ISO 18788, ANSI PSC.1, ICoC: Training & Consultancy

Management System for Private Security Operations

ISO 18788:2015

The context

ISO 18788:2015 sets requirements for organizations that conduct or contract security operations. It provides a framework for the effective conduct of security operations. This standard is used to demonstrate:

a) capacity to meet the requirements of clients and other stakeholders;

b) management of the impact on local communities;

c) legal compliance and respect for human rights;

d) consistency in fulfilling voluntary commitments.

Private security companies play an important role in protecting clients that are engaged in various activities such as relief, recovery, reconstruction; commercial business; development; diplomacy; and military.

ISO 18788:2015 is applicable for any type of organization conducting or contracting security operations, particularly in environments where governance is weak or the rule of law undermined due to human or naturally caused events.

The organization, in coordination with clients, needs to implement the standards necessary to ensure that human rights are adhered to in order to safeguard lives and property, and that illegal acts are prevented.

The purpose of this international standard is to demonstrate consistency in the provision of security operations in line with respect for human rights, national and international laws, and fundamental freedoms.

For the purposes of this international standard, national laws can include those of the country of the organization, countries of its personnel, the country of operations, and the country of the client.

This International Standard builds on the principles found in international human rights law and international humanitarian law (IHL).

Organizations need to carry out their business in a manner that respects human rights and laws. Therefore, they and their clients have are obliged to carry out due diligence to identify risks, prevent incidents, mitigate and remedy the consequences of incidents, report them when they occur, and take corrective actions to avoid a reoccurrence.

This International Standard provides a basis for clients to differentiate which organizations can provide services in a highly professional way that is consistent with the needs and rights of the stakeholders.

In order for the successful implementation of this standard is embedding, it’s important that the values of the Montreux Document and the ICoC are embedded into the culture of the organization. This in turn requires a long-term commitment by top management, including leadership, time, attention, and resources – both monetary and physical.

ISO 18788:2015 can be integrated with other management systems within an organization (e.g. 9001, 45001, 22301, 14001, 27001 and 31000). One suitably designed management system can thus fulfill the requirements of all these standards.

Normative references

Montreux document on pertinent international legal obligations and good practices for states related to operations of private military and security companies during armed conflict (09/2008);
International code of conduct for private security service providers (ICoC) (11/2010);
Guiding principles on business and human rights; implementing the united nations “protect, respect and remedy” framework (2011).