CEO’s Report
Welcome to our January 2020 newsletter.
Hopefully Christmas and New Year have treated you well and the focus is now on ensuring a successful 2020!
From the NZSA’s perspective we are looking forward to the coming year with considerable excitement as we introduce three new member benefit programmes (refer below), continue to expand our MSD Skills for Industry programme, launch the Security Services Good Guidance document and are involved in developing a ground-breaking training initiative which will be profiled in our next newsletter.
NZSA HR Advisory Service member benefit
From the 1st February, NZSA members will be able to access free HR advice and obtain template Employment Agreements, Position Descriptions and other key Policy documents via the NZSA HR Advisory Service.
Members will be able to access the service either by calling 0800 HRLIVE (0800 475483) or emailing [email protected].
Our contracted provider will provide an immediate response to enquiries received during normal business hours and will be able to provide best practice guidance on HR issues and individual situations. Where the level of advice moves beyond first level and requires specific action, our provider will advise the member accordingly and if required, can provide those services on preferential rates exclusive to NZSA members.
As part of the service we will also issue members regular updates and guidance on HR matters.
This is a fantastic offer for our members and in particular those smaller companies who do not have access to in-house or contracted HR expertise, so please ensure that your staff who may have a need for HR guidance are aware of the service.
More detailed information will be provided to members shortly.
NZSA Integrity Line member benefit
The NZSA has partnered with CrimeStoppers in launching this service effective from the 1st April.
The NZSA Integrity Line will provide all employees of participating members with access to a totally confidential service where they can report issues such as bullying, sexual harassment, poor employment conditions, illegal practices such as theft or drug dealing and other matters of concern occurring in the workplace. The service is particularly valuable where employees are reluctant to report matters due to fears that it may affect their employment or that by doing so, they may be further victimised.
Reports received through the Integrity Line service will be independently screened prior to being forwarded to nominated senior management within member companies for investigation and reporting back.
It is important to note also that the recently revised Government Procurement Rules include a requirement for the providers of designated contracts (which includes all Government security contracts) to “provide a voice for staff” in relation to employment practices and conditions.
Details on the Integrity Line service, including 0800 number and email contact, will be promoted over the next few months.
Tactical Solutions member benefit
Tactical Solutions are New Zealand’s leading provider of high-quality security equipment (including armour vests and body cameras) and uniforms. NZSA members will receive a 10% discount on all items purchased through Tactical Solutions – check out their online consumer store www.tactical.co.nz.
NZSA support for LSV Programme
As part of our Skills for Industry partnership with MSD, we regularly attend and host employer expos where we can introduce candidates to the various career opportunities within the security industry.
In conjunction with the work expos, we have recently attended several of the LSV (Limited Service Volunteer) employer days and have been so impressed with the attitudes and commitment of the trainees that we have introduced an NZSA Award to be presented to the trainee demonstrating outstanding qualities for the security industry – initiative, empathy and going the extra mile.
The LSV programme is a free six-week motivational training course provided by MSD but facilitated by the New Zealand Defence Force. It is targeted at 18 to 25-year olds and aims to increase the number of young people entering employment or training by improving their self-discipline, self-confidence, motivation and initiative.
Our first award recipient was Trainee Ropati Tusani from Porirua at the Trentham graduation in early December. The course leader commented “Ropati was blown away by the award. Coincidentally I was sitting beside his parents during the graduation and after I presented the award his dad shook my hand in appreciation and had a wee tear in his eye. Proud parents indeed”.
Security Services Good Guidance document
This document has been a long time in the making but is in the final stages of review by WorkSafe and is expected to be available for official launch within the next few months.
The history goes back to the tragic death of Security Officer Charanpreet Singh Dhaliwal on the 18th November 2011 when assigned to his first night on duty. The Coroners Report into the death made three key recommendations, including tasking WorkSafe (ACC at the time) with preparing an industry-wide code of practice or guideline.
Whilst WorkSafe acknowledged their responsibility to produce this document back in 2017, they also confirmed it was at the lower end of their priorities and realistically it would be at least five years before it could be considered.
The NZSA has subsequently taken ownership for developing the guideline and with input and assistance from stakeholders, including E tu and NZCTU, has progressed the document to the stage where it has been through rigorous consultation and is ready for release.
The Security Services Good Guidance document provides detailed operational instruction for all security providers, employees and customers that will ensure services are provided safely and in accordance with good practice. Once released, it will be available in soft copy on the respective websites for the PSPLA, NZSA, E tu, NZCTU and WorkSafe.
In the interests of making the document available, the initial release version excludes service specifications on some specialised services such as Event Security and Hospital Security. We are in the process of forming special interest working groups to assist in developing the content for these sections – if you have expertise in these areas and wish to be involved, please let me know (email [email protected]).
Virtual Reality Training for delivering CoA Unit Standards
The NZSA is currently working with MSD and software developer JBA (Joy Business Academy) to develop a VR (virtual reality) training platform for the delivery of the three CoA or Mandatory Training unit standards.
We are very confident that this will offer the industry a number of benefits such as improved access to training, consistency of delivery and enhanced learning outcomes as well as addressing current literacy issues and providing significant cost and time savings.
Obviously we still have a lot of work required on this but in our next newsletter we will provide more detail around how the training will be introduced and expected timelines plus information on the successful introduction of VR training across other industry sectors.
Domestic Smoke Alarm Installation Compliance
It has become apparent to the NZSA that there is some confusion within the New Zealand security industry regarding the requirements for the connection of domestic smoke alarms into security systems.
The NZSA has compiled a guidance document to clarify current legislative requirements. We are currently waiting for licensing approval from Standards NZ to include references from the Standards in the guidance document and as soon as this is received, the document will be distributed to all members and interested parties.
We strongly recommend that all service providers ensure they are compliant with these requirements and also implement a programme to retrospectively rectify non-compliant connection of domestic smoke alarms into security systems.
Increase in Minimum Wage – 1 April 2020
Members are reminded that the Minimum Wage increases to $18.90 per hour effective 1st April 2020.
Use of Surveillance Equipment for Recording Sound
We regularly receive enquiries from our members and industry customers about the legality of using cameras and other surveillance equipment to record sound.
The Privacy and CCTV Guide issued by our Privacy Commissioner for businesses, agencies and organisations (privacy.org) does not specifically cover audio recordings but does emphasise the principle that recordings should not reasonably intrude on people’s privacy and the accepted interpretation is that audio would be deemed an unreasonable intrusion in most circumstances.
The legislation is a little clearer in the UK where the Information Commissioners Office issued a warning that states “CCTV must not be used to record conversations between members of the public as this is highly intrusive and unlikely to be justified”. The statement also noted “customers should choose a system without audio recording if possible or if the system comes equipped with a sound recording facility then it should be turned off or disabled in some other way”.
Our advice is that recording capability should always be turned off and if customers specifically request the recording facility, the provider should inform them of the privacy issues and actively seek to dissuade them from using the system for recording.
ROVE – Review of Vocational Education
The next phase of the view process is now underway with the announcement of the six industry-led Workforce Development Councils (WDC’s). The WDC’s will take over many of the key functions of the ITO’s and are intended to provide industry with greater leadership across vocational education and training.
The six WDC’s cover:
– Construction and Infrastructure
– Primary Industries
– Service Industries
– Health, Community and Social Services
– Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics and Technology
– Creative, Cultural and Recreation
The security industry has been listed under the Service Industry WDC which includes coverage of wholesale trade, retail trade, accommodation and food services, tourism, cleaning, rental, hiring/leasing and real estate services, contact centres, business services and financial services.
Whilst this seems a logical fit for traditional “manpower” services such as guards, patrols, cash-in-transit, document destruction and monitoring/communication centres, there is a strong argument that “electronic services” such as alarms, cameras, access control and cyber would be better placed under either Construction and Infrastructure (which includes electrical services) or Manufacturing, Engineering, Logistics and Technology (which includes fire protection services).
I would welcome member feedback on this as it is critical that we have strong representation within the WDC structure if we are to achieve the best education and training outcomes for our members.
CareWise
One in eight workers have caring commitments for a loved one who is elderly, ill or has a disability or chronic condition. National NGO Carers NZ has partnered with MSD and business networks to offer a free programme to help employers to be carer friendly. Simple steps can keep carers working, boost retention and productivity, and demonstrate commitment to workplace values. Carers NZ invites NZSA members to become CareWise. Learn more at CareWise.org or phone 0800 777 797.
Living with the Boss
The average New Zealander spends a third of their life working, but how well do we really know the boss we devote so much time to? In a new reality series screening on TV One each Wednesday, eight employees invite their boss to live under their roof in a bid to make a connection and hopefully improve workplace conditions.
The episode screening on Wednesday 22 January features Ian Crawford, the owner and director of NZSA member Cityguard, who moves in with Supervisor Afioae Solomona. This should make for fascinating viewing and congratulations to both Ian and Afioae for the involvement.
As always, we welcome all comments and feedback.
Kind Regards
Gary Morrison
CEO
Security Training and Professional Development SIG
Submitted by Andy Gollings, Chairperson
The Special Interest Group for Security Training and Professional Development convened one last time in 2019 with the main focus of this meeting being on the structure and content of the new National Certificate in Security Level 4. We see this certificate and its ability to develop front line security leadership as a key building block to raising industry standards which is a primary objective of this group. As part of this last meeting of 2019 we were also presented updates on the NZ Certificate in Electronic Security, the ROVE review and its impact on Skills Organisation and the review of the COA mandatory units, which are outlined below.
National Certificate in Security Level 4
A working group has been supporting Skills Organisation over the course of 2019 in the development of a new National Certificate in Security Level 4. This qualification is aimed at Senior Security Officers in a sole charge role or Security Team Leaders / Supervisors.
Graduates of this qualification will be able to:
– Implement and maintain operational systems and risk management processes in a security work context.
– Lead staff and support their development in a security workplace.
– Implement and maintain the health and safety requirements for self and others, including defensive techniques, while carrying out security work.
– Lead the response to incidents in a security work context.
NZ Certificate in Electronic Security
We were advised that the number completing the NZ Certificate in Electronic Security Level 3 is double the number from the previous year, with 45 currently enrolled. The Level 4 programme has been developed and approved by NZQA and M.I.T. will be supporting the delivery of the programme with a rollout expected in the second quarter of this year.
COA training update
The materials available for the COA mandatory training are currently under review to eliminate some of the unnecessary complexities of this training. We hope to see these updated materials being available by the end of the first quarter of this year.
In review 2019 was an interesting year for industry training with several NZSA initiatives being well received, this Special Interest Group among them. With the objective of raising industry standards your feedback and input is essential. Please direct any questions or concerns that you have to the NZSA so that we can work together to ensure our customers and our staff are provided the quality support that they deserve.
Tool insurance – choose it or lose it
Submitted by Lesley McClaren, Senior Commercial Broker, Rothbury Insurance
If your tools and equipment were lost overnight either by burglary, fire or flood, would you be able to work tomorrow, do you have a backup set, or some you can borrow? More importantly, would you have the funds to replace them?
Statistically one in five tradespeople have had some kind of tool theft from vehicles, garages or building sites and more recently from the destructive fire at the Sky Tower Convention site. As the name suggests, tool insurance covers the cost of replacing your tools if they’re stolen, lost or damaged and insurers don’t always offer the same level of cover.
Policy that offers “new for old” replacement:
Some policies only cover the depreciated value for older tools, which isn’t much use if you have to replace expensive gear, others offer a full replacement cover.
Excess options:
Higher excess will reduce the premiums however if it’s too high the policy does not work well for smaller claims. Some policies can offer excesses as low as $100 however this will increase the premiums, there are options and it depends on what you’re comfortable with.
How long to resolve a claim:
48-hour turnaround would be advantageous with someone to assist you through the process.
Review your insurances:
It’s to your advance to review your sums insured at least on an annual basis, particularly if you upgrade any of your tools or your business grows. Some policies ask for a collective value, some ask you to list the particularly expensive ones individually on your policy.
Stock insurance:
Stock insurance often gets lost if you do not specify the risk and the policy response may be restricted to “from the business premises” which does not work well if you are an installer who works on site. Tool insurance policies can offer a combined cover for both tools and stock in trade which will respond when losses occur while you are working on site.
Tool insurance can be expensive, mainly because tools and trade equipment are targeted so often, usually with multiple items being stolen and insurers do set the premiums according to the claims losses overall in this area.
Policies can start around an annual premium of $500-$700 plus gst, however if you are insuring $30,000 worth of tools premiums would be indicative of $1,755 plus gst depending on the excess on the policy. Relying on your domestic contents policy is not the best option as there are limits and restrictions, it does pay to have the right insurance in place.
As a broker Rothbury Insurance has access to a variety of insurance options for tools which enables them to source the best option available for your business. They offer member benefits to NZSA members and are happy to answer any of your questions. Please contact Lesley McClaren, Senior Commercial Broker, 021 512 970 or 09 914 9802.
Member Benefit – Site Safe
One of the NZSA member benefits is a 10% discount on your annual membership of Site Safe.
Site Safe membership benefits include:|
- Access to a range of services including training courses
- Receiver greater discounts on Site Safe training with each passing year
- Quarterly newsletters and resources including ‘Proud to be Safe’ membership stickers and certificates
- Access to exclusive resources including a library of toolbox safety talks, guidelines and research
- Networking and knowledge sharing opportunities and member events around the country
- Inclusion in the Site Safe Member Directory
- Free posters with health and safety messages
- Discounted online products
- Consulting and Auditing discounts
- Site Safe Health and Safety Kit at member prices.
Membership
We welcome the following new Corporate Members:
Glad Group (NZ) Ltd
Global Risk Consulting Ltd
Leading Sky Control Surveillance & Security Ltd
Millennium Group (NZ) Pty Ltd
Recon Security Ltd
Securicon Ltd
And the following new Associate Individual members:
Darren Sapich
Devin Louw
Rehan du toit
Events
National Security Conference
15 April 2020
Massey University, Auckland
Organised by the team at the Centre for Defence & Security Studies at Massey University the key themes of the conference will be:
– Countering terrorism, racism and xenophobia
– Information and cyber-security
– Security implications of climate change
– Regional security and the Pacific Re-set
To register your interest please email [email protected]
2020 Security Exhibition & Conference
22-24 July 2020
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Organised by Diversified Communications Australia in partnership with ASIAL, the 35th annual event will feature an exhibition display, security conference and networking drinks.
New Zealand Security Awards
21 August 2020
Christchurch Town Hall
This year’s Awards ceremony will be held in Christchurch on Friday 21 August. Make sure you save the date!