Addressing Security Operations and Human Rights in Complex Environments

The security operations sector is one of the fastest-expanding industries today. It delivers skilled personnel, modern equipment, and well-defined procedures designed to prevent losses and minimize damage resulting from human error, criminal acts, or natural events. The private security industry has developed in response to the essential need to protect individuals, property, and critical infrastructure against the continual growing of threats.

At the same time, the globalization of business activities has increased attention on human rights compliance. Numerous incidents worldwide have shown that poorly managed security operations can directly or indirectly lead to violations of the rights of employees, communities, and individuals. Organizations operating in unstable and high-risk environments face complex legal, ethical, and operational challenges. When such challenges are not effectively controlled, both organizational security and fundamental human rights can be placed at serious risk.

According to ASIS, organizations of every size are exposed to a wide range of security risks, such as fraud, theft, cyberattacks, workplace violence, and, increasingly, terrorism and geopolitical instability. These growing risks have significantly increased the demand for professional private security services, positioning the industry among the fastest-growing sectors worldwide.

ISO 18788 – Management System for Private Security Operations

In response to increasing security risks and governance expectations, international efforts have been made to regulate private security services and ensure responsible, transparent, and rights-based operations. One of the most important global frameworks supporting this objective is ISO 18788 – Management System for Private Security Operations (PSOMS).

ISO 18788 develops a strong, risk-driven management system framework for organizations that either deliver or outsource private security services. It allows organizations to conduct security operations in a lawful and ethical manner, especially in complex situations where legal systems may be weakened by conflict, political conflict, or natural disasters.

What makes ISO 18788 distinctive is that it is the first globally auditable standard centered on human rights compliance. It integrates security operations with:

• National and international legal requirements
• Human rights obligations
• Internationally recognized risk management practices

Through this alignment, the standard ensures that security providers continuously meet client expectations while protecting the rights of all affected parties.

Key Benefits of ISO 18788 Certification

Certification to ISO 18788 offers important strategic, operational, and reputational benefits, including:

• Demonstration of strong governance from executive leadership to operational personnel
• Increased credibility and improved corporate reputation
• Reduced legal, operational, and reputational exposure for both providers and clients
• Greater confidence among clients, authorities, and local communities
• Improved success rates for operations in high-risk and complex environments
• Lower compliance, audit, and due diligence workload
• Ongoing performance validation through independent external audits
• Verified conformity with ISO 18788 requirements
• A cost-effective assurance investment with long-term business value

Main Elements of ISO 18788

ISO 18788 promotes a well-structured and sustainable approach to private security management based on:

• A risk-based methodology forming the foundation of the Security Operations Management System (SOMS)
• Comprehensive planning, control, and performance evaluation of security activities
• Strong integration with organizational enterprise risk management
• Clear responsibility to assess and manage impacts on all stakeholders, including:
  • Clients
  • Employees
  • Subcontractors
  • Regulatory bodies
• Full oversight of the security supply chain
• Strong leadership commitment and accountability at senior management level
• Continuous monitoring, corrective actions, and performance improvement

ISO 18788 and the Protection of Human Rights

ISO 18788 supports organizations in strengthening human rights protection and regulatory compliance by:

• Strengthening organization’s responsibility to respect human rights
• Preventing violations through structured human rights risk evaluations
• Improving operational performance through:
  • Effective complaint-handling systems
  • Continuous performance evaluation
  • Regular management reviews
• Fostering a strong, organization-wide human rights culture

How Can PECB Support You in Achieving Better Security Operations?

As a global provider of training, examinations, audits, and certification services, PECB helps you and your organization to achieve operational excellence and regulatory compliance across multiple industries.

PECB offers specialized training and certification programs for ISO 18788, enabling security service providers, contractors, and stakeholders to implement responsible, effective, and compliant private security operations worldwide.

ISO 18788 Certification Schemes Offered by PECB:

• ISO 18788 Foundation
• ISO 18788 Lead Implementer
• ISO 18788 Lead Auditor

About the Author

Vesa Hyseni is a Senior Content and Campaigns Specialist at PECB. She is responsible for creating up-to-date content, conducting market research, and providing insights about ISO standards. For any questions, feel free to reach out to her at support@pecb.com.