Consultants
Choosing a Security Consultant
An independent security consultant or a firm specialising in any of a variety of services may be engaged to provide expert advice, to fulfill sensitive needs, save resources in a temporary mode, and to render objective viewpoints and recommendations in the area of the organisation's security needs. The out-sourcing of these services can also provide a positive opportunity for staff development through exposure to progressive concepts and methods. The primary objectives of engaging a consultant are usually to seek-out an objective opinion, or to augment existing staff and resources. Another objective is to engage a specialized outsider to fulfill a task that in-house expertise is not available for. All of these objectives can be more cost-attractive and efficient than using in-house resources.
Working Together
Often, the selection of a consultant or firm to provide such services may make the incumbent Security Manager feel that his or her management views them as being incapable of performing their duties. As often, there is a fear that the consultant will present an unfavorable report.
The first corrective key is found in effective communication between the security manager, management and the consultant. There is usually a legitimate reason and a demonstrated need to engage the consultant. The goal of the consultant should be to assist the security manager in the successful resolution of a problem, or the attainment of a project. Mission statements, proposals and conversations need to be clear, direct, and professional. Personal fears should be set aside and the task at hand concentrated upon. While some engagements are in fact problem based, properly they should be proactive in nature.
A clear understanding between these parties, prior to any actual problem occurring, should be the second objective. All relevant items such as the scope of work to be performed, schedules, fees, expenses, conditions, costs, reporting method, time frames, and any other terms should be defined, agreed to, documented and signed-off on prior to the beginning of the relationship.
If you require more information on why you might need and Independent Security Consultant or our Project Management Team just send us an email and we will send you a free Information pack
