13 Things to Look for Before Hiring Security Guards
Security is an absolute priority for any company or individual, regardless of their size. Hiring security guards is a necessity for any company or individual in the UK because they are in charge of assuring the protection and safety of individuals as well as property. There are numerous security guard companies in the UK, but selecting the appropriate one could be challenging. Aside from experience, there are particular attributes we seek for in a candidate wishing to work as a security guard.
Several factors need to be taken into account to ensure that you hire the best security guards for your requirements.
These are 13 things to check for before hiring security guards in the UK!
1. Licensing and certification:
When hiring security guards in the UK, the first thing you should look for is if they are licensed and certified. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) controls the private security company in the United Kingdom, and operating as a security guard without an SIA license is prohibited. When hiring a security guard, ask for a duplicate of their SIA license and verify its authenticity on the SIA website. The license verifies that the security guard has already been trained, certified, and has passed a background investigation.
2. Work Experience:
It’s essential to assess a security guard’s experience, certifications, and training when hiring one. Choose a security guard company that has been in the industry for a long time with a solid track record of offering high-quality security services. The top security guards have extensive expertise and can deal with many dangers and scenarios. Some of our security guards have a military background or have handled combative and high-risk scenarios, ensuring that all potential difficulties are addressed. Skilled security guards are more inclined to be dependable and equipped to manage any security concerns quickly and efficiently.
3. Honesty and Integrity
Security officers must be trustworthy and reliable because they are accountable for protecting valuable items. Since it’s difficult to determine a person’s integrity and honesty while recruiting them for a position, security companies do extensive background investigations before hiring someone. Establishing and maintaining confidence requires honesty, and firms usually need a criminal record to assure a security guard doesn’t have a criminal background or a history of insincerity.
Also Read: How to Run a Secure Retail Business?
4. Reputation:
A security guard company’s reputation speaks volumes about the quality of their services, so opt for one with a solid reputation in the business. Check online reviews, get references, or inquire with other companies or people that have utilized their services. Additionally, it’s important to analyze the reputation of the security guard or security firm you are evaluating, as well as feedback, rankings, and recommendations from other customers, to assess their dependability and service quality. You can also inquire about any achievements or recognition they have earned for their efforts.
5. Training and qualification:
The level of training and education is crucial to consider when hiring security guards. One should inquire about the security guard or company’s training courses and be certain they get a training program to remain informed on the current security standards. Companies should also spend on their employees’ training and give them frequent training and development opportunities. A security guard who has undergone training in fields such as resolving conflict, emergency management, and customer support will be more capable of dealing with any security issue that emerges.
The finest security guards will have received rigorous training to assist them to acquire the skills and information required to accomplish their job responsibilities. Certification and licensing, such as the Security Industry Authority (SIA) license, are the simplest ways to determine a security guard’s training history.
6. Equipment:
When selecting security guards from a security company, evaluate their equipment. You should get detailed information on the equipment they will be using, including radio, Surveillance cameras, and other security equipment, to assure they have the resources to accomplish their work efficiently.
Also Read: 9 Reasons Why You Need CCTV Security at Your Property
7. Cost:
The cost of hiring security guards is a constant consideration during recruitment. You need to research and compare the pricing of several security companies to identify the most cost-effective choice for the quality of services. Moreover, be aware of companies that advertise incredibly low rates because they may sacrifice service quality.
8. Insurance:
The security company or security guard you select should be properly insured. The insurance ought to protect against any losses or accidents that happen due to their services. You need to check their insurance benefits and ensure that it is up to current and satisfies your particular security requirements.
9. Flexibility
Various companies and assets have diverse security requirements. You need to look for a security guard company that provides adaptable services that can be customized to your individual needs. It might involve 24-hour protection, event security, and mobile patrolling.
10. Ability to Lead and teamwork
To ensure a client’s safety, security guards should be leaders who adhere to rules and regulations. A competent security guard will understand when to use logical thinking and apply essential measures to eliminate a threat, or when to adopt a course of action so that legal standards are fulfilled. Employees should also be team players, as successful collaboration generates the best outcome and has a significant impact on safety regulations.
The capacity to lead is also necessary for crowd control and complex emergencies. Also, security guards must have excellent teamwork and leadership abilities to keep a client secure and to follow a rigid code. Leadership qualities are intimately related to teamwork capabilities since every team or activity requires a leader to handle it. It’s particularly crucial when dealing with public services such as firefighters, policemen, or medical workers.
Also Read: What is ASCONE procedure and how it helps prevent shoplifting?
11. Customer Service Abilities
The clients visiting your company or property should be frequently addressed by a security guard. A pleasant, accessible, and competent security guard can have a positive impact on your customers. As a result, it is vital to search for a security guard company that recruits guards with strong customer service capabilities.
12. Technology
In recent years, advances in technology have impacted the security industry. CCTV cameras, access monitoring systems, and burglar alarms are examples of such systems. You can search for a security guard company that specializes in cutting-edge security technology to keep your property safe.
13. Communication Skills
Security guards’ communication abilities are invaluable in all aspects of their profession. These are required when teaming up, collaborating with emergency personnel, resolving workplace concerns, and even in daily communication with employees and supervisors. They should be respectful and compassionate, and they must be able to communicate with others and comprehend their perspectives.
The most adequate solution is a calm and courteous discussion, but remarkable communication skills are useful in situations other than an emergency. Since a security guard may be the initial person a client or business associate encounters, they must be polite, competent, and willing to help or provide guidance and information. They must be capable of communicating effectively with employees, managers, customers, and law enforcement organizations.
Call Agile Guarding Straight Away!
Lastly, selecting the right security guard company is crucial for the security and protection of your company or property. By evaluating the aspects listed above, you can choose a security guard company that suits your desires while offering exceptional services.
Our primary goal at Agile Guarding offers a high level of security services such as security work at events, prevention of crime, hospitality protection, private detectives, and intimate protection to all our clients. As a result, our security professionals reflect these qualities in their job and training tasks.
If you need a security guard, contact us immediately and connect with a representative of our experienced, welcoming team for more information.
Schedule a Free Consultation for more information and get in contact with our dedicated and professional team.
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