Advocating for an NSI code of practise in warehousing and distribution

In today’s world, having a secure supply chain is more critical than ever. Warehouses are critical areas for all businesses and face numerous threats including theft, unauthorised access, procedural breaches and health and safety challenges.
At Advantage One we’re championing the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) to create a code of practise. We want to address these vulnerabilities effectively and there is a pressing need for a code of practice in warehousing and distribution security.

Why I hear you ask; there are codes of practice for most disciplines in the security industry, covering nearly all aspects, but nothing for the most important part of any organisation – the part where they get the product to the customers.
So surely, we must make every effort to make sure our supply network is as safe and secure as possible!

The four areas that appeal to me the most are.

• Consistency and Reliability: Implementing a code of practise ensures that every facility meets a minimum level of security, significantly reducing the risk of breaches. Consistent protocols mean that all employees understand their responsibilities, creating a unified approach and culture to security.

• Enhanced Training and Awareness: A standardised framework allows for the creation of comprehensive training programs. This ensures that security personnel are well-equipped to handle various threats and promotes greater security awareness among all staff members.

• Compliance and Accountability: Establishing a code of practice helps meet regulatory requirements and aligns with industry best practices, enhancing accountability through clear benchmarks for evaluating security performance.

• Health and Safety: The biggest challenge for warehousing and distribution is health and safety. Security has always played an important role in H&S. Assignments instructions and risk assessments should be part and parcel for any security provider. With a code of practice this would ensure our obligations are met, giving businesses more reassurance in their own H&S obligations.

Do you agree and is there anything you would suggest supporting this move to a British Standard for warehousing security?
I would love to hear from you, drop me an email at craig.goldie@advantage1.co.uk with any suggestions you may have.
Hopefully together, we can work on creating a safer and more secure warehousing and distribution industry.