New research from Mitie, the UK’s largest security provider, reveals that 24% of security decision-makers are uncertain about which upcoming legislation will impact their organizations. A survey of over 100 senior security leaders highlighted key challenges and opportunities, including the role of technology and AI, attracting and developing talent, and preparing for pending legislation.
Technology is identified as a major opportunity, with 22% of security leaders already using AI in their security strategies and 41% planning to deploy AI within the next year. Nearly half (48%) believe advanced security technology is crucial for organizational resilience, and 36% see intelligence gathering as essential for the year ahead. These trends underscore the growing reliance on technology to improve response times and strengthen security measures.
With 42% of respondents noting an increase in onsite security risks over the past year, 51% are upgrading surveillance and monitoring systems to better protect employees. This aligns with the upcoming Workers Protection Act in October 2024, which mandates organizations to take steps to prevent workplace harassment. Preventive measures include educating staff on issues like violence against women and girls, raising awareness of support systems such as the 61016 text service and the Rail Guardian app, and enhancing sexual harassment reporting procedures.
The research also indicates that 33% of security leaders view the limited pool of qualified candidates as a barrier to hiring. To address security threats, nearly a third (31%) are seeking collaboration with the police, particularly in tackling societal issues like retail crime and ensuring safety in public spaces. Professionalizing the security industry through training and development is becoming increasingly critical.
Mitie’s new Security Radar report offers insights from experts, including British Transport Police Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi and counter-terrorism campaigner Figen Murray OBE. The report outlines seven key priorities for security leaders in the coming year:
- Strategy: Developing skills to create a more professional and collaborative security industry.
- Legislation: Implementing a seven-point plan to prepare for upcoming security legislation, such as the National Security Bill.
- Violence Against Women and Girls: Encouraging organizations to rethink workplace strategies to create safer environments for women and girls.
- Technology: Exploring how technological advancements are reshaping security strategies and enabling organizations to adapt to new challenges.
- Retail Crime: Highlighting the role of collaboration and data sharing between retailers, the police, and the security industry in combating retail crime and protecting workers, with strategies like ‘hotspot policing’ helping secure more convictions.
- Intelligence: Utilizing data and generative AI to provide deeper insights and enhance security measures.
- Counter-terrorism: Preparing for Martyn’s Law by leveraging free training and implementing measures to improve lockdown preparedness.
Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie said, “This research reveals that security leaders are navigating an increasingly complex landscape with rapid technological advances, rising risks and new legislation coming down the track fast, bringing new challenges but also new opportunities. The Security Radar offers valuable insight on how to embrace these opportunities and remain prepared for potential threats so that together, we can create safer communities where people feel protected.”