Every organisation reaches a point where existing security measures are no longer enough. Systems age, procedures become outdated, and new risks emerge that weren’t considered years ago. A security improvement plan provides a clear, structured path to address these challenges — helping organisations move from reactive responses to proactive, risk-based management.
Across Western Australia, councils, universities, and private enterprises are increasingly adopting formalised security improvement plans to align their resources, technology, and people with today’s threat environment.
What Is a Security Improvement Plan?
A security improvement plan is a strategic document that identifies weaknesses in an organisation’s current security arrangements and outlines practical actions to strengthen them over time.
It links high-level risk assessments with actionable, measurable initiatives — ensuring that investment in security is targeted, defensible, and aligned with organisational priorities.
Typically, a plan includes:
- A summary of current security posture and findings from recent audits or risk assessments.
- Identification of key vulnerabilities and areas for enhancement.
- Recommended actions prioritised by risk level and feasibility.
- Cost, timeframe, and responsibility allocations for each improvement.
- Performance indicators and review mechanisms to measure progress.
Rather than a one-off project, a security improvement plan functions as a living roadmap — guiding continuous enhancement of protective measures across systems, facilities, and personnel.
Why Every Organisation Needs One
Security incidents are rarely the result of a single failure. They often occur due to small, compounding issues such as incomplete procedures, poor visibility, outdated systems, or lack of training. A well-developed improvement plan prevents these weaknesses from accumulating.
Key benefits include:
Clear direction and accountability
Without a plan, improvement efforts tend to be reactive. A documented plan assigns responsibilities, sets priorities, and provides a structured basis for tracking progress.
Cost-effective investment
It helps organisations allocate resources where they matter most — addressing high-risk gaps first and avoiding unnecessary spending on low-impact measures.
Compliance and audit readiness
Government agencies, councils, and large organisations must demonstrate due diligence. A security improvement plan aligned with ISO 31000:2018 (Risk Management) and relevant Australian Standards supports defensible decision-making.
Improved confidence and culture
Staff, visitors, and stakeholders feel safer knowing that safety and security are being actively managed, reviewed, and improved.
How to Develop a Security Improvement Plan
The process should be systematic, evidence-based, and tailored to your organisation’s operations.
Conduct a Security Risk Assessment
The first step is to understand current risks. An assessment identifies credible threats, vulnerabilities, and the potential consequences if those risks were realised. It considers physical, procedural, and technological factors.
All findings should be aligned with the ISO 31000:2018 framework, ensuring risks are categorised by likelihood and consequence and that treatment plans are proportional to the level of exposure.
Review Current Controls
Examine existing systems, procedures, and resourcing:
- CCTV coverage and image quality.
- Access control systems and user management.
- Lighting and natural surveillance.
- Alarm monitoring and response processes.
- Staff training and incident reporting.
- Maintenance and contractor performance.
This baseline review establishes where improvements are needed and provides measurable benchmarks.
Identify Gaps and Priorities
Based on the assessment, compile a list of all weaknesses or improvement opportunities. Prioritise them using a risk matrix — addressing high-consequence and high-likelihood issues first.
Example priorities might include:
- Upgrading access-control systems to meet AS 2201.1 standards.
- Expanding CCTV coverage to include public interface areas.
- Introducing after-hours lighting compliant with AS/NZS 1158.3.1.
- Updating incident-response procedures and training.
Develop Action Items and Milestones
Each recommendation should include:
- Action description – what will be done.
- Owner – who is responsible.
- Priority – high, medium, or low.
- Estimated cost – capital or operational.
- Target date – realistic timeframe.
- Outcome measure – how success will be evaluated.
This transforms the plan from a conceptual document into an actionable management tool.
Implement, Monitor, and Review
The final step is ongoing governance. Schedule regular progress meetings, update the plan as improvements are completed, and conduct annual reviews to ensure continued relevance.
Security threats evolve — your plan should evolve with them.
Common Focus Areas in Security Improvement Plans
- System upgrades – replacing outdated CCTV, alarms, or access-control equipment and integrating them into centralised management platforms.
- Lighting and visibility – improving after-hours safety through compliant, energy-efficient lighting.
- CPTED integration – applying Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles to public areas, car parks, and campuses.
- Procedural enhancement – developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), incident-response guides, and contractor management frameworks.
- Training and awareness – upskilling security and frontline staff to improve situational awareness and response confidence.
- Performance measurement – establishing metrics such as incident frequency, response time, and equipment uptime to track progress objectively.
Each organisation’s plan will look different, but the objective is the same — continuous, risk-driven improvement that enhances safety and resilience.
How Smartsec Security Solutions Helps
At Smartsec Security Solutions, we assist councils, universities, and private organisations across Western Australia in developing comprehensive, ISO-aligned Security Improvement Plans.
Our approach is grounded in evidence and independence — we don’t sell or install equipment, ensuring our advice remains objective and focused solely on improving outcomes.
Our typical process includes:
Security Audit and Risk Review – evaluating current controls and identifying improvement opportunities.
Gap Analysis and Prioritisation – ranking findings by risk level and operational impact.
Action Plan Development – preparing a structured plan with clear recommendations, responsibilities, and timeframes.
Implementation Support – assisting with procurement specifications, tender evaluation, or project oversight.
Performance Review – providing follow-up assessments to ensure recommendations deliver measurable benefit.
Our consultants align all work with ISO 31000:2018, ISO 22343-1:2023, and relevant Australian Standards (AS 4806, AS 2201, AS/NZS 1158) to ensure best practice and audit defensibility.
Example Outcomes
Smartsec’s Security Improvement Plans have helped clients achieve:
- Reduced incident rates and improved after-hours safety.
- Stronger accountability between operations, maintenance, and contractors.
- Optimised use of CCTV and access-control systems.
- Streamlined reporting and escalation procedures.
- Compliance with planning conditions and audit requirements.
For local governments and large facilities, these improvements translate into measurable community trust and long-term cost savings.
Taking the Next Step
Whether you manage a civic precinct, campus, or commercial property, a security improvement plan provides the roadmap you need to enhance safety and compliance systematically.
Smartsec Security Solutions delivers independent, evidence-based consulting across Perth and Western Australia — helping organisations design and implement improvement strategies that are realistic, defensible, and effective.
To discuss how we can help you develop a Security Improvement Plan for your organisation, visit www.smartsecsecurity.com.au or contact [email protected].
Together, we can turn security improvement from an obligation into a long-term advantage.
