Security needs assessment

According to the Home Quality Mark One, a Security Needs Assessment (SNA) is:

The project and site-specific assessment of security needs, including:

1. A visual audit of the site and surroundings, identifying environmental cues and features pertinent to the security of the proposed development.
2. Formal consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the local Architectural Liaison Officer (ALO), Crime Prevention Design Advisor (CPDA) and Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSAs) (as applicable), in order to obtain a summary of crime and disorder issues in the immediate vicinity of the proposed development. Crime data are also publicly accessible at http://www.police.uk
3. Identification of security risks specific to the proposed development and its inhabitants or users.
4. Identification of any detrimental effects the development may have on its surroundings and the existing community.

The purpose of the assessment is to aid decision-making and allow the identification and evaluation of security recommendations or solutions. Secured by Design may help the Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS) when developing the recommendations or solutions addressing the issues raised in the SNA. Any deviation from those recommendations shall be justified, documented and agreed with a SQSS.

Ref Home Quality Mark One, Technical Manual SD239, England, Scotland & Wales, published by BRE in 2018. http://www.homequalitymark.com/standard

Security Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, published by the RIBA in 2023, states:

A Security Needs Assessment (SNA) is a visual audit of a site and its surroundings to help identify threats and their associated risks.

An SNA is frequently undertaken to achieve BREEAM credits for a project that requires BREEAM accreditation and can be carried out by a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS) who conducts an evidence based SNA during or prior to Concept Design. SABRE - a BRE security risk management standard for new and existing buildings, infrastructure assets and managed space - may support the SQSS when developing the recommendations or solutions. This includes:

• Establishing facility security requirements and understanding security risks
• Developing a strategic plan for security
• Designing an appropriate security system
• Implementation of plans and, for existing facilities, managing change at a facility.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Architectural Liaison Officer.
• BRE articles.
• BREEAM Security needs assessment.
• Building Research Establishment.
• Crime Prevention Design Advisor.
• Home quality mark.
• Hostile architecture.
• Needs analysis.
• Security.
• Secured by design.
• Security and the built environment.
• Suitably Qualified Security Specialist.