Self Assessment Toolkit for Businesses

Tool will protect your business against terrorism

CHESHIRE businesses were invited to a free launch by Cheshire Police to demonstrate a new tool that will help develop security, and build resilience to a terrorist attack.

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office with the support of local Counter Terrorism Security Advisors, launched the Vulnerability Self Assessment Tool at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool city centre on Tuesday 13th September.

Guest speakers were Merseyside Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ward, Head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit Detective Superintendent Tony Porter and Chairman of the North West Business Continuity Forum Jim McAlister.
In addition there was an explanation and demonstration of the VSAT tool.

The VSAT is an online tool aimed at small to medium enterprises that may not have necessarily considered themselves as, or even 'part of' a crowded place or being vulnerable to an attack.

The VSAT programme offers a fast, free method to assess a business, ensuring business resilience.

The launch demonstrated how businesses and staff can use the VSAT tool to best prepare against the threat by assessing and improving security and business continuity
Developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office in partnership with leading businesses across the UK, VSAT assiss owners, operators and those responsible for the security of crowded places to determine their vulnerability to terrorist attack and other security concerns.

The online self assessment consists of a number of questions and will provide an understanding of what is needed to be put in place to reduce vulnerability to attack.
The online assessment will also produce a list of recommendations. In order to protect businesses interests and commercial sensitivities the report is only available to the individual user.

The VSAT will provide:
• Signposting to best practice
• 12 months Business Continuity Management tool
• Increased local engagement with police security experts (Counter Terrorism Security
  Advisors)
• Training Opportunities
• Written assessment report with recommendations covering, Physical Security,
  Personnel Security, Information Security, Good House Keeping and Risk Management

VSAT will provide a means to identify and reduce the vulnerability to businesses across Cheshire and help protect our communities.
VSAT is aimed at those responsible for security of Education, Health, Hotels and Restaurants, Major Events, Places of Worship, Cinemas and Theatres, Commercial Centres, Stadia and Arenas, Shopping Centres, Retail, Visitor Attractions and Bar, Clubs and Pubs.


To register for the VSAT email ctsa@cheshire.pnn.police.uk  all that is required is an email address and description of your business. You will then receive by email you log on details for the VSAT website, it is just a matter of completing the survey and receiving your automated report.

If you require further advice you contact your local CTSAs on the above email address or ring 01606 36 2121.

Andy Priest   LCGI    LCGI
Counter Terrorism Security Advisor
Cheshire Constabulary