Next Security Research Initiative study explores security response to COVID-19

Now in its 16th year, the SRI (which is supported by the ADS Group, ASIS International, the British Security Industry Association and The Security Institute and sponsored by several security suppliers and corporate organisations) is a thought leadership initiative that facilitates independent analysis and debate on topics important to the global security world. The research is conducted by Perpetuity Research and led by company director Professor Martin Gill CSyP FSyI.

Each year, a piece of research is conducted for the benefit of the whole security sector and with the aim of understanding key issues and identifying what needs to be done to effect positive change. Notable previous projects include the Security Strategy Toolkit, Aspiring to Excellence (upon which the popular Outstanding Security Performance Awards were based) and buyer-supplier relationships in the security business sector.

Commenting on the new research project which is due to start this month, Professor Gill said: “This year’s project will have a global reach and relevance and explore the security response to COVID-19, not just at the height of the crisis, but also in its aftermath. We want to identify what the lessons are for good security. This will include looking at why security succeeded and failed, what has and will have to change in terms of how security is provided and what this pandemic has demonstrated about the true value of security. The aim is to provide insights that will help the sector reflect and understand how to develop a stronger response to future crises.”

Current SRI members include Axis Security, Bidvest Noonan, ICTS, Interr, Interserve, KPMG, M&S, Mitie, OCS, PwC, Securitas, the Security Industry Authority and Sodexo. Membership is open to security organisations and corporate organisations in any country.

*Those interested in taking part in and/or sponsoring the research should contact Christine Brooks via e-mail at: [email protected]