What is BS 10119 - Provision of labour in the security and events sector about?
Labour is often brought in to support service delivery in the security and events sector.
When this is professionally managed it gives organizations the flexibility to scale operations effectively without compromising security and safety. When not professionally managed, it can lead to the use of ‘rogue labour’, creating a number of big risks.
BS 10119:2026 gives certifiable best practice recommendations on how to manage providing additional security and events labour.
Who is BS 10119 - Provision of labour in the security and events sector for?
- providers of security and events staff
- event and property managers
- contractors procuring supplementary labour
What does BS 10119 - Provision of labour in the security and events sector cover?
BS 10119 gives recommendations for the management, resourcing and staffing of an organization providing bought-in-labour, licensed or unlicensed, employed and/or supplied to supplement the security and/or event workforce.
BS 10119:2026 includes:
- understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties
- organizational roles, responsibilities and authorities
- screening, training and PPE
- terms and conditions of employment documentation/records.
Why should you use BS 10119 - Provision of labour in the security and events sector?
- Cost effectiveness. It helps users support the appropriate and flexible delivery of labour to the security and events sector, as and when additional labour is needed.
- Risk mitigation. BS 10119:2026 can help protect contractors and prevent the security and safety of the public from being compromised.
- Regulatory compliance. It can ensure that adequate controls are in place regarding Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing, that applicable regulations are adhered to, e.g. working time, PAYE and data protection; that right to work and employment status checks are done; and that security screening is done to BS 7858 where applicable.
- Reputation management. It can demonstrate a labour provider’s commitment to meeting statutory and legislative requirements, helping ensure it develops a track-record in the sector for fairness, integrity and professionalism, and for consistently meeting the expectations of contractors and other stakeholders, including their ESG requirements.
- Recruitment. It can help ensure that the minimum wage is paid and other statutory and legislative requirements are met to safeguard workers against abuse and exploitation. This in turn can help attract and retain the services of sought after security and event staff.
- Marketing. The standard can be used to help build customer confidence and testimonials, helping with new market entry.
- Equity. BS 10119:2026 is expected to help create a level playing field for all providers, including ensuring that wages aren’t artificially lowered by rogue operators.