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SECURITY
to be obvious considerations , however it can be surprising how often these are overlooked .
When choosing a security provider it is important to define what good quality and best value means for you and determine the quality criteria that meets your organisations needs .
Consider the private security provider you engage as your partner . By engaging with them and maintain an ongoing dialogue you will be able to arrive at the solution that best meets your needs . Make sure you undertake an audit before , during and after the contract term has expired .
The race to the bottom mentality is as much a problem for users of services as it is for those who provide them . Underpaying wages and ‘ shonky ’ subcontracting arrangements are a direct result of customers refusing ( whether through ignorance or intent ) to pay a fair price for the Security Service .
Accessorial liability ( section 550 of the Fair Work Act 2009 ) may leave you or your organisation just as liable to prosecution as the offending employer .
Just as you wouldn ’ t deliberately underpay your own employees and would expect to make a sustainable surplus for your products and services , the same applies to security contractors who provide their services to you .
For the past couple of years the Australian Security Industry Association ( ASIAL ) has worked with the Fair Work Ombudsman to strengthen the procurement practices of local councils in relation to security services . The initiative aims to pro-actively identify unlawful practices among those companies providing security services to local councils and test whether there are any links between poor governance in the supply chain and non-compliance with workplace laws .
The Fair Work Ombudsman has demonstrated an appetite to test the limits of accessorial liability provisions to ensure someone is held responsible for breaches of the Fair Work Act . In this regard they have pursued employers who cannot or will not pay , using every lever available to them to ensure wages that should have been paid to workers are put back into their hands . And they are striving to ensure those who breached their workplace obligations don ’ t get the chance to do so again .
If you don ’ t know what costs are involved in providing the service there are many ways you can find out . Security providers have to pay minimum wages including shift and weekend penalties , insurances and superannuation and other on costs just like any other business .
For security managers it can often be a tough balancing act to meet organisational objectives while appropriately managing the risks faced . Getting senior decision makers who are set on a path , to understand the risks and possible consequences of choosing the lowest cost provider is not easy . As a manager you need to constantly consider your professional and ethical responsibilities , whilst working towards achieving your organisation ’ s strategic goals .
So the next time you procure private security services think quality , think reputation , think a fair price - don ’ t just think a low price . Ultimately , you get what you pay for . Look for the best value for money rather than the lowest price , if you don ’ t you may expose yourself and your organization to unnecessary risk .
GOVLINK » ISSUE 1 2017