The Road to ISO 18788 Certification: Understanding the Challenges

Achieving ISO 18788:2015 certification signals a significant commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective management within private security operations. It's a powerful differentiator in the marketplace, building trust with clients, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. However, attaining this certification is not a simple administrative task; it's a rigorous undertaking that requires substantial organizational commitment, resources, and a genuine dedication to the principles embedded within the standard.   

So, how difficult is it to get ISO 18788 certified? While achievable for dedicated organizations, understanding the inherent challenges is crucial for setting realistic expectations and planning effectively.

1. It's a Comprehensive Management System, Not Just a Checklist

Unlike some compliance requirements that might focus on specific technical controls, ISO 18788 demands the implementation of a holistic Security Operations Management System (SOMS). This means integrating security considerations into the very fabric of the organization, involving:

• Top Management Leadership: Demonstrable commitment and defined responsibilities.
• Thorough Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and treating operational, legal, and human rights risks specific to security activities.   
• Detailed Operational Planning & Control: Documented procedures for all critical security functions.
• Resource Management: Allocating sufficient personnel, infrastructure, and support.   
• Performance Evaluation: Continuous monitoring, internal audits, and management reviews.   
• Continual Improvement: A structured process for learning and enhancing the SOMS.   

Building and embedding such a system across an organization requires a coordinated effort, not just ticking boxes.

2. Significant Resource Commitment

Implementing an ISO 18788-compliant SOMS demands resources:

• Time: Key personnel across various departments (Operations, HR, Legal, Management) need to dedicate significant time to developing procedures, conducting risk assessments, participating in training, and engaging in audits and reviews.   
• Personnel: Depending on the organization's size and complexity, dedicated roles or considerable time allocation from existing staff may be needed to manage the SOMS effectively.
• Financial Investment: Costs can include training programs, potential system upgrades (e.g., for reporting or documentation), consultation fees (if external expertise is sought), and the certification audit fees themselves.

Organizations must be prepared to invest appropriately to meet the standard's requirements.

3. Cultural Integration and Change Management

ISO 18788 often requires more than just new procedures; it necessitates a cultural shift. Key areas include:

• Emphasis on Ethics & Human Rights: This is central to ISO 18788. Integrating deep respect for human rights and ethical considerations into every operational decision and action may require significant training and a shift in mindset for some organizations used to purely tactical approaches.  
• Accountability & Reporting: Fostering an environment where personnel feel safe reporting incidents, near-misses, or concerns without fear of reprisal is vital but can require deliberate cultural change.
• Documentation & Process Adherence: Moving towards a more formalized, documented approach requires discipline and buy-in at all levels.

Strong, visible leadership commitment is essential to drive these cultural changes.

4. Rigorous Documentation Requirements

Like all ISO management system standards, ISO 18788 requires substantial documented information to demonstrate compliance. This includes, but is not limited to:

• The SOMS Policy and Objectives
• Risk Assessment Records
• Documented Operational Procedures
• Competence and Training Records
• Communication Records
• Incident Logs and Investigation Reports
• Internal Audit Results
• Management Review Records
• Corrective Action Records

Creating, maintaining, and controlling this documentation requires diligence and well-defined processes.

5. Demonstrating Effective Implementation (Not Just Paperwork)

Certification bodies don't just review documents; they audit for effective implementation. Auditors will look for objective evidence that:

• Processes are actually being followed as documented.
• Controls are effectively managing identified risks.
• Personnel are competent and aware of their responsibilities.
• The organization is monitoring performance and actively seeking improvement.  

Passing the audit requires proving the SOMS is a living, breathing part of the organization's operations.

Conclusion: Challenging but Achievable and Worthwhile

Obtaining ISO 18788 certification is undeniably a challenging process. It demands strategic planning, dedicated resources, company-wide buy-in, and a sustained commitment to the principles of professional, ethical, and effective security operations management.   

However, for organizations willing to make the investment, the rewards are substantial. ISO 18788 certification provides unparalleled credibility, enhances client trust, mitigates significant risks, improves operational efficiency, and positions an organization as a leader in responsible security provision. While the path requires effort, the resulting robust management system and international recognition make it a valuable strategic objective.