Kenneth Macleod, Training Manager at Risk Management Resources Ltd, discusses ways to prepare security management teams for protest situations.

Every person in the UK has a right to protest peacefully.

Article 10, freedom of expression and Article 11, freedom of assembly are qualified rights of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) which was ratified by the UK in 1951.

In 1998, the passing of the Human Rights Act ensured that these rights were enacted in UK law.

There is an understanding that peaceful protest is allowed and should not be interfered with by the state.

Protection

In fact, not only should public authorities not interfere with peaceful protest, they have a responsibility to protect that person’s right to freedom of Expression and to Assemble.

However, when peaceful protest either becomes a legitimate threat to the safety of others, causes serious disruption or compromises another person’s rights to a private life expressed in Article 8* of the ECHR then this can present challenges to those affected by it.

Article 8 – This a qualified right that means the actions of others do not affect, the right to a private life such as being able to carry out paid employment or enjoy surroundings offered without threat to their safety.

Understanding how to manage and deal with a protest situation is further complicated by assumption of police management and attendance at all protests and new legislation such as the Public Order Act 2023.

Civil and criminal law differences throughout the UK may also impact a police or private security provider response; for the project and security management, knowledge of private and public boundaries is essential when contingency planning in the event that a peaceful and meaningful protest becomes a legitimate threat to your business in terms of serious disruption or safety.

Best practice dictates that planning for protest includes relevant training to equip those managing situations with tool to be effective, safe and appropriate.

Table-top specific scenarios that exercise your policies and knowledge are an excellent way for trainers to provide a new and inclusive perspective, especially when not just Security Officers are involved.

Risk Management Resources Ltd suggests the following 5 scenarios which may be relevant to your employer, business, college, supplier and could be considered when planning your management of a protest.

Different scenarios

Scenario 1: Security guards were filmed shouting and pushing protestors, which was then uploaded to social media

Scenario 2: Protestors chain (or superglue) themselves to railing inside a museum or at a time critical event

Scenario 3: Protestors set up camp on Company property

Exercise 4: Concerned locals are offering security guards cake and having a chat

Exercise 5: A Protester is wearing a hi vis which has ‘legal observer’ on it and is asking to see documentation

There are many more scenarios which could be used in training and the organisation must determine those which are most relevant for their situation.

All of the above scenarios mentioned are based on real life events.

Tabletop scenario training

RMR Limited recommend Tabletop Scenario Training which will work through:

· Lessons learned

· Review and development of best practice

· Policy review and implementation and

· Review whether specific certified and effective training is required to upskill staff to give your team the tools to ensure a professional, ethical, lawful, safe and appropriate response to protest is delivered in a confident and skills based way.

From initial understating on rights of the individual whether protesting or otherwise through to managing protest situations appropriately, legally and safely, training is the best path to achieving a safe and secure outcome for your organisation.

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