Security In the Education Sector

As part of our many duties, Avantguard Security Ltd provide security services to a number of customers in the education sector including:-

• Public and Private Sector Schooling

• Pre-Schools

• Primary Schools

• Secondary Schools

• Boarding Schools

• Colleges

• Private Learning Centres

The range of services on offer covers from simply responding to out of hours alarm activations, locking and unlocking buildings, patrolling the buildings and grounds and providing on site security officers.

As a supplier to the education sector, we understand the importance of meeting certain criteria and we operate a strict code of practice to ensure that we meet the delicate needs of our clients with regards to working with children and vulnerable people.

As standard, we operate to the following criteria:-

• All Mobile Patrol Officers are Enhanced DBS checked and this is reviewed annually.

• For new members of the Mobile Patrol Team, enhanced DBS applications are submitted immediately upon joining us.

• Security Officers working at schools / colleges would be Enhanced DBS checked if their role involved working at the site unaccompanied when students are present.

• All employees hold a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence suitable for the role which they undertake. As part of this process, the Security Industry Authority carry out a Standard DBS check which is reviewed every 3 years as part of the licence process.

• All new employees must provide original identity documentation to Avantguard, which meet the requirements of BS7858.

• All new employees are vetted and screened in accordance with BS7858 which includes a full 5 year employment history or back to school / college, confirmation of periods of unemployment, 2 character references and an adverse financial background check. Avantguard outsource this process to a professional company who specialise in vetting and screening and hold NSI Gold standard. Further details are available on request.

• All employees carry an Avantguard Photo ID badge, along with the SIA photo licence card.

• All Mobile Patrol Officers are made aware that they should not patrol dormitory areas when they are occupied, unless accompanied by a carer or staff member.

In addition to the above standard criteria, we can also offer the following:-

• Upon request from the client, a photo board can be provided of all of the officers which might attend the site, which will include pictures and names of officers.

• Authority password and distress password systems can be introduced.

• Additional processes can be discussed and introduced on an individual contract by contract basis to meet the particular requirements of the client.

Avantguard take great pride in providing a quality service to all of our clients and we are particularly aware of the sensitive nature of providing staff within the education sector. The above information is a guide to some of the criteria that we meet in order to re-assure our clients that we are taking all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and security of their staff and students.

We are always happy to discuss additional measures that our clients may require and work closely with all of our clients on an individual contract basis to make sure that we meet all of the standards that our clients expect.

For more information about this policy or to discuss your individual requirements, please contact us on 01903 890261 or email info@avantguardsecurity.co.uk