New research from Mitie, the UK’s largest security provider, reveals that a quarter (24%) of security decision-makers are not sure which upcoming legislation will impact their organisations. The survey of over 100 senior security decision-makers has identified key challenges and opportunities these leaders are grappling with including technology and AI, attracting and upskilling talent, and preparing for pending legislation.   

Technology is seen as a clear opportunity for the industry with almost a quarter (22%) of security decision makers saying they are already using AI as part of their security strategy, with a further two-fifths (41%) intending to deploy AI in the next year. With almost half (48%) saying advanced security technology is essential for their organisation to remain resilient to security threats, and over a third (36%) saying that intelligence gathering will be essential in the next year, security teams are embracing the potential of technology to identify and respond to issues faster.   

With over two fifths (42%) saying onsite security risks have increased in the past year, half (51%) are upgrading surveillance and monitoring systems to help protect colleagues. This comes ahead of the introduction of the Workers Protection Act in October 2024, which requires organisations to take appropriate steps to protect colleagues from harassment in the workplace.  There are a range of preventative measures which can be implemented including educating colleagues about violence against women and girls, raising awareness of support systems - such as the 61016 text service and Rail Guardian app which are helping to increase reporting and safety across rail networks - and ensuring procedures are in place to improve the reporting of sexual harassment.

The research also reveals that a third of security decision-makers (33%) think the limited pool of applicants is a barrier to hiring qualified security professionals. With almost a third (31%) looking to collaborate with the police to confront security threats to deal with societal issues, like retail crime and protecting people in publicly accessible locations, professionalising the industry and strengthening expertise by investing in training and development opportunities is increasingly important.   

To help security leaders confront these challenges and stay ahead of threats, Mitie’s new Security Radar report offers insight on organisational resilience from security experts and industry leaders including the British Transport Police’s Chief Constable, Lucy D’Orsi and counter-terrorism campaigner, Figen Murray OBE. The report addresses seven essential priorities for security leaders over the next year:   

• Strategy: Exploring ways to foster skills to develop a more professional, more collaborative security industry  

• Legislation: How organisations can set a seven-point plan to prepare for incoming legislation as a wealth of new security bills, such as the National Security Bill, proceed through Parliament  

• Violence against women and girls: Outlining steps organisations can take to think differently about their workplace strategies and ensure safer spaces for women and girls 

• Technology: Looking at how technology is reshaping security strategies and empowering organisations to embrace technological change now 

• Retail crime: Reviewing how collaboration and data sharing between retailers, the police and across the security industry is a force for tackling retail crime and protecting shop workers, including ‘hotspot policing’ as an effective strategy to deploy resource in the right areas and gather the evidence needed to secure more convictions 

• Intelligence: Exploring how data and generative AI can enhance protection by providing enhanced insight on a broad range of issues 
• Counter-terrorism: Looking at how organisations can prepare for Martyn’s Law by taking advantage of free training offered by authorities and implementing measures to prepare for a lockdown 

Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie said: 

“This research reveals that security leaders are navigating an increasingly complex landscape with rapid technological advances, rising risks and new legislation coming down the track fast, bringing new challenges but also new opportunities. The Security Radar offers valuable insight on how to embrace these opportunities and remain prepared for potential threats so that together, we can create safer communities where people feel protected.” 

Read the full report at Mitie Security Radar or scan the QR codes at stand C30 at the International Security Expo. 

Notes to editors

The research surveyed 107 senior security decision-makers and was carried out by Opinium between 29 April and 23 May 2024. 

About Mitie  

Mitie employs 68,000 colleagues and is the leading technology-led Facilities Transformation company in the UK. We are a trusted partner to around 3,000 blue chip public and private sector customers, working with them to transform their built estates, and the lived experience for their colleagues and customers, as well as providing data-driven insights to inform decision making. 

We are the market leader in each of our core services of Engineering (Hard Services) and Security and Cleaning & Hygiene (Soft Services). Our Projects capabilities include building fitouts and modernisation, decarbonisation, fire & security, and telecoms infrastructure. Our sector expertise includes Central Government, Critical National Infrastructure, Defence, Financial Services, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Local Government & Education, Retail & Logistics and Transport & Aviation. 

We hold industry leading ESG credentials, including a place on the CDP’s Climate change ‘A’. Targeting Net Zero by the end of 2025, our ambitious emissions reduction plans have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). We have been recognised as a UK Top Employer for the sixth consecutive year. Find out more at www.mitie.com.