The Guarding Provider Is Failing How to Switch Without Breaking Security (UK Playbook)

How to spot a failing security provider before it hurts your site

Many companies only realise their guarding contractor is underperforming once something serious happens a theft, a safety breach or a formal complaint. But the warning signs usually show up earlier.

Repeated missed patrols, late or underprepared guards, a lack of escalation when issues are reported, or guards who appear unmotivated can all signal problems in management or culture. High turnover without proper handovers often means the provider cannot retain staff. If clients start raising concerns or near misses go unreported, it is time to act. Do not wait for an incident to reveal the problem. Start logging concerns and examples now. This will help support any decision to review or terminate your contract.

Red flags your guarding provider is failing:

• Missed patrols or no-show guards

• Incident reports not filed or delayed

• Guard turnover without replacements or inductions

• Complaints not acknowledged or escalated

• Lack of site supervision or supervisor no-shows

• Staff appearing disengaged or unprepared

• Repeated use of personal devices for work comms

A poor guard service affects both security coverage and staff morale. If these signs are ignored, your site could become vulnerable to avoidable breaches.

What are your rights when terminating a guarding contract in the UK?

You can usually end a guarding contract if service levels drop, but it must be done properly. Most contracts include notice periods ranging from 30 to 90 days. Some also auto renew unless you give timely notice.

Early termination may be allowed in the event of a material breach. This includes repeated missed shifts, failure to meet agreed performance indicators or communication breakdowns.

Examples of common material breaches in UK contracts:

• Repeated failure to staff contracted shifts

• Non compliance with SIA legislation

• Safety incidents not escalated to the client

• Missing daily reports or logs

• Breach of Assignment Instructions

• Documented SLA failure or repeated guard misconduct

Log complaints, absence records and missed service delivery. Then speak with a solicitor or use BSIA templates to prepare a valid breach notice. Also check your contract for automatic rollover clauses.

Not every provider enforces rigid terms

Some security providers will agree to end a contract early if both sides feel the arrangement is no longer working. You may be able to exit cleanly without penalty. It is always worth asking before assuming the full term must be served.

How to switch security firms without leaving your site exposed

When changing providers, the main risk is being left without proper cover. Missed patrols, unmonitored areas and keyholding issues can quickly arise.

To reduce risk, plan for a 48 to 72 hour period where both firms overlap. Arrange a joint transition process, walk the site together, and make sure radios, keys and instructions are transferred securely.

If needed, bring in mobile response cover or a supervisor to bridge the handover period. Use your site risk assessment as a checklist to confirm that each risk remains under control. Prevent lone guard exposure and key access failures by being proactive.

Data protection during provider switch

GDPR rules still apply when changing security firms. Make sure any visitor records, incident logs or access credentials are deleted or returned by the outgoing provider.

Ask for written confirmation that:

• Client-sensitive data has been deleted or returned

• Digital access has been removed from systems

• All electronic records linked to your site have been handed over

If this step is skipped, your site may be exposed to data breach risks.

Should you run the old and new guarding firms in parallel?

Yes, in many cases it is safer to do so. Running both providers in parallel allows for a clean and verified handover. This transitional handover typically lasts between three and seven days.

New guards should shadow the old team to learn routes, alarms, patrol zones and protocols. Both firms should submit logs and confirm task completion. Supervisor overlap during this period is key to confirming service continuity. When done well, this reduces risk and avoids disruptions to your site.

Do you have to take the old guards? TUPE explained simply

Q: What is TUPE and when does it apply?

A: TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) applies when staff are transferred from one company to another. It often means the new contractor must offer jobs to the outgoing guards if their role continues.

Q: Do I have to take every guard from the old firm?

A: No. If there are documented performance issues, safeguarding concerns or conduct warnings, these can be raised with the new firm. In some cases, the guard may be excluded from the transfer.

Q: What terms and conditions transfer?

A: The new employer must keep the same pay, hours, holidays and other employment terms.

Q: What happens if TUPE is ignored?

A: Ignoring TUPE rules can lead to legal action for unfair dismissal. Always involve HR or legal support when managing this process.

Q: Can I choose a provider who avoids TUPE?

A: If a provider refuses to follow TUPE without valid reason, that may indicate a poor understanding of employment law. This could create future risk.

What makes a secure guarding handover work in practice?

A smooth handover protects your team, your assets and your operations. Use a checklist that includes:

• Signed and updated assignment instructions

• Secure transfer of keys, fobs, radios and access codes

• Uniforms, ID cards and licences given to new guards

• Inductions covering zones, exits, alarm panels and response protocols

• A live patrol test and escalation drill

• Clear contact for questions and reporting handover issues

Involve your facilities or site manager where possible. Use a shared log of what was completed to confirm the transition has been closed properly.

Do not forget to review guard logs, onboarding SOPs and any open incident reports. These should be reviewed before the new provider takes full control.

How Fahrenheit Security makes guarding transitions seamless

Fahrenheit Security manages all aspects of the security guard contract transition. Their switching security firms safely service includes:

• A named mobilisation manager to oversee the change

• A plan that reflects your contract and risk profile

• Interim mobile cover during short notice or transition gaps

• Walkthroughs with both the old and new teams

• TUPE coordination with proper HR support

• A post-transition audit with your team to check performance

The transition project lead ensures that nothing is missed. From failover planning to guard shadowing, each step is checked and recorded. Clients report stronger service levels from day one.

If you are preparing to switch providers, Fahrenheit can provide a guarding handover checklist or book a free security consultation to talk through your options.