Management of security services in higher education

Security toolchest

The UK Value for Money Steering Group

Table of contents and 'Purpose and scope' (read on-line)

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Security toolchest
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1. Purpose and scope of the toolchest

2.   Security toolchest elements
      2.1    Security environment
      2.2    Legislation, quality and standards
      2.3    Insurance, assessment and management of security risks
      2.4    Security strategy
      2.5    Security management structures and links with other services
      2.6    Raising awareness of crime, and crime prevention
      2.7    Procurement
      2.8    Staff training and development
      2.9    Balancing technology with other security measures and resources
      2.10    Funding and service performance 5

Annexes
      A.    Bibliography
      B.    Useful references
      C.   Checklists and schedules
            Appendix 1   Outline security strategy
            Appendix 2   Roles and responsibilities for security staff
            Appendix 3   Security equipment: repair or replace?
            Appendix 4   Legislation and good practice guidance
            Appendix 5   Service level statements and agreements

List of abbreviations

1. Purpose and scope of the toolchest

This document and the companion National report (HEFCE 2002/30, June 2002) and Case studies and cameos are the three main outputs from a study of the management of security services in higher education, by the UK Value for Money Steering Group.

The National report identifies the key management issues for governors, senior managers and heads of security in developing and reviewing security services, to ensure that they are effective and provide value for money. Important security matters relating to students and staff are also identified. The Security toolchest was developed as a practical guide to help higher education institutions (HEIs):

assess the effectiveness of their security arrangements
identify matters that need to be considered further
devise effective solutions
communicate their policies and procedures for security, personal safety and crime prevention to staff and students.

Format

The toolchest is divided into 10 elements, ranging from legislation and crime prevention to procurement and staff training. Each element is structured under the following headings:

Management review objectives. These set out the purpose of the review. HEIs can tailor these to reflect their own concerns more closely, for example by taking objectives from their security service's mission statement or strategy
Findings from expert working groups. A total of 57 institutions contributed to the study through expert working groups. Their conclusions and recommendations are summarised
Good practice framework, including any issues for smaller HEIs
Self-assessment checklist and questions
Cameos from HEIs
Useful management statistics.

Using the toolchest

Self-assessment

HEIs can use the tables to carry out an initial assessment of their current security arrangements, and to prioritise areas for improvement. They may then choose to undertake a comprehensive review using the additional self-assessment questions, and the more detailed information in Annex C. In particular, Appendix 2 of Annex C outlines the roles and responsibilities of security staff, in relation to each of the 10 elements of the toolchest.

This assessment will enable the institution to identify and prioritise any management actions required. So that HEIs can draw on existing good practice in the sector, we have provided additional case studies and cameos on the web.

Case studies and cameos from HEIs

The case studies combine the experiences of a number of HEIs, and cover the following broad issues:

assessing security risks
developing a security strategy
training for security staff
balancing technology and other security measures
evaluating in-house and contracted-out security provision.

Cameos describe the measures adopted by individual institutions to deal with specific aspects of security. These are listed under each element of the toolchest.

Useful management statistics

The National report recommended a strategic approach to security, supported by qualitative and quantitative management statistics to inform decision-making by senior managers, and to help them monitor the effectiveness of policies and procedures. Each element of the toolchest lists useful statistics, as identified by the HEIs that contributed to the study.

Outcomes and reports to review groups

The results of any reviews could be reported to the institution's appropriate governing committee (such as the audit, estates or health and safety committee), in the form of an annual report and management action plan for consideration and approval. The results could also be communicated to students and staff.

The institution may need to repeat the review periodically to ensure that its arrangements remain effective as circumstances change.

Further information

Additional information is provided in the bibliography (Annex A), a comprehensive list of references on the web (Annex B), and relevant legislation and good practice guidance (Annex C, Appendix 4).