With a surge in anti-immigration sentiment, culminating in numerous public protests and demonstrations, businesses of all sizes are finding themselves having to navigate complex security risks to protect their employees, assets and operations.

A well structured Business Security Risk Management Plan can offer the necessary tools to navigate this challenging environment.

With an average of 34% of all UK businesses having actually undertaken some form of security risk assessment, we asked our Director Craig Mason to call out how and why effective management of risks is paramount to business continuity and employee safety. He outlines his essential components of a robust Business Security Risk Management Plan which underpin five important reasons to have one.

1. Ensuring employee Safety – prioritising the welfare of employees during periods of unrest
2. Identifying Risks – Understanding potential threats associated with protests and unrest
3. Mitigating Impact – developing strategies to minimise disruptions to business operations
4. Maintaining Operational continuity – ensuring that business functions can continue despite external pressures.
5. Protecting Assets – Safeguarding physical and intellectual property against acts of vandalism or theft.

Threat Assessment

• Identifying threats associated with protests, including active demonstrations, counter-protests and potential clashes.
• Evaluating the businesses vulnerabilities, such as location, hours of operation and employee demographics

Risk Assessment

• Assessing the probability of each threat manifesting based on historical data and the current socio-political climate.
• Determining the potential impact of each threat on business operations, considering financial, reputational and operational aspects
• Identifying critical assets and processes that can be affected by these threats
• Evaluating the effectiveness of existing security measures in mitigating these threats.

Contingency Planning

• Creating clear procedures for employees to follow during protests, including evacuation routes, communication channels and assembly points
• Establishing relationships with local police to receive real-time updates and co-ordination during protests.
• Designing strategies for maintaining operations in the event of disruptions or closures, such as remote working policies or resource allocation departments.

Communication Strategy

• Ensuring all employees understand the emergency protocols and who to contact in the event of an incident
• Preparing statements for the media and customers in the event of incidents affecting the business or its reputation

Training and Drills

• Conducting training sessions that equip employees with knowledge on recognising suspicious activities and responding appropriately.
• Regularly holding drills to evaluate the effectiveness of the contingency plans and refine them based on feedback and lessons learned.
• Once in place, regular reviews of the Business Security Risk Management Plan should be conducted to adapt to changes in the political climate and emerging threats. By taking these measures, businesses can protect themselves and contribute positively to community relations during times of rising social unrest.

Threats can impact any business. A proactive security risk management plan ensures you’re prepared and resilient.

Craig Mason – Director.

craig@lexnisrisk.com