Terrorist attack can take a number of forms, which may include explosive devices, firearms, missiles, chemical attacks, kidnapping, infiltration and electronic attacks.
As you will know the current UK threat level from international terrorism for the UK is assessed as SEVERE.
SEVERE means that a terrorist attack is highly likely, though not known to be imminent.
This assessment is made not by politicians but by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), who analyse and assesses all intelligence relating to international terrorism, at home and overseas. Providing advice for customers from a wide range of government departments and agencies, JTAC set threat levels and issue warnings of threats and other terrorist-related subjects, as well as producing more in-depth reports on trends, terrorist networks and capabilities.
In the UK it is the Government's policy to issue warnings or advice whenever
this is necessary to protect public safety in the event of a specific and credible terrorist threat, which they did last Friday.
Members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism
and report any suspicious activity to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. The slogan 'alert but not alarmed' is one used in the past which equates to a steady state of proportionate vigilance!
To learn more about the threat level increase, follow
this link to more detailed information, with some useful questions and answers.
But what does all this mean for the business community and other organisations? Following the recent change in threat level, I believe we should all take stock and
use it as an opportunity to review our plans.
The business community has a number of processes in place to maintain the
safety and security of staff and premises and these may be increased both
visibly and covertly, but it is also sensible discuss the threat level with your security and reception staff, remind employees of their responsibilities (e.g.. wearing identity badges) and make sure they know the process for reporting suspicious activity etc.
The management team should take the opportunity to discuss 'safety and
security' at the next meeting and refresh the crisis management arrangements. All organisations, both public and private, find crises challenging. Although successful outcomes can never be guaranteed, having a well-developed and understood crisis management plan enables an organisation to respond effectively to protect its people, property and assets. This crisis management capability must be directed from the top of an organisation and implemented through a crisis management process, which must include training and rehearsals.
Perhaps the key is to 'anticipate and assess' which is linked to the management of risks. I would suggest that any organisation that fails to respond effectively to what ought to a reasonably foreseeable risk is likely to call into question its competence.
We have been warned of the potential risk i.e. 'a terrorist attack is highly likely'. The Security and Emergency Services will have been actively seeking specific intelligence, whilst reviewing capability and response plans over the last week. I think all organisations should discuss 'safety and security' arrangements (people, property and assets) and review their crisis management plans. These issues should be an agenda item for Monday morning meetings and perhaps remain such whilst the threat remains at severe.
Roger Gomm
