Airlock - Security Risk Management for Aviation

Airlock guides and supports companies to identify and manage the security risks that are relevant to their businesses. In aviation most of the risks are identified by national authorities who then prescribe legally enforceable counter measures. However, apart from risks identified by regulators, which are usually terrorism related, a company's well-being can be seriously threatened by more common crimes such as fraud, theft and malpractice on the part of staff, suppliers or contractors.

Security risk management for aviation

Managers usually understand the risk to their business better than outsiders but often need help to identify and quantify it. Airlock works with management teams to tease out all the security risks to a company, evaluate in-place processes and judge whether or not they afford adequate controls. Airlock then recommends appropriate adjustments based on a client's available budget.

Controlling risks with security in-design

If an assessment is carried out early enough within the process some risks can be adequately controlled using good design. There a number of ways to control risks with security in-design, including:

• Determining the optimum layout of a facility to minimise the need for ancillary security equipment and staff
• Ensuring facilities are designed to comply with regulations in the most cost-efficient way
• Ensuring that any equipment procured is properly specified to meet regulatory requirements whilst requiring the minimum number of operating staff

Airlock has three decades of experience in designing terminal and baggage hall security processes.

Security management system

Whether a security regime is in place to meet regulatory requirements or is necessary to protect the business from other risks, it is vital that a system to manage security activity is implemented and maintained. There are several indispensible features in an effective security management system (SEMS), including:

• Senior management support
• An appropriate security organisation
• A security plan or programme
• Appropriately recruited, equipped and trained staff
• A quality assurance process (inspections, audits and covert tests)
• A reporting and rectification process
• Policy review

These principles apply regardless of the size or function of an organisation or whether or not security staff are employed in-house or provided by a contractor.

Aviation security training

The Department for Transport (DfT) in the UK and similar regulatory bodies in other countries prescribe the training required by staff and managers responsible for a variety of security functions. Airlock is a DfT-accredited training organisation and can offer approved training courses to meet the full range of customer needs in both the passenger and cargo fields. In conjunction with its partner company, Quadratica, some courses can be offered online or in CBT format.

Security quality audits, inspections, overt and covert tests

Techniques to monitor the quality of security at the point of delivery include audits, inspections, overt and covert tests. Circumstances will usually dictate which approach is likely to be the most cost-effective. Airlock has vast experience in all four techniques. It can advise on the advantages and disadvantages of each, recommend the most appropriate for a client's circumstances, conduct the activity, provide detailed reports with trend analysis and advise on remedial action.

Airlock also carries out detailed investigations into incidents that result from security failure. Complete confidentiality of results is guaranteed.

Contingency and business continuity plans for emergency situations

Contingency plans to deal with emergency situations are vital to aviation companies as are business continuity plans to minimise the disruption to normal operations that an accident or emergency might cause. Airlock provides consultants skilled in the development of emergency and business continuity plans in conjunction with responsible managers. The company also designs and runs table-top exercises to evaluate plans and to give managers and staff practice in their implementation.

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