Before you hire a security guard, start with a clear brief.

Begin with your premises

A residential compound, office and warehouse have different routines. Describe who uses the property, how visitors arrive and when deliveries are received. This gives a security provider a useful starting point for understanding the assignment.

Set out the hours and duties

Share the hours you need covered and the duties that matter most. Entrance management, visitor direction and agreed patrol checks should be clearly described. Ask how handovers and staff cover will be handled.

Make responsibilities clear

A written brief should explain what the security team does and what remains with your own staff. It should also identify the person authorised to make access decisions when the usual contact is unavailable.

Agree how you will stay informed

Ask how routine observations, incidents and service concerns are recorded and reported. Confirm the supervisor contact and how the arrangement will be reviewed as your needs change.

Read the scope alongside the price

Compare the duties, service hours, supervision and charges together. Clarify exclusions before the assignment starts. A useful proposal gives both the client and the provider a shared understanding of what is being delivered.