Mitie’s new Security Radar report has revealed that almost a quarter (24 per cent) of security decision-makers are unsure how their organisation will be impacted by upcoming legislation, whilst a third (33 per cent) say the limited pool of applicants is a barrier to hiring quality professionals

The research, which surveyed over 100 senior security decision-makers, identifies the key challenges and opportunities security leaders are grappling with including technology and AI, attracting and upskilling talent, and preparing for pending legislation.

Mitie’s new Security Radar report addresses these challenges and offers insight into building organisational resilience from security experts and industry leaders including the British Transport Police’s Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi and counter-terrorism campaigner, Figen Murray OBE.

Technology is seen as a clear opportunity for the industry with almost a quarter (22 per cent) of security decision makers saying they are already using AI as part of their security strategy, with a further two-fifths (41 per cent) intending to deploy AI in the next year. With almost half (48 per cent) saying advanced security technology is essential for their organisation to remain resilient to security threats, and over a third (36 per cent) saying that intelligence gathering will be essential in the next year, security teams are embracing the potential of technology to identify and respond to issues faster.

With over two fifths (42 per cent) saying onsite security risks have increased in the past year, half (51 per cent) are upgrading surveillance and monitoring systems to help protect colleagues. This comes ahead of the introduction of the Workers Protection Act in October 2024, which requires organisations to take appropriate steps to protect colleagues from harassment in the workplace. There are a range of preventative measures which can be implemented including educating colleagues about violence against women and girls, raising awareness of support systems – such as the 61016 text service and Rail Guardian app which are helping to increase reporting and safety across rail networks – and ensuring procedures are in place to improve the reporting of sexual harassment.

The research also reveals that a third of security decision-makers (33 per cent) think the limited pool of applicants is a barrier to hiring qualified security professionals. With almost a third (31 per cent) looking to collaborate with the police to confront security threats to deal with societal issues, like retail crime and protecting people in publicly accessible locations, professionalising the industry and strengthening expertise by investing in training and development opportunities is increasingly important.

The report addresses seven essential priorities for security leaders over the next year:

• Strategy
• Legislation
• Violence against women and girls
• Technology
• Retail crime
• Intelligence
• Counter-terrorism

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.”

To read the Mitie Security Radar report click here.

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