BUSINESS STANDARDS
is the quarterly magazine of BSI Group, highlighting the vital role that standards play in today's business environment. Regular features include interviews with leading business figures, as well as news on the latest developments in management systems and standards.
Getting in close
21 Oct 2008
Topics: Security
"Close protection services" in the UK are intended to establish and maintain a safe working environment for a person at risk. Close protection operatives - otherwise known as bodyguards - face the unique challenge of using their specialized training to protect their charges as they go about their duties. This has added risk to operatives and those who hire them, leaving the door open to lawsuits, injury and improper hiring practices. It's also part of the reason behind the introduction of BS 8507-1 Code of practice for close protection services.
The new standard, due for publication in November 2008, gives recommendations for the management, staffing and operation accountability for the provision of all aspects of close protection services in the UK and territories governed by UK law.
For service providers, the standard highlights the need for company structure, screening procedures and full disclosure of employee history, finances, insurance, training, health and safety, and a code of conduct available to all employees and customers. The standard will also assist those looking to purchase close protection services, providing greater assurance to customers that they are hiring people who have been properly vetted and trained.
For more information: www.bsigroup.com/oct08peoplesecurity
Business Standards © 2007. Editorial produced by Caspian Publishing in association with the British Standards Institution. Editorial opinions expressed on are not necessarily those of BSI Group or Caspian Publishing. Neither Caspian Publishing nor BSI Group accept responsibility for advertising or editorial content, nor for that appearing on linked third-party websites. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without written permission from BSI Group or Caspian Publishing.
Given the forthcoming revision to ISO 9001 Quality management systems, it's a good time to remind everyone that 13 November 2008 is World Quality Day.
BSI British Standards has launched its online Draft Review system for national Drafts for Public Comment (DPCs).
BSI Management Systems has been awarded global ISO/IEC 17021 accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service and the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board in the US.
Are you "Fit to supply" 2012 Olympic Games?
Business Link, the support and networking agency funded primarily by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), is working with BSI to help companies in their goal to win contracts for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Fast glass: Kitemark® for Norvik
Barnsley based Norvik PVCu Window Systems Ltd has achieved Kitemark certification to BS EN 1279 for its new range of double-glazed sealed units in record time, following assessment from BSI Product Services.
Question: What impact do you think BCM could have on business insurance in the future?
It is essential that any business suffering a disaster is able to continue as near normal trading in the shortest possible time period to survive. To achieve this, an organization should implement a comprehensive well-tested business continuity plan (BCP) as a first step. Insurance should be viewed as an extension to the BCP process, not an alternative.
Have a standards-related question for BSI or a comment on the website? We'll find the right person to answer.
