Secured Environments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why should I become a Secured Environments organisation?
Will this involve us buying more security?
What will we get if we are successful?
What does it cost?
Why was the standard developed?
Does this guarantee that I am crime free?
How do I register?
Can we implement the standard ourselves?
How long does it take?
Can organisations with more than one site apply?
What happens if we fail?
Will I know why I failed?
When should I be assessed?
How do I organise an assessment?
Is there a lot of paperwork?
How long does the standard last?
What is Secured by Design?

	Why should I become a Secured Environments organisation?
	Receiving the Secured Environments standard can bring your organisation a multitude of benefits. Reducing the risk of violence to staff Reducing the risk of crime on the premises Making people feel safer More effective use of current security measures Showing commitment to staff and clientele (such as customers, pupils or parents) that the organisation takes crime seriously.
	Will this involve us buying more security?
	The main point is not about buying more security, it is about focussing on what risks you face and ensuring that you use current measures to maximum effect. This may actually result in savings and better use of resources.
	What will we get if we are successful?
	You will be able to used the police approved ‘Secured Environments’ logo, you will receive a certificate signed by the police, and you can buy a plaque to display at your premises. These are visible signs that you are taking security seriously and that you have met a police approved standard.
	What does it cost?
	The costs of accreditation depend on the size and structure of your organisation, and the costs are divided into two phases, an initial registration fee and an audit fee. It costs from £350 (plus VAT) to register for Secured Environment accreditation; once you have registered you can access the secure area of the Secured Environments website. This has been designed to provide you with a range of information needed to achieve accreditation. It will also provide you with access to personal support for your organisation which will be available electronically and over the phone. The cost of the audit will vary with type, size and structure of the organisation and fees start at £600 (plus VAT). The smaller and simpler the structure (e.g. fewer sites), the less it will cost. Of course when you contact us we will work out the cost of accreditation. That way you can best decide whether the scheme offers good value, we believe it will.
	Why was the standard developed?
	The Secured Environments standard was developed to address a current gap in the accreditation services provided by the police. Up until now the focus has been on accrediting buildings as being secure if they take into account police advice on how they are designed. The next natural step is to accredit organisations if they manage their security appropriately - that is they are organised to ensure security issues are given appropriate consideration and priority. The standard was developed to help organisations improve their responses to security risks.
	Does this guarantee that I am crime free?
	It does not guarantee that you will never be a victim of crime, but it does mean that you will have identified risks, checked that the responses are appropriate, that these are monitored and that staff attention is focussed on the issues.
	How do I register?
	Simply call a member of our team to register and receive further details including your secure password to the rest of the site or ‘click here’.
	Can we implement the standard ourselves?
	The standard has been designed so that it is very simple to follow and can be implemented without any specialist knowledge. The registration fee includes telephone and email support from one of our dedicated specialists in crime prevention to help you through the process. At a small additional cost we can visit your premises and offer tailored expertise and advice.
	How long does it take?
	The length of time it takes to achieve the standard is up to you. It depends how close your existing working practices match the principles and how quickly you want to make changes. You may meet them immediately or it could take just a few weeks, or alternatively a number of months. However, you must organise the audit within a year of being registered otherwise you will have to re-register.
	Can organisations with more than one site apply?
	Of course any organisation can apply. If you have a number of sites but they are all managed under the same system only one certificate would be required. Alternatively if each site has its only ‘standalone’ management policy and regime then each site would require certification.
	What happens if we fail?
	You will receive a feedback report detailing where the organisation did not meet the required criteria which will help you to understand where you failed. You will have three months in which to address the gaps, otherwise you will have to pay to re-register. You will need to demonstrate what you have done to address the gaps; the costs to re-assess the organisation will depend on the areas of failure. You will be able to access support from the dedicated advisors to address the gaps.
	Will I know why I failed?
	The feedback report will tell you how you achieved against each of the criteria so that you will know where and why you did not meet the standard.
	When should I be assessed?
	You can be assessed whenever you feel ready. You can contact the dedicated staff team by email or alternatively on the helpline to get further advice on this if you choose.
	How do I organise an assessment?
	Contact the dedicated staff team by email or on the helpline 0116 222 5555 to arrange a date for your assessment.
	Is there a lot of paperwork?
	The standard has been designed to avoid unnecessary paperwork. However, there are some situations where paperwork is a necessity, for example to show that there is a security plan in place.
	How long does the standard last?
	The standard lasts for 3 years at which point you will need to be re accredited. We will be in touch with you to remind you about this.
	What is Secured by Design?
	Secured Environments is one of a number of Secured by Design products. Secured by Design is a police accreditation system where a developer or builders development is awarded a Secured by Design certificate which can be used for marketing etc. To meet the police requirements for this certificate, a building and its surroundings must meet strict set standards. These range from performance criteria for products such as windows and doors to recommendations on the layout of housing estates.