Basic Security

& Safety
Awareness
Aim

To introduce participants to the approach,

behaviours and actions required to minimise
security and safety risks in the field.
Key Learning Outcomes

• Outline key threats in the operating environment.

• Describe the organisation’s security culture and approach.
• Define responsibilities with regards to staff security and safety.
• List actions and behaviours that enhance your security and safety.
• Identify how to report incidents and describe the support
available during an emergency.
Definitions

Security means freedom Safety means freedom

from harm, or the risk of from harm, or the risk of
harm, which results from harm, which results from
intentional acts. unintentional acts.
Context Overview (example)
Threats & Challenges (example)

Terrorism Armed Violent Protests/ Abduction RTA

Heightened threat
of attacks against Conflict Civil Unrest / RTAs are very
common incidents,
Political protests frequently
authorities, and Regular clashes between
Gov and armed groups result in road blockades, Kidnappi particularly on
foreign interests. major highways.
in the South Eastern widespread unrest, and
violent clashes
ng
Region. Increase in kidnap
for ransom
incidents in South
East Region.

Crime Harassmen Sexual Earthquakes Flooding

High levels of crime Several active fault lines Flooding is a common
in urban areas, t Violence cross the country and hazard. During the
particularly in the Harassment and Sexual harassment towards earthquakes, usually minor rainy season there is
capital. Street crime a bribery is common women is very common, ones, occur frequently The widespread flooding
risk in downtown in many aspects of and although not widely last serious quake affecting throughout the county.
area. Increase in dealing with reported, sexual assault the capital was August
office break-ins. authorities, and risks are prevalent in all 2016.
security forces. areas of the country.
Duty of Care

‘Obligations on an organisation to establish a safe

working environment for its staff, or those working on its
behalf, free from foreseeable risk of harm’
Management of Risk
• Working in challenging environments will
always carry a degree of risk.
• The approach is not simply to avoid risk.
Managing risk enables us to assist more people.
• Risk aware rather than risk averse!
• Risk threshold must balance needs and the
benefits of the organisation's activities or
programmes against the risks to which staff and
the organisation are exposed.
Who is Responsible?
Acceptance-based Approach

• Core approach for most NGOs.

Key principles:
• Involves building positive
 Relationships
relationships and creating awareness  Negotiation
and support for the organisation’s  Participation
work amongst different stakeholders  Communication
and actors.  Behaviour
• Acceptance and support ultimately
improve security and access for staff.
Inclusive Security
• Diverse workforce.
• Individuals may face different risks
due to their unique profile - more than
just gender or nationality.
• Identify external and internal threats
that different staff may face.
• Proactively provide guidance and
support to all staff to enable them to
fully participate and feel protected.
 Security Plans & Procedures
• Security plans are the primary tool in a country-level
security management system.
• Plans outline the security & safety measures and
procedures in place, and the responsibilities and
resources required to implement them.
• SOPs help to reduce the likelihood of threats
occurring.
• Contingency plans help to reduce the impact of threats
should they occur.
• Security levels or phases help guide security
management decisions and actions in response to
increasing insecurity.
Basic Security Principles
Violent Protests
• Be responsible

Armed Ro
bb ery • Follow the rules
Kidnapping
• Be cautious - no unnecessary risks
Earthquake
• Trust your instincts
• Be prepared
• Keep others informed
Aware – Prepare – React!
Site Security & Safety
• Guards
• Staff access & ID checks
• Visitors
• No Weapons policy
• Vehicle parking
• Office closure procedures
• Fire safety
• Emergency procedures
Don't be careless! A secure workplace is everyone's
responsibility
Field Travel & Movements
• Know the risks!
• Plan routes - identify alternatives
• Seek authorisation - submit journey plan
• Avoid travelling alone and at night - plan for delays
• Check and prepare vehicles - documentation, equipment,
spares, first-aid kit
• Consider visibility
• Ensure safe vehicle use - seat belts, speed limits
• Be alert and aware of surroundings
• Maintain regular communications - agree frequency of
check-ins
Information Security
• NGOs gather, store and disseminate sensitive or
confidential information – personnel files,
security reports, beneficiary records.
• Securing information – requires a combination
of physical, digital and communications security.
• Using social media – inappropriate comments or
posts could place yourself or others at risk.
Be mindful of the information and data you
collate, how it’s stored and communicated to
others, and who has access to it.
Dealing with Incidents

Measures or actions that

enable staff to avoid or not
Prevent be affected by an incident
or situation.

Measures or actions that

help staff react to an
Respond incident while it is
occurring, or immediately
afterwards.
Incident or Not?
it!
• You lose your work mobile phone.
or t
• You hear gunshots at night.
rep
• You witness a robbery.
t ,
u b
d o
• You receive a threatening text message.

in
• You notice another NGO vehicle being searched at a checkpoint.
• If
You are involved in a vehicle collision - no injuries, but damage to other vehicle.
• You are stopped and asked to pay a small tax to travel in the area.
Reporting Incidents
• Reports need to address the ‘Six Ws’ – Who was
involved? What happened? Where and When did
it happen? What has been done so far? What help
is needed?
• Timely reporting of incidents helps protect staff,
and ensures that staff receive assistance quickly.
• Information collected also helps identify gaps in
existing procedures and measures, new threats or
changes in the operating environment, informing
operational decisions.
Critical Incident Support
• Despite putting in place security and safety measures, exceptional situations
will occur.
• Critical incidents, although rare, require specific response - due to their
nature, severity, or complexity.
• Any Critical Incident involving staff triggers Country-level IMT.
• IMT, in coordination with HQ, manages all aspects of the incident. All staff
must adhere to instructions issued by IMT.
• IMT coordinates support to victims and family members, manages relations
with authorities, other NGOs, and the media.
• Specialist external assistance providers also support the organisation - medical
care, security advice, psychological support.