What is ISO 18788 Management System for Private Security Companies?

SO 18788 is an international standard for the management of private security companies. It provides a framework for the management of private security operations and sets out requirements for the establishment, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of a management system for private security companies. This standard covers areas such as governance, human resources, operational planning and control, and incident management, among others. It is intended to help private security companies to improve their performance, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible and ethical practices.

ISO 18788 is a comprehensive standard that covers many aspects of private security operations. Some of the key areas it addresses include:

Governance: The standard requires private security companies to have a clear governance structure in place, with clear roles and responsibilities for management and employees.
Human resources: The standard sets out requirements for the recruitment, selection, training, and development of private security personnel, as well as for the management of their performance and well-being.
Operational planning and control: The standard requires private security companies to have a systematic approach to planning, implementing, and controlling their operations, including risk management, incident management and emergency response planning.
Service delivery: The standard sets out requirements for the delivery of private security services, including the management of contracts, customer communication, and service quality.
Continual improvement: The standard requires private security companies to regularly review and improve their management system, using performance metrics, internal audits, and management reviews.
ISO 18788 is intended to be used by private security companies of all sizes and types, including those providing services such as security guard services, event security, and cash-in-transit services. It provides a framework for the management of private security operations and helps companies to improve their performance, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible and ethical practices.

ISO 18788 provides a comprehensive framework for the management of private security operations and has several features and benefits. Some of the key features and benefits of the standard include:

Comprehensive coverage: The standard covers a wide range of topics related to private security operations, including governance, human resources, operational planning and control, service delivery, and continual improvement.
Helps companies to improve their performance: By following the requirements of the standard, private security companies can improve their performance and demonstrate their commitment to responsible and ethical practices.
Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements: The standard helps companies to comply with legal and regulatory requirements by providing a framework for the management of private security operations.
Enhancing customer satisfaction: By providing a structured approach to service delivery, the standard can help to improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that services are delivered in a consistent and reliable manner.
Improving communication and transparency: The standard requires private security companies to have effective communication and reporting processes in place, which can help to improve transparency and build trust with customers and other stakeholders.
Continual improvement: The standard requires private security companies to regularly review and improve their management system, using performance metrics, internal audits, and management reviews. This helps to ensure that the company is always improving and providing better service to clients.
Enhancing reputation: By following the requirements of the standard, private security companies can demonstrate their commitment to responsible and ethical practices, which can help to enhance their reputation and attract more business.
Overall, ISO 18788 is a valuable tool for private security companies, as it provides a comprehensive framework for the management of private security operations and helps companies to improve their performance, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible and ethical practices.

The requirements for obtaining a certificate for ISO 18788, Management System for Private Security Operations, vary depending on the certification body you choose. Generally, the process includes the following steps:

Preparation: The organization should prepare for the certification process by conducting a gap analysis to identify any gaps between their current management system and the requirements of the standard. They should also develop an implementation plan to address any identified gaps.
Application: The organization should submit an application to a certification body for assessment of their management system against the requirements of the standard. The certification body will review the application and conduct an initial assessment to determine if the organization is ready for a formal certification audit.
Audit: The certification body will conduct an audit of the organization’s management system to assess its compliance with the requirements of the standard. The audit will typically be conducted by a team of auditors who will review documents, observe processes, and interview employees.
Certification Decision: After the audit, the certification body will issue a certification decision, which will either be a certificate of conformance if the organization has been found to be in compliance with the standard, or a nonconformance report if the organization has been found to have deficiencies.
Surveillance Audits: After the initial certification, the certification body will conduct regular surveillance audits to ensure that the organization continues to comply with the standard. These audits will typically be conducted on a yearly basis, or as per the schedule set by the certification body.
Recertification: The certification is typically valid for a period of 3 years, after which the organization will need to go through the process again.
It’s important to note that certification to ISO 18788 is voluntary, and it requires the organization to meet the standard requirements and demonstrate its compliance through an assessment process. Organizations will also have to pay a fee to the certifying body for the assessment, certification, and surveillance audits.

In summary, ISO 18788 is a comprehensive standard that provides a framework for the management of private security operations, it covers a wide range of topics and helps companies to improve their performance, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible and ethical practices. It’s a way to ensure that the private security company is providing the best service to its clients and is operating in an ethical and responsible manner.