What does a Security Consultant do?

The Chivalry Group is one of New Zealand’s leading security consulting firms. We have an experienced team of dedicated specialists with a wealth of security expertise to consult on your situation and requirements.

In this post, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive assessment of the work carried out by our Security Consultants so you can have a better understanding of what it is exactly that a Security Consultant does.

Overview of the work of Security Consultants

A Security Consultant works as an advisor and supervisor for all security measures necessary to effectively protect an individual, or an organisation, its people, its assets, its brand and more. Security Consultants use their knowledge and expertise to assess possible security threats and breaches in order to prevent them and create contingency protocols and plans for when violations occur.

At the Chivalry Group, our Security Consultants are able to conduct risk assessments and determine your exposure to threats to make sure you can efficiently and economically meet your business objectives and personnel obligations.

Primary responsibilities of a Security Consultant

Protecting your people, your business and your brand has never been more important. Ever-increasing interconnectivity and spreading of information through social media or otherwise have contributed great good to society, but at the same time, incredible damage can be done to you and your business  very quickly if mistakes in security protocols are made and vulnerabilities not addressed.

Here are some of the primary responsibilities of a Security Consultant:

Intelligence and protection strategies

• Analysing the client’s assets and identifying which security measures are needed including:
  • Interviewing clients to identify possible security threats.
  • Establishing the necessary security parameters.
  • Deciding on the best security measures available.
  • Providing relative intelligence for operational stability
  • Proactive rather than reactive strategies

Operational planning

• Establishing security protocols and policies, as well as designing security plans to protect the client’s people and assets including:
  • Creating a set of rules and security standards.
  • Designing policies to protect the client’s interests.
  • Implementing security measures, providing technical supervision and advice as required.
• Meeting with clients
  • Explaining security protocols and measures to clients, as well as all related costs (e.g. staff, equipment, and maintenance).
  • Checking with clients for other possible security issues.

Independent testing of your process and risk assessment

• Running vulnerability tests
  • Performing risk assessment tests.
  • Analysing possible breaches.
  • Designing countermeasure plans so as to eliminate risks as much as possible.
  • Writing and presenting reports based on findings.

Staff training

• Providing be spoke training solutions
  • Situational awareness and personal safety
  • Keeping up-to-date with the latest security systems, tools, and technology.
  • Ensuring the team is familiar with the latest security systems, tools, and technology.

Internal Procedures

• Coordinating a team of security specialists
  • Hiring and training new members of the team.
  • Assigning tasks to each member of the team.
  • Creating a schedule of work shifts to provide 24-hour protection when needed.
  • Coordinating and supervising all team activities.
  • Assessing emergency situations and coordinating an appropriate response.

Critical incident management

• Develop bespoke structures, procedures and policies to ensure that the respective organisation or individual is appropriately prepared for the demands of a critical incident
  • Establish a clear understanding of organisational ethos and requirements and identifying organisational idiosyncrasies during an initial scoping meeting.
  • Undertake a comprehensive threat assessment.
  • Review, evaluate and benchmark existing structures.
  • Devise and introduce corporate strategies.
  • Stress test processes

As a security consulting firm, we are here to listen and talk through the most challenging scenarios that our clients face. Whether that be travel to extreme locations, protests against individuals/business, kidnap and ransom situations, maritime security, family threats, internal division or any other conflict or threat – we will be your sounding block and provide you with the detailed and specific security advice that you need to ensure safe and effective solutions.

Required skills of a Security Consultant

A Security Consultant is required to perform a number of duties across a broad range of areas in the course of their work, Typically, a Security Consultant will have a number of years’ experience working in the field, gathering first-hand experience working in security environments and working in a number of different scenarios, from protecting high-profile individuals to working with close-knit families. This work could include working for a private security agency or working in law enforcement or the military.

Most Security Consultants will also have a relevant qualification either obtained before entering the security industry or completed on-the-job. A degree in law enforcement, criminal science, computer science or security is not uncommon for Security Consultants. Leading Security Consultants may also take this one step further and complete a Master’s degree in criminology, law enforcement or security.

Other skills required for Security Consultants include:

• Highly analytical – requiring strong observational skills, assess different situations and identify possible threats.
• Excellent decision-making and stress management skills – remain calm under pressure, stick to security measures and protocols and assess dangerous situations with a clear head.
• Outstanding organisational skills and time management – must be able to meet deadlines and goals with a detailed eye and an ability to multi-task.
• High levels of logic and objectivity – have a logical and analytical approach to problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills – need to be able to liaise with clients, local authorities, and team members to explain complex security protocols and measures in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent teamwork skills – must possess natural leadership skills and be able to coordinate team members.

Talk to the team today

Being prepared and utilising experienced consultants in the security sector is vital to ensuring smooth security processes and procedures are put in place and followed.

Organisations also need to be able to anticipate and react to unusual and unexpected circumstances.

Our experience team of security specialists at the Chivalry Group have the experience and expertise to not only deliver world-class security solutions to individuals, families and organisations, but also provide security consultation services to help ensure the protection and security of individuals, families, and high profile clients.

Talk to the team today about your security needs.