This guide on purchasing from the security services sector, has been developed to alert both security services and purchasing & supply management professionals of the common aspects of good practice.

"We found that security suppliers were admitting that companies were not getting the best security and a part of the reason was the way that the tendering for services was conducted. The advantage of this document is that it is combines the expertise of security professionals with that of procurers. We are using the briefing as the framework to guide practice in our own work with companies" says Professor Maritn Gill.

"This guide is timely. Statutory regulation has changed the security world and there is a need for all parties including procurers to both understand and benefit accordingly. The publication of this guide is a stepping stone to achieving that objective" says Roy Ayliffe of CIPS.

The Guide will help procurers with the key elements of procuring security including advice on what should be included in service level agreements and example key performance indicators (KPIs).

In addition some of the key issues that undermine the purchase of effective and appropriate security are tackled, including:

- Whether those that quote the minimum price can deliver on all aspects of the contract.
- What you can get from a good supplier that you will not from a bad one.
- The nature of security risks and the precise impact that security measures can make.
- The benefit of using accredited suppliers.
- The need to check the veracity of tender documents.
- Why an overarching security strategy is important.
- How to get behind the sales pitch.