas.
A site inspection presents us with an opportunity to identify any weaknesses and security gaps that require attention when it comes to implementing solutions. However, it’s also important not to gloss over effective solutions that are already in place. Maintaining what currently works at the high standard expected also forms a key part of the security plan, not just identifying new solutions.
Our site inspectors will look at various elements to gain a greater understanding of the security situation. This will include analysing the physical layout, access points, security personnel and technology that is in place.
When we have carried out the initial inspection, our team of security specialists will collate the findings into a report to provide you with an expert view. The report will outline a summary of the key areas that have been evaluated, providing guidance on what is currently in place, improvements that could be made and suggestions on additional measures to implement.
From the inspection, our specialists will identify vulnerable areas that have not yet been accounted for. We will also consider whether more budget is being spent on redundant elements than required as well as the level of training provided to staff in dealing with situations. The layout of the venue is one of the most important factors to consider. Areas that our inspectors will analyse include lighting, hiding spaces and roof access. The inspectors will also identify each access point available, how they are controlled and secured, and how their locations are communicated to employees and visitors.
The role of employees plays a signifiant part in preparing an effective security plan. As well as being able to manage the situation during an emergency, they should know how to follow procedures on a day-to-day basis. The initial plan will identify ways in which this may be neglected, such as employees being resistant to change or not following procedures for the sake of convenience. Depending on the specific scenario, the audit will examine whether manned guarding is required or not. If manned guarding already exists, the plan will look at the security guard’s effectiveness in responding to incidents, their access point control and and how often they patrol the area.
Technology is increasingly important for providing effective security and it forms a key part of the security analysis. Stage Security thoroughly investigates all the relevant technology that are currently implemented and where gaps have been identified, we will suggest cost-effective solutions. This will include examining how staff access the building and private areas, while also taking into account what happens to their access when they quit or are fired. It also examines how visitors access the building and how their entry and exit is recorded. Other technology aspects to consider include CCTV, frequency of changes to access codes, and how security personnel are notified of unauthorised activity.
Ultimately, the inspection should provide best practice guidance on the business’s ability to achieve guidelines and requirements in regards to health and safety, risk management, crowd management, and public liability.
If you are running an event, the responsibility of providing safe and secure solutions transcends your business. It is the duty of local authorities and emergency services to ensure that the event is being run safely and that legal requirements have been followed. When planning for your event, it’s extremely important to take these factors into account and to cooperate with local authorities every step of the way.
A security audit involves us working with local authorities and emergency services to make sure that the event is compliant with their requirements. We will seek the necessary requirements from the relevant authorities and use that information as part of the security plan. The plan will therefore identify the solutions that will best meet these requirements. Typically, local authorities and emergency services are most concerned about the safety and welfare of the public as well as how the event affects local businesses and the transport infrastructure.
The purpose of a security audit is as clear as can be. It is an essential part of the planning stage with the ultimate goal to deliver a safe and well organised event. The safety of the public as well as their overall satisfaction is absolutely paramount. As mentioned in the previous step, it’s also important to keep local authorities and emergency services satisfied. Failure to meet these goals can lead to negative results in terms of money and brand reputation. You want to avoid letting customers down, being sued due to a safety issue, or damaging relationships with local entities.
When we begin working with a new customer, we always carry out a professional security audit as early as possible during the partnership. The initial audit is generally the most thorough and in-depth stage to ensure that proper planning is conducted. For ongoing contracts, we carry out audits on a regular basis. These types of audits are used to assess whether the solutions implemented are being used to their full potential while also continuously monitoring for potential threats.
Does your business require help from a security viewpoint? Stage Security is an experienced Ipswich security company that provides a detailed consultancy service to ensure your event and venue is fully secured. This includes carrying out a thorough and professional security audit that will identify areas where you could improve. We also offer an array of services in the Chelmsford and Colchester areas.
View our Security Consultancy service page for further details of what we offer. You can also call us on 0147 370 6934 to request more information or request a quote via our online form.
What our clients say about us
As a leading regional 24/7 security provider, we ensure every member of our team is fully SIA-licensed, highly trained, and prepared to deliver the highest standards of protection. Our commitment to robust quality processes ensures our clients benefit from consistent, reliable, and professional service at all times.
As a local security company, we take pride in offering a personalised approach backed by industry-leading standards. We work closely with each client to understand their needs, ensuring our solutions are tailored, effective, and delivered with care.
Our reliability, integrity, and meticulous planning make us one of the region’s most trusted security providers, being well-equipped to meet your requirements and safeguard your business and assets.
"Stage took the time to understand our business requirements and plans for growth. It was clear that they were the best security provider to partner with our business as we looked to expand in the UK and region of Suffolk. The services Stage has delivered to our business since the start of 2022 have helped ensure our site, staff and property is always protected."
— Sheng Li, FDS Corporation
"We have used Stage security since the beginning of 2022 and have found them to be personable and responsive to our questions and needs regarding a broad range of events. Offering appropriate security personnel to suit each event is key to us, and the team at Stage have always delivered."
— Jonathan Senior, Wherstead Park
"We have been working with Stage Security for a few years now and have always found their service to be very reliable and professional. We would certainly recommend them to other clients."
— Josie Stone, Beyond the Box Student
"The guys were amazing! Super friendly, fully capable, and highly visual. They took onboard our specific instructions, and we're nice to all that attended. Everyone at the event was very complimentary of the guys. I've recommended stage to several people based on this experience already."
— Councillor Ruman Muhith, Ipswich Borough Council
"We are very pleased with the level of service provided and look forward to continuing our partnership with them moving forward."
— Elmstead Place, Yugo
"Stage Security has been an invaluable partner in safeguarding our Ipswich office. Their professionalism and prompt response times consistently reassure us and allow us to focus on our core operations. Since partnering with Stage, we’ve seen a marked improvement in service quality and reliability. We confidently recommend them as a trusted, first-choice security provider."
— Birketts LLP
"I wanted to pass on a compliment for the security team working at the Regent on the 27th Feb: Another amazing security team- Allen, Kelly and Keira. They were proactive at the start helping to hand out wristbands to customers and putting smiles on people’s faces. Great customer service!"
— House Manager, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"Thank you to your two guys who were patrolling Christchurch Park today. They were very friendly and approachable. They took time to speak to the young people who were enjoying being in the park. As a parent it is very reassuring that they are in the park, and if there is any problems people know that they can approach them and they are there to help!"
— Lisa Cooper
"May I take this opportunity to say thank you, it has been a pleasure dealing with you and the company. Also, we all wanted to pass on our personal thanks to David who was such a nice person and he did such a good job giving us such peace of mind (and a much needed break every night after such long days!)."
— Katrina Robertson, Whitton Parish
"Kieran was the best front-of-house SIA security staff member we have worked with for years. He was attentive in what was going on, helpful and approachable with the customers. The little jobs I often have to remind staff to do just happened without prompt, he wasn't in a rush to leave for his later job, and he wasn't constantly on his phone in front of the customers."
— Shaun Whymark, Ipswich Regent Theatre
"I would like to thank Adam Howes and his team for their work and support at Suffolk Pride 2019. They brought their professional expertise and clear understanding of our needs to our event. They understood and delivered our objectives for the day in a proficient and skilled manner whilst carrying out their role."
— Suffolk Pride
"Thank you and to your team so much for Wednesday. You really were superstars and I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support. From the word 'go' you were all so professional and just got on doing what you do best."
— Sarah Shinnie, Suffolk District Council
"A very big thank you to you and your staff for a successful event (Stowmarket Christmas Fayre) that was held yesterday (28th Nov 2021). Your staff were exemplary, actively engaging with members of the public, reinforcing the road closure and also alerting myself and other Town Council staff to potential issues of concern. Thank you once again."
— Michael Marriott, Stowmarket Town Council
"I wanted to say a big thank you and well done to the security who worked here last night, especially Steph and Karl. We had a first aid incident which involved a lady fainting. Steph was very quickly on the scene and took a lot of control of what was happening."
— Mark Wright, Operations Manager, The Apex
"I wanted to write to say how brilliant your two security guards were at the school ball. They were the best we have had. They were friendly and professional, worked the whole time and were very observant with regards to the behaviour of our students; they were proactive about stepping in when required."
— Mrs Isobel Tyndale-Brown, Woodbridge School
"We held a music festival at our Holiday Park for over 3000 people, guests and owners. Hiring Stage Security was a simple process, from start to finish with professional care and regular communication throughout the whole preparation time before the event."
— Kelly Evans, The Orchards Holiday Village
