How to conduct a physical security audit for your business

How well is your physical security performing? And where might you need to make improvements?

A good place to start when answering these questions is by conducting a physical security audit. This will help you assess your current measures, policies, and procedures and also identify any gaps, weaknesses, or risks.

(For more tips and ideas on evaluating your physical security performance view our blog here).

Here are the core ways a physical security audit could help you:

• Enhance the safety and security of your employees, customers, and visitors
• Protect your confidential and sensitive information and data
• Ensure you’re complying with all relevant laws, regulations, and standards
• Potentially reduce your liability and insurance costs
• Help you build and maintain a positive reputation
• Aid efficiency and profitability

Such audits can be carried out inhouse or by calling on the services of external professionals.

Step by step guide to conducing a physical security audit for your business

1. Define the scope and objectives of the audit

Before you start an audit, you need to define its scope and objectives.

The scope refers to the areas, locations and assets that you want to audit, such as your buildings, offices, warehouses, parking lots, equipment, inventory, etc.

The objectives refer to the specific goals and outcomes that you want to achieve from the audit, such as improving your security performance, compliance or resilience.

You also need to determine the criteria and standards that you will use to evaluate your physical security, such as British Standards, Security Industry Authority (SIA) and National Security Inspectorate (NSI) standards, or best practice guidelines.

2. Gather relevant information and documentation

The next step is to gather all relevant information and documentation that will help you with the audit. This may include:

• Existing physical security policies and procedures
• Previous physical security audits and reports
• Security incident logs and records
• Security system manuals and specifications
• Floor plans and blueprints
• Risk assessments
• Contingency plans
• Security budget and expenditures
• Security contracts and agreements

3. Conduct a site visit and inspection

The most important step of the audit is to conduct a site visit and inspection of your physical security. This involves observing, testing and verifying your physical security measures, such as checking your:

• Perimeter security - fences, gates, walls and barriers
• Access control systems - locks, keys, cards, biometrics.
• Security personnel – security officers, patrols, receptionists
• Security equipment - cameras, alarms, sensors, lights
• Security signage - warnings, instructions, directions

During the site visit and inspection, you should also interview your staff, managers, and security providers to get their feedback and insights on your physical security. Look out for any signs of security breaches, such as damaged fences, windows, doors and locks, etc.

4. Analyse the data and identify the issues

After the site visit and inspection, analyse your data to see if there are issues that may be impacting on the effectiveness of your physical security. Compare your current physical security situation with your audit criteria and standards. Look for any gaps, weaknesses or risks and prioritise them based on their impact and likelihood.

It can help to break them down into categories, such as:

Technical issues - including outdated, malfunctioning, or incompatible security systems or equipment

Operational issues - such as inadequate, inconsistent, or inefficient security policies or procedures

Human issues – this may cover untrained, unqualified, or unmotivated security personnel or staff

Environmental issues - such as weather, terrain or location factors that may impact your physical security

5. Recommend solutions and improvements

The final step of the audit is to pinpoint and recommend solutions that might help address the issues you have identified. Make sure any recommendations are clear and specific. They also need to be realistic, feasible and cost-effective.

Explain the benefits and challenges associated with implementing your recommendations and provide a timeline and a budget for the process. Here are some examples of physical security solutions and improvements:

• Upgrading, replacing, or adding additional security systems or equipment
• Reviewing, updating, or creating security policies or procedures
• Training, hiring, or outsourcing security personnel or staff
• Installing, repairing, or enhancing security signage
• Changing, modifying, or relocating security layout or design

In summary

A physical security audit is a valuable tool that can help you improve your physical security and protect your business from various threats. By following the steps outlined above, you can conduct a thorough and effective physical security audit that can help you achieve your security goals and objectives.

In need of security support for your business?

At Venture, we provide a range of award-winning security services for businesses across the central and southern region, including:

• Mobile patrols
• Static guarding
• Key holding and alarm response
• Locks and unlocks
• Vacant property inspections
• Event security
• Security consultancy

Find out more by calling us on 01264 391538 or emailing [email protected]