Contractors involved in the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme are being warned by a leading security expert to be extra vigilant with their security checks.

According to Jot Engelbrecht, chief operating officer of security firm Octavian Security, contractors need to ensure that their existing manned security providers are undertaking the complex security checks required for officers who work in the vicinity of children.

"It's only natural that contractors will automatically use their preferred suppliers who they trust and who I'm sure do a great job on regular building projects," explains Engelbrecht.

"But contractors need to check what vetting procedures for their officers are in place, and their suppliers should be able to demonstrate more in depth background checks over a longer period, with additional police clearances."

The nature of the BSF programme means that contractors and their suppliers have the potential to come into contact with children throughout the construction process. BSF projects may include the upgrading of existing schools that are still operational or new builds that will periodically welcome visiting school parties who use the build process as a unique educational experience.

"Where schools are continuing alongside the build project, officers need to have been trained to understand the sensitivities of being around young children," continues Englebrecht.

"Knowing that this training has taken place will also reassure the parents that the teams on site are able to diffuse situations of potential conflict with contractors, step in to understand any security issues and enforce health & safety - ensuring that children don't access the site in or out of build hours.

"Its important to remember that parents are key stake holders in these projects and that their requirements sit outside standard operating procedure."

Engelbrecht, who has experience of managing the security provision of several major BSF projects across the UK, also claims that contractors should look for security partners that go beyond the conventional officer vetting procedures to ensure childrens' safety. He continues:

"My team has always carried out additional checks on officers and sought more in depth references if they are to work in the vicinity of children, and I know that a number of other security companies do this.

"Additionally, we find that officers that are multi-lingual are desirable, as it allows them to communicate with various contractors and pupils' parents (should the need arise). We also ensure that all officers are Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) approved.