Recent national enquiry panels into the failures of security vetting processes both in the public and private sectors have highlighted some basic issues which are worthy of discussion.
A fundamental shortcoming in the approach taken by organisations lies in a simple fact, that the result is only relative for that moment in time and often to a limited set of circumstances.
Therefore, we should be mindful to adopt a vetting aftercare system or what could be termed a ‘Continuous Integrity Security Screening System’.
Whilst it is obvious that a subject person’s risk threshold may easily change through a multitude of factors either self-induced or the product of an external influence the current systems can be challenged as falling short in the recognition of this factor.
This inevitably leads to incidents which may well have been preventable with a full cycle of Continuous Integrity Screening.
Matters such as change of financial leverage, personal circumstances, a deliberate grooming attack to gain insider knowledge, peer pressure, new associates, increased access to sensitive information by promotion, should all form part of a structured annual assessment. Management staff should be trained to be encouraged to detect these risk factors and challenge where appropriate.
This could lead to a dual benefit both for the individual who could be assisted away from the risk or to prevent undue financial or media risk to an organisation.
MHG Corporate Risks part of GSA Global, have considerable experience and recognition in these skill sets and is available to offer advice and a proactive ongoing support regime.
