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:
- A visual audit of the site and surroundings, identifying environmental cues and features pertinent to the security of the proposed development.
- 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
- Identification of security risks specific to the proposed development and its inhabitants or users.
- 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.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.




















