Manage access
Check visitors, contractors and deliveries against your entry procedure. Refer exceptions to the nominated site contact.
USSG · SECURITY GUARDING · 24/7 SUPPORT
Manned Guarding
Services Across the UK
USSG provides manned guarding services for commercial premises and operational sites across the UK. Our directly employed, SIA-licensed officers carry out agreed access checks, patrols and incident reporting, with hours and responsibilities defined around your site.
Directly employed officers · SIA-licensed · Screened to BS 7858
PEOPLE ON THE GROUND
A guard on site.
A clear brief behind them.
Manned guarding means having security personnel on your premises to carry out agreed protective duties, from access checks and patrols to incident reporting.
USSG provides security guarding for UK businesses and operational sites. Our directly employed officers hold relevant SIA licences and are screened to BS 7858 before deployment.
A reception entrance and a warehouse gate need different instructions. We start with your location, operating hours and the work you need an officer to carry out.
- Duties and working hours agreed before deployment
- Site instructions, contacts and reporting defined
- 24/7 support through agreed contact arrangements
THE OFFICER’S ROLE
What should your security officer do?
Patrol the premises
Check agreed entrances, boundaries and accessible areas. Record unsecured doors, damage or unusual activity.
Support staff and visitors
Provide a visible point of contact, with the officer’s approach and presentation suited to your environment.
Record and escalate
Document relevant observations and incidents. Follow the agreed contact and emergency escalation instructions.
Open and close
Where included, complete the specified checks when premises open or close. Define which areas and doors are covered.
Hand over clearly
For successive shifts, pass on outstanding concerns, updated instructions and relevant site information.
Your proposal confirms the included duties. Do not assume every task is covered by every assignment.
MATCH THE SERVICE TO YOUR PREMISES
Different sites. Different guarding priorities.
Construction sites
Contractor entrances, deliveries and periods when the site is closed.
Construction site securityRetail premises
A visible presence aligned with trading hours, customer interaction and store procedures.
Retail security servicesOffices & reception
Visitor access, contractor checks and coordination with your reception team.
Office security services
Warehouses & industrial sites
Vehicle entrances, loading areas and the separation of pedestrian and delivery access.
Discuss warehouse guardingVacant properties
Decide whether the requirement is continuous guarding or scheduled inspections.
Vacant property inspections
Events
Entry arrangements, public access and the right staffing for the proposed duties.
Event security servicesFROM YOUR FIRST BRIEF TO THE FIRST SHIFT
Agree the work before the officer arrives.
Tell us what needs covering
Share the postcode, property type, operating hours and proposed start date. Tell us about the entrances, activities and known concerns.
Review the practical requirements
Discuss duties and arrange a site assessment where appropriate. Check whether tasks overlap and what staffing is practical.
Confirm the service proposal
Agree cover, costs, availability, reporting and responsibilities. Identify any tasks that need a separate specialist supplier.
Prepare for the assignment
Confirm site induction, instructions, escalation contacts and the start date. Establish the route to 24/7 support.
What needs to be clear before day one?
Where the officer is posted. Which checks are required. How incidents are reported. Who makes decisions when the situation changes.
CHECK THE COMPANY AND THE WORK
Evidence you can review.
Approval has a defined scope.
USSG holds SIA Approved Contractor Scheme approval for Security Guarding and Key Holding. Company approval and individual officer licences are separate checks.
Check our Security Guarding and Key Holding approval in the SIA register of approved contractors, listed under Universal Support Service Group (USSG) Ltd. Review current approval alongside the duties in your proposal.
The SIA licensing guidance explains when an individual licence is required. Our legal company details are available in the Companies House record for USSG, company 10289772.
Review memberships and accreditations
Costco Wholesale
Retail warehouse guarding: visible personnel, patrols and access control alongside customer assistance.
Stay Belvedere Hotels Limited
Accommodation security: visitor checks, controlled access and respectful interaction with residents and staff.
PLANNING YOUR BUDGET
What affects manned guarding costs?
There is no useful single rate without knowing the assignment. Ask for a written quotation that separates the required cover from optional or additional work.
StaffingNumber of posts, overlapping duties and shift cover.
ScheduleDays, nights, weekends and the duration of the contract.
SiteLocation, access, induction and practical working arrangements.
ScopeOfficer duties, relevant competencies and reporting requirements.
UK SERVICE ENQUIRIES
Start with your site’s postcode.
Based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, USSG welcomes guarding enquiries across the UK. Availability is confirmed against the location, duties and hours required.
Security in Birmingham
Security in Glasgow
Security in Leeds
Security in Liverpool
Security in London
Security in Sheffield
Explore all areas we cover These are enquiry areas, not additional offices.
Does the brief also include key holding?
Key custody and alarm attendance need clear responsibilities. Review our key holding and alarm response service alongside your guarding requirement, or explore all USSG services.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Your guarding questions, answered.
Licensing, hours, staffing and the practical details of getting started.
Are security guarding and manned guarding the same thing?
In commercial discussions, both terms may describe an on-site security officer service. In SIA licensing terminology, manned guarding is a broader category and security guarding is one activity within it. USSG’s approval scope is Security Guarding and Key Holding; the service proposal identifies the duties being supplied.
Are USSG security officers licensed and screened?
USSG’s directly employed security officers hold relevant SIA licences and are screened to BS 7858 before deployment. The required licence and site briefing depend on the duties of the assignment.
Can you provide overnight or weekend guarding?
You can enquire about overnight, weekend or continuous cover. The hours, staffing and start date are confirmed after reviewing your requirements. USSG provides 24/7 support; this does not mean every enquiry can be staffed immediately.
How many security guards does my site need?
This depends on the layout, access points, duties, hours and risks. Share the site details so the proposed staffing can be reviewed. One officer should not be assumed to cover simultaneous duties in different locations.
Can I arrange temporary security cover?
You can discuss a temporary requirement or a longer-term contract. Share the proposed dates, shift pattern and reason for cover. Availability and any site preparation are confirmed before a start date is agreed.
How quickly can guarding start?
The start date depends on staffing availability, the required duties and the time needed to agree instructions and prepare for the site. Tell us your deadline at the first enquiry so we can confirm what is practical.
Will I receive security reports?
The service plan sets out what will be recorded, who receives reports and how urgent concerns are escalated. Agree the format, frequency and contact details before the assignment starts.
Can guards also provide CCTV or K9 services?
Do not assume these are included in a guarding assignment. CCTV and K9 requirements are reviewed separately and arranged through trusted specialist suppliers. The scope, provider responsibilities and required credentials are confirmed before booking.
How do I request a manned guarding quote?
Contact USSG with your site postcode, required hours, duties and proposed start date. We review the requirement and, where appropriate, arrange a site assessment before confirming the proposal. Call 0330 341 2124 or use our contact page.