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
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.