Key Holding 101: What Is Key Holding Security?

Break-ins are a significant concern for many businesses, and the rise in crime has led to an increased interest in key holding services. But what is key holding security, and why is it important? We’ll be discussing this and more such as what are the responsibilities of a key holder and the benefits of securing your keys for your business.

What Is A Key Holder?

Before we explain security key holding, let’s first define what a key holder is. In the context of security, a key holder is someone responsible for safeguarding and managing a business’s keys at times when the premise is closed or vacant. They typically operate in environments where security is a top priority, such as retail stores, office buildings, or companies with valuable assets.

What Is Key Holding Security?

Key holding security is a solution designed to protect business owners and their employees by maintaining a spare key to the physical premises. This service not only safeguards businesses when the primary key is lost or stolen but also offers 24/7 assistance and security. In essence, security key holding services ensure that a business premises remains safe and secure at all times, even after employees have left for the day.

Can Anyone Be A Key Holder?

Technically, anyone can work as a key holder if they have a valid SIA licence and meet other requirements, such as being at least 18 years old and passing background checks like a criminal record check. Key holders, unlike security key holders, are responsible solely for protecting a business’s keys and attending to alarm responses; they are not authorised to perform security-related duties such as searching premises.

If you wish to work as a security key holder, which involves additional manned guarding duties, you will need to complete SIA training as well.

What Is A Key Holding Licence?

When it comes to security licences, the most commonly used by key holders is the SIA key holding licence. This front-line licence is specifically for security work involving the management and protection of keys. The licence currently costs £184 and is issued as a letter rather than a plastic card. No specific qualifications or training are required to obtain this licence.

If you’re interested in working in security key holding—where you handle keys as well as perform additional security tasks—you will need one of the SIA’s manned guarding licences, such as the security guard licence.

What Key Holding Security Jobs Are There?

As we mentioned earlier, some key holders also take on additional security roles to perform both key holding and manned guarding duties. Security guards are among the most common positions that include key holding responsibilities. Other security roles that may involve key holding duties include:

What Does A Key Holder Do?

Key holders have various responsibilities, which can vary depending on the type of organisation they work for. Their primary duties typically include:

• Safeguarding the premises’ keys.
• Responding to security alarms.
• Ensuring premises are open and closed each day.
• Keeping business owners informed about any issues that arise.
• Adhering to the key holder agreement.

What Does A Security Key Holder Do?

Security key holders perform duties similar to those of regular key holders but with a greater emphasis on security. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Acting as the main contact for alarm responses and investigating any triggered alarms.
• Ensuring the business is securely opened and closed each day.
• Managing access control for the premises.
• Reporting any security incidents, breaches, or suspicious activities.
• Conducting regular patrols of the site to ensure smooth operations.
• Upholding the key holder agreement.

What Is A Key Holder Agreement?

Both regular and security key holders must adhere to a key holder agreement as a fundamental responsibility. This agreement is typically established between the business owner and the key holder, outlining the key holder’s responsibility for the keys and the procedures to follow if the keys are lost or misused. A key holder agreement is essential for protecting the organisation’s assets and maintaining the security of the premises.

How Much Does A Key Holder Earn?

Like with any industry, salaries in key holding services vary based on the candidate’s experience and skills, as well as the specifics of their role. According to Talent, entry-level positions start at £22,000 per year, while more experienced workers can earn up to £31,200 per year. The average salary for a key holder in the UK is currently £24,000 per year.

Do I Need A Key Holding Service?

Key holding and alarm response are a strong security solution that benefits businesses across various industries. If you want to protect your properties and inventory from theft or damage, then partnering with a security key holding company is an excellent choice. They will not only alleviate some of your responsibilities as a business owner but also ensure that you remain safe when responding to emergencies.

What’s Included In A Key Holding Service?

Key holding services can vary depending on the security firm. Most key holding security companies offer the following services:

How Much Does Key Holding Cost?

When it comes to pricing key holding services, security firms must consider several factors before providing a quote to their clients. Key factors influencing the cost include:

Assets That Need Protection:

The type of merchandise can affect pricing, as stores with high-value items like jewellery and luxury handbags often require advanced alarm systems and security professionals with specialised training and certifications.

Business Location:

The location of the business plays a significant role in pricing. Businesses situated in areas with higher crime rates will typically receive higher quotes compared to those located in quieter, residential neighbourhoods.

Type of Facility:

The nature of the facility also impacts the price. Facilities with complex layouts, multiple entry points, or specialised security needs, such as data centres or warehouses with sensitive equipment, often require more extensive security measures and therefore incur higher costs. While these factors can influence key holding service costs, many business owners in the UK pay as little as £15 per month for these services. However, it’s important to remember that the final price will be tailored to your business’s specific circumstances and requirements.

What Are The Benefits Of Key Holding Services?

Key holding security has proven to be beneficial for many companies. Here are some of the top benefits it offers:

Reduces A Business Owner’s Responsibilities

As the primary key holder, business owners are familiar with the frustration of receiving phone calls in the middle of the night or in the middle of an important event informing them that their security alarm has gone off. Even more annoying is when it turns out to have been falsely triggered.

On the flip side, if an intruder is indeed present, then the business owner’s life is immediately at risk. This is the exact reason why a professional key holding service is important – besides reducing the business owner’s responsibility, it also minimises their exposure to harmful and dangerous situations.

Ensures That Proper Security Procedures Are Enforced

A key holding service hires trained professionals to ensure that a business is always safe and secure. This means that someone is immediately present at the establishment when an emergency occurs.

Moreover, these professionals are well-versed in the proper security procedures, allowing them to deal with intruders without compromising the business’ stock or the establishment itself. They’re also equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to fix technical problems in the alarm system in case it was falsely triggered or requires a hard reset.

Guarantees Around-The-Clock Availability

For many business owners, entrusting an employee or a family member with the establishment’s spare key is good enough. Unfortunately for them, this doesn’t guarantee that the holder will be available whenever they’re needed. Nor does it mean that they’ll be able to properly handle emergency situations.

On the other hand, a key holding service ensures that a trained professional will always be there, no matter what. By holding on to the spare key, business owners are assured that they can enter the establishment regardless of the time of day.

So, What Is Key Holding?

Overall, key holding security is another service that businesses can use to safeguard their premises. If you’re interested in staying up to date with the latest security news about key holding, take a look at our blog.

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