Before retendering or re-specifying a security contract, it helps to review what the current model is actually delivering in practice. That usually gives a stronger starting point than simply repeating the previous specification.
SPS Security supports organisations across Hull, East Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire and the wider Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region with practical security operating model reviews covering role clarity, staffing, supervision, reporting and service delivery.
What should be reviewed before retendering
Useful review areas include:
- Role clarity — whether officer duties are clearly defined or have drifted over time
- Staffing structure — whether shift patterns, coverage hours and supervision levels match the site's actual needs
- Procedures — whether SOPs, escalation routes and incident response arrangements are current and site-specific
- Reporting — whether the contract produces operational outputs that matter, or just activity logs
- Technology — whether CCTV, access control and monitoring systems are actively used or passively installed
- Out-of-hours coverage — whether keyholding, mobile patrols and alarm response are clearly owned
- Non-security duties — whether officers have been gradually pulled into reception, concierge or FM support tasks that dilute core security delivery
Common contract and model problems
Typical issues that an operating model review identifies:
- Visible presence without clear outputs or documented patrol completion
- Overbuying hours in some areas and under-covering in others
- Weak reporting that does not show what the security model is actually delivering
- Unclear duty hierarchy where security has become a secondary function
- Mixed-role confusion that has drifted over time without formal review
- Technology installed but not integrated into operational procedures
Questions to ask before re-specifying
- What does the current role really deliver day to day?
- Is supervision strong enough for the site complexity?
- Are site-specific duties clear and evidenced?
- Does the reporting show outputs that matter operationally?
- Have non-security tasks displaced core security activity?
- Is the current model aligned to Martyn's Law readiness requirements?
How an operating model review relates to Martyn's Law
If you are retendering security, the new specification should incorporate Martyn's Law readiness requirements — role clarity, procedures, escalation and proportionate protective measures. An operating model review before retendering helps ensure the new contract reflects current legislation, not just the previous specification.
Use the Martyn's Law readiness review to assess your current position alongside the operating model review.
What SPS Security reviews
SPS approaches this practically and operationally, looking at whether the current model is clear, workable and matched to the site profile before any retender or redesign conversation moves forward.
Our reviews cover security guarding deployment, mobile patrol effectiveness, CCTV and monitoring integration, keyholding and alarm response arrangements and overall service delivery.
About SPS Security
SPS Security is an SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) holder, established in 1992, providing security guarding, mobile patrols, keyholding and alarm response, CCTV monitoring and specialist security services across Hull, East Yorkshire, North East Lincolnshire and the wider Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region. Our 24/7 control room supports all operational security delivery.
This article provides practical security readiness guidance — not legal advice.
Review officer duties, shift patterns, coverage hours, incident trends, access control requirements, site risks, management reporting, technology use, supervision levels and contract KPIs. The aim is to confirm whether the current model still reflects how the site operates today.
How do you know if your current security model is no longer fit for purpose? Common signs include officers carrying too many non-security tasks, unclear responsibilities, rising costs without better outcomes, poor reporting, gaps in out-of-hours response and technology that is visible but not operationally effective.
What is the outcome of a security operating model review? A clear picture of what the current model delivers, where the gaps are and what the new specification should include. This prevents retendering based on an outdated model.
How does an operating model review relate to Martyn's Law? If you are retendering security, the new specification should incorporate Martyn's Law readiness requirements — role clarity, procedures, escalation and proportionate protective measures. Reviewing the operating model first helps ensure the new contract is fit for purpose.
Can SPS Security help with an operating model review? Yes. SPS provides security reviews, staffing assessments and operational planning to help organisations understand their current position before retendering. Contact us to discuss a site-specific review.