Professional services offered by a licensed SLED Security Consultant:
What to look for in a licensed security consultant:
Like all professional services, security consultants are a diverse group. Some have many years experience under their belt. Some are specialized in specific industries or type of facilities while others are generalists. Many consultants rely on their prior experience in law enforcement, or as security managers and directors until they have developed the acumen for specific facilities and industries through their work in those areas.
The following questions should be answered prior to hiring a consultant:
Is the consultant independent of hardware suppliers?
Does the consultant have requisite experience in your industry?
Is the consultant fully class:2A licensed via SLED?
Does the consultant have any relevant certifications or credentials?
Does the consultant have a track record?
Does the consultant have acumen to provide recommendations?
Independence is the single most important characteristic that a consultant should have. Consultants that are not independent are usually affiliated with branded products or services that they may recommend. This may compromise their objectivity. Many independent security consultants are members of an Association of Professional Security Consultants.
The primary purpose is to establish and maintain the highest set of standards for professionalism and ethical conduct in the industry. Its members are independent of affiliation with any product or service they may recommend in the course of an engagement, thus ensuring that the services they render are in the best interests of the client. An independent security consultant “matches product to need, not need to product.”
Industry specific knowledge is not needed on all projects. However, some industries are regulated or must meet other compliance standards. Hospitals and maritime ports are examples of regulated facilities. If the scope of the project for which you are hiring a security consultant must meet those requirements, the consultant should have the requisite knowledge of such guidelines and standards. Given the situational nature of security, a baseline level of industry specific knowledge should be a requirement.
In all states here in Australia, security consultants need not be licensed. SLED do require that security consultants be class: 2A licensed. Check with SLED to determine if your chosen consultant is currently licensed.
There are many certifications available within the security industry: CPP (Certified Protection Professional), PSP (Physical Security Professional), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional). The CSC (Certified Security Consultant) is the only certification for independent security consultants. Where the CPP, PSP, and CISSP demonstrate knowledge of security management, physical security, and information security, the CSC demonstrates consulting competence and independence.
Beyond certification, other credentials may be relevant to your project including membership in industry associations. Most security consultants are members ASIS-International, the largest security industry association in the world. Information security consultants are IT specialists. Security-Consultants that specialize in specific industries may be members of industry specific organizations, who specialize in healthcare, hospitals. Though security association membership is beneficial. Consultants who attend the association’s conferences & training seminars are typically more knowledgeable than those that do not. Consultants who actively volunteer for association projects or serve in leadership roles may bring value to your project. Security consultants who have a background in research are often adept at finding solutions to complex security problems and are often on the cutting edge in management techniques and security system design. Consultants who have researched security solutions extensively will usually bring a broad perspective to your project which affords them the ability to accurately identify the root problem, understand your needs, and develop multiple solutions to resolve the issue.
After independence, the last question is probably the most important from your perspective. Ultimately, it’s the recommendations made by the security consultant that you will be responsible for seeking approval and implementing those that are approved. A security consultant that identifies roadblocks to implementing recommendation provides great value to you the client. A security consultant that identifies alternative solutions and the costs and benefits of each alternative provides even greater value to you. There are many quantitative factors (cost, experience, education) that you should look for in a security consultant. There are qualitative traits that enhance the project and the relationship. These traits include good project management and communication skills. These trait means that the consultant has the ability to talk to different people at various levels within your organization and has the ability to successfully manage the project to its end. Good project management skills will ensure that the project comes in on time, on budget, and with a high degree of quality. The consultant should also be collaborative and willing to work as part of your team and other significant project stakeholders. The consultant should be adaptive, willing to adjust the project objectives as needs are refined. The consultant should have an open mind about the project goals and should avoid preconceived notions. To do this, the security consultant must ask the right questions and avoid cookie-cutter solutions. Avoid the cut and paste brigade!
SLED Licence Number: 410442258
SLED Master Security Licence Number: 410643877
Valid until 24 December 2016.