Security for the Games
The London 2012 Games will be the biggest sporting event in UK history and organisers are dedicated to hosting a safe and secure Games. It is vital that businesses across London understand the security being delivered for the Games and ensure their security plans are up to date and take into consideration the unique atmosphere in London during the summer of 2012.
The Government, LOCOG and the Olympic Delivery Authority are collectively investing over £1 billion to deliver a safe and secure Games. The Olympic and Paralympic Security Directorate (OSD) is responsible for planning and delivery of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Safety and Security Strategy key elements of which include:
- Designing and building security into venues
- Protecting the venues and the Olympic Park
- Identifying and disrupting threats
- Preparing for events which may significantly disrupt safety and security plans
- Planning and managing the operation, including securing resources.
The SME community plays a large role in London’s business community and London First, with support from the London Business Network, is working closely with the Home Office and Metropolitan Police to ensure SMEs across London have access to accurate and timely information on Olympic Security issues. In preparation businesses of all sizes should ensure their security measures are as up to date and robust as possible. This should include reviewing IT security and business resilience plans, and businesses are also encouraged to use the Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool.
Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool
The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) in partnership with leading businesses across the UK, have also developed the Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool (VSAT) which businesses are recommended to use. Crowded places are some of the most vulnerable sites and many of these crowded places consist of small to medium enterprises that may not have necessarily considered themselves as, or even “part of” a crowded place. The VSAT will assist owners, operators or those responsible for the security of crowded places to identify and reduce the vulnerability of establishments and help protect communities. The VSAT will provide you with:
- Sign posting to best practice
- 12 months Business Continuity Management tool
- Increased local engagement with security experts (CTSA)
- Training Opportunities
- Written assessment report with recommendations covering, Physical Security, Personnel Security, Information Security, Good House Keeping and Risk Management
Police Counter Terrorism Security Advisers (CTSAs) across the UK will be registering users on the VSAT, and you may have received an email inviting you to complete the online assessment. Alternatively you can register by contacting your local CTSA. In the case of larger or national chains, user accounts can be created by contacting NaCTSO.
Further information on Games security can be found on the Home Office website.
Additional information:
London 2012: A Safe and Secure Games for All
London 2012: Olympic and Paralympic Safety and Security Strategy
