What Do We Cover In This Article?
Outsourcing corporate security guarding services is a cost-effective way to protect your business. Having a dedicated security contractor at hand will provide access to a pool of site trained professionals that ensure planned holidays and last minute sicknesses are covered without an interruption to the service. Contracting also gives you the customer more freedom to upscale or downscale according to the business needs without having to go through round of HR consultations which is the burden of having in-house teams. Our guide highlights the benefits of outsourcing security services and we look at the aspect of reception and lobby security, compare in house versus outsourced costs and how to manage outsourced teams to get a better return on your security spend.
Why Outsource Reception and Lobby Security in Head Offices?
As the reception area is the face of your business you will only want to outsource it if you maintain control of who works there, how they are trained as well as monitored. Outsourcing lobby security to a specialist front of house staffing provider ensures a professional image whilst maintaining strong building security and health and safety protocols.
Benefit 1: A Professional Welcome
A well trained and friendly security officer will set the tone for your business by blending hospitality and security. Outsourced front of house officers should be very good at:
- Efficiently checking visitor IDs and ensuring they are comfortable whilst waiting for their contact in the reception area.
- Monitoring entry points to pro-actively eliminate the chance of un-authorised access.
- Handling sensitive situations discreetly with no fuss and escalating matters they believe are outside of their remit.
Outsourcing to the right company run by the right people will ensure visitors feel welcomed while maintaining a secure environment.
Benefit 2: Enhanced Risk Management
Outsourced security personnel are all SIA trained and licensed. Whilst there is no legal or regulatory requirement for in-house security guards to be SIA Licenced. The SIA certification means contracted security are trained to:
- Identify unusual behaviour.
- Deal with suspicious packages and bags
- Handle first aid emergencies
- Use fire extinguishers and put out fires
- Write up reports and liaise with the Police
- Prevent tailgating.
- Respond quickly to breaches.
Unlike in-house teams, outsourced providers receive training updates at least every three years on the latest security protocols which gives them the edge in managing risks effectively.
Benefit 3: Cost Efficiency
In-house security teams come with significant expenses, including recruitment, salaries, management, training, pensions and benefits. Yes some of these costs will be rolled into the hourly rate you will pay a security provider however you won’t have the economies of scale they do in terms of pool of security officers and being able to secure a better calibre of officer for less. Security guards like long hours and regular work as that is how they make their money. If you don’t have a large enough requirement to have a regular team with contingencies in place then it is always better operationally and cost wise to contract out.
Benefit 4: Lone Worker Protection
As part of your duty of care you must have lone worker checks in place and if a worker misses their check calls you are then to investigate. This is a great reasons why using a contractor for your security is the best option.
How Do In-House and Outsourced Security Compare?
Making the choice between in-house and outsourced security requires you have a closer look at costs, reliability, benefits and costs as well as general risk management.
Cost Comparison
In house teams require significant investment in:
- Recruitment and training.
- Salaries, benefits, and uniforms.
- Cost absorption from other business functions such as recruitment, vetting, finance, HR and management.
- Ongoing certifications.
- Liability insurance.
For example, a medium-sized office requiring 24/7 security could find outsourced services up to 20% more cost effective due to the absence of recruitment and administrative overheads. Outsourcing also provides flexibility, allowing you to scale services up or down based on demand.
Operational Reliability
In-house teams are often limited in their capacity especially for any events or maintaining cover over the holiday periods. If a team member is unavailable, it creates a ripple effect and puts strain on the rest of the team which can lead to blow outs and people getting ill from working too many shifts back to back. Outsourced providers however have the luxury of maintaining a pool of site trained personnel, ensuring uninterrupted coverage even during peak times or emergencies.
Risk and Liability
Employing your own guards means shouldering legal responsibilities for their actions, from accidents to misconduct. Outsourced firms manage compliance, provide insurance, and reduce liability risks and this naturally will give you greater peace of mind.
What Are the Best Practices for Managing Outsourced Security Teams?
Outsourcing doesn’t mean you have to lose any control over the service. It is about having a good partnership and collaboration and clear line of communication. Follow these steps the get the most from an outsourced service:
1. Define Responsibilities Clearly
Set expectations through detailed key performance indicators and service levels in contracts, including:
- Daily incident reporting.
- Response time targets for emergencies.
- Expected shift fulfilment
- Escalation procedures.
Clear guidelines will help prevent misunderstandings and maintain accountability.
2. Treat Outsourced Guards as Part of Your Team
Include them in company activities like:
- Emergency drills to familiarise them with site specific protocols.
- Training sessions that align them with your company’s values and culture.
3. Monitor Performance on an Ongoing Basis
Use measurable metrics to evaluate service quality, such as:
- Incident response times.
- Resolution rates.
- Customer and employee feedback.
Regular check-ins with your security provider allow for adjustments and continuous improvements.
4. Adapt to Changing Needs
Security demands can change quickly either from a change in direction of business from the top or from external factors beyond the businesses control. Whether you’re hosting a high profile event trying to win over new customers or managing increased crime in your area, work with your provider to ensure flexibility in staffing and services.
What Are the Additional Benefits of Outsourcing Corporate Security?
- Scalability: Adjust staffing levels as your business grows or changes.
- Access to Expertise: Benefit from specialised training and experience without investing heavily in internal development.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: Spend less time on recruitment, payroll, and compliance, freeing up resources for core operations.
Final Thoughts
From our years of experience in the contract security industry we know that outsourcing corporate security guarding services has always proven to be a sound strategic decision that combines professionalism, cost-efficiency, and reliability. In nearly all cases companies are going from an in-house security model to a contracted one, motivated by the cost savings. By outsourcing functions like reception security, you gain access to readily available and SIA qualified staff, expert training, and seamless integration with your business operations.
To make the most of outsourcing security provisions:
- Choose a reputable provider with proven expertise.
- Set clear expectations and monitor performance regularly.
- Adapt security measures to match your evolving business needs.
Ready to strengthen your corporate security? Contact us today to explore tailored solutions that ensure the safety of your staff, visitors, and assets.
