Security risks are not always obvious — and when they are, the solutions aren’t always clear. Whether you manage a commercial facility, council asset, educational institution, or public space, you need to know not just that you have risks, but how serious they are, and what actions make the most sense. This is where an independent security risk assessment becomes essential.
Unlike system vendors or guarding companies, an independent consultant works solely in your interest. You receive unbiased advice, free from hidden agendas or sales pressure. At Smartsec Security Solutions, we specialise in delivering clear, actionable, and standards-aligned security risk assessments that empower you to protect your people, assets, and operations — efficiently and cost-effectively.
In this article, we explain what an independent security risk assessment involves, why it’s different from other services, and how your organisation benefits by engaging an experienced, impartial advisor.
What Is an Independent Security Risk Assessment?
An independent security risk assessment is a formal process where a qualified third party evaluates your site’s exposure to physical security threats and provides tailored recommendations to reduce that risk — without selling you equipment, guards, or ongoing services.
At Smartsec, we follow the ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management Framework, which ensures a structured, methodical approach. Our assessments are rooted in practical knowledge, Australian Standards, and the unique operational needs of each client.
We assess threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences — and deliver clear guidance for managing those risks in a way that fits your environment, budget, and regulatory obligations.
What Makes a Security Risk Assessment “Independent”?
The word “independent” is key. Most security assessments offered by installers, integrators, or guarding companies are ultimately a prelude to selling you something. They might be well-meaning — but there’s an inherent bias in the process.
When a security vendor assesses your site and also sells the products or services to fix the issues, their recommendations are likely to reflect what they offer, rather than what you need. This creates three core problems:
- Over-servicing – You might be sold more than you require.
- Under-servicing – You may not be informed about gaps the vendor can’t address.
- Narrow solutions – Advice may be limited to a single brand, technology, or approach.
By contrast, an independent assessment:
- Has no financial interest in the outcome
- Considers multiple mitigation options — not just one path
- Provides transparent justification for every recommendation
- Aligns with Australian Standards and your operational goals, not product sales
What’s Included in an Independent Security Risk Assessment?
Our assessments are tailored to each client, but typically include:
Site Inspection
We visit your location to assess:
- Entry and exit points
- Perimeter security (fencing, gates, bollards)
- Surveillance and blind spots
- Lighting adequacy (day and night)
- Public access zones and restricted areas
- Physical barriers and deterrents
- Natural surveillance and user flow
We conduct both daytime and after-hours inspections (where required), to capture different threat profiles.
Review of Existing Controls
We evaluate the effectiveness of your current systems, such as:
- CCTV placement and performance (AS 4806.1)
- Access control systems (AS/NZS 4806 series)
- Alarm systems and duress buttons
- Security patrols and response procedures
- Control rooms and monitoring centres (AS 2201.2)
- Lighting levels (AS/NZS 1158 compliance)
This helps identify areas where existing measures are strong — and where gaps may exist.
Stakeholder Interviews
We engage with people who use, manage, or oversee the site to understand:
- Concerns or recurring incidents
- Areas where staff feel unsafe
- After-hours activities
- Known procedural workarounds or vulnerabilities
These conversations often reveal risks that are not obvious during inspections.
Threat Identification and Risk Analysis
We consider a broad range of threat scenarios, including:
- Theft and vandalism
- Unauthorised access or intrusion
- Aggression or violence toward staff or public
- Vehicle-based threats (if applicable)
- Sabotage or protest activity
- Insider threats or procedure bypass
Each risk is assessed using ISO 31000 methodology: Likelihood × Consequence = Risk Rating.
Tailored Recommendations
You receive a formal report outlining:
- Identified vulnerabilities
- Risk ratings (low to critical)
- Recommended actions
- Suggested priorities
- Relevant standards referenced (e.g. ISO 22343-1, AS 2201.1, AS/NZS 1158)
Where applicable, we also provide maps, diagrams, and photos to help visualise key issues.
Who Needs an Independent Security Risk Assessment?
We support a wide range of organisations that need clear, objective advice:
- Local councils managing parks, civic buildings, and events
- Facility managers responsible for shopping centres or office buildings
- Educational institutions with open access campuses
- Property developers designing new mixed-use sites
- Government agencies requiring audit-ready risk documentation
- Commercial tenants or owners seeking to validate or improve their security posture
Whether you’re responding to an incident, planning upgrades, or applying for funding, an independent review provides a strong foundation for next steps.
Benefits of an Independent Assessment
Engaging an independent consultant offers several advantages:
- Clarity – Know exactly where your risks are and what matters most.
- Unbiased advice – No products, no pressure. Just expert recommendations.
- Documentation – Use our reports to support grants, planning, insurance, or internal approvals.
- Cost savings – Avoid overspending on equipment you don’t need.
- Compliance – Ensure your site aligns with relevant Australian Standards and guidelines.
- Credibility – Demonstrate due diligence and proactive risk management.
Why Choose Smartsec Security Solutions?
Smartsec Security Solutions is a Perth-based independent security consultancy with over 17 years of experience in the field. We do not sell, install, or monitor any security products — our sole purpose is to provide you with unbiased, professional advice.
Our clients include:
- Local and state government bodies
- Universities and schools
- Facility and asset managers
- Developers and architects
- Critical infrastructure providers
- Retail, industrial, and transport operators
We deliver reports that are clear, professional, and aligned with operational reality — not theory or guesswork.
Contact Us
If you need a trusted independent security risk assessment, Smartsec Security Solutions is here to help. We work with clients across Perth and Western Australia to deliver expert advice you can act on — without pressure or sales tactics.
Contact us today to schedule your site assessment or discuss your specific needs. Together, we’ll reduce risk, improve safety, and strengthen your security posture — with confidence.
