What is BS 8549 - security consultancy about?
BS 8549 is a British Standard that gives recommendations for the management, resourcing, and operation for the provision of contracted security consultancy services.
BS 8549 also assists procurers wishing to contract such services to ensure the service fits the end-user requirements and risk profile.
Note: Security consultancy services can be provided by any legally defined trading style, e.g., self-employed, a sole trader, a partnership, a limited liability partnership or an incorporated company.
Who is BS 8549 - security consultancy for?
BS 8549 on security consultancy is useful for:
- Security service provider
- Security professionals and managers
- Team leaders
- Security management board members
Why should you use BS 8549 - security consultancy?
A security consultant is tasked to assess a client’s threat level and take necessary steps to mitigate the risks that a client may have.
BS 8549 helps you carry out a risk assessment program or analysis. This means that it will be easier on your part to determine which aspects of your business need heightened security measures. BS 8549 will also enable you to identify the potential risks or possible threats for your operations. There is a great need to know the loopholes in your current security system so that you can take proper measures right away.
BS 8549 provide some guidelines that the company personnel can follow to ensure that the safety of every individual and the company premises, where most business operations are being conducted. In the long run, the result would be increased productivity.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS 8549:2016 supersedes BS 8549:2006. BS 8549:2016 includes some technical changes concerning BS 8549:2006. These include:
- New recommendations about:
- Data backup
- Implementation, verification, and testing
- The addition of Annex A, Example code of conduct.

