Is Your Building Security Fit for Purpose? A Facilities Manager’s Checklist

From CCTV and access control to fire safety, perimeter protection and staff procedures, building security requires regular review. This checklist helps facilities managers assess current systems, identify gaps, and ensure their premises remain safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• A structured security audit helps identify blind spots, outdated systems and process gaps.
• Different environments—such as education, hospitality, healthcare and commercial workplaces require tailored security considerations.
• Strong policies and well-trained staff are as crucial as the technology you have in place.

Facilities managers juggle everything from safety to compliance, but it’s easy for security systems to slip into “set and forget” mode. 

A quick audit can reveal blind spots, outdated tech, or processes that simply no longer match how your building is used. 

Whether you oversee a school, hotel, industrial site or office block, this checklist will help you review the essentials with confidence.

1. CCTV – Are Your Cameras Working for You?

CCTV does more than record incidents, it acts as a visible deterrent. Start by looking at how well your current system serves your site:

• Do cameras cover the areas that matter most, such as entrances, exits, car parks and stairwells?
• Is the footage high enough quality for evidence purposes?
• Are recordings securely stored and GDPR compliant?
• Is there a clear process for monitoring and incident review?

Different settings call for different priorities. Schools might focus on playground and gate coverage, while hospitality sites often need visibility of receptions, corridors, and service areas.

2. Access Control – Do the Right People Have the Right Access?

Modern access control is about convenience as much as security. When reviewing yours, think beyond keycards:

• Are restricted areas genuinely restricted?
• Do you have an accurate log of who enters and leaves?
• Are visitor passes managed properly and collected on exit?
• Are locks, readers and gates maintained and updated regularly?

Industries with sensitive data or vulnerable occupants, such as healthcare or education, may require layered access, while commercial sites often prioritise quick, secure flow for staff.

3. Fire & Life Safety Systems – Are Your Safeguards Fully Operational?

Fire and life safety systems sit at the core of compliance. It’s worth taking a fresh look at how they perform day-to-day:

• Are fire alarms, detectors and suppression systems tested on schedule?
• Are evacuation routes clear, well-lit and accurately mapped?
• Do staff know their roles in an emergency?

Hotels, student accommodation and public buildings have a constant turnover of occupants, making regular checks even more important for maintaining a safe environment.

Brush up on the UK’s latest fire-safety updates.

4. Perimeter Security – How Strong Is Your First Line of Defence?

Your PID system (perimeter intrusion detection) can make or break your overall security posture. Consider the condition and effectiveness of:

• Fencing, gates and barriers – any weak points or damage?
• External lighting – does it deter intruders and support CCTV visibility?
• Landscaping – are there blind spots that could hide suspicious activity?

For education sites, a secure perimeter helps protect pupils and prevent unauthorised access. For warehouses or industrial estates, it’s key to preventing theft and trespassing.

5. Policies, Procedures & People – Are Your Teams Prepared?

Technology is only effective when people know how to use it. A quick review of your processes can reveal gaps in training or communication:

• Are all security procedures written, accessible and up to date?
• Has staff training kept pace with new systems or layout changes?
• Do you carry out scheduled reviews, drills or audits?

This applies across every sector. From hotel staff responding to alarms to university teams managing access control, clarity and training make a tangible difference.

Regular security reviews give facilities managers a clearer picture of where improvements are needed, helping you stay compliant and ahead of emerging risks. Use this checklist as a practical starting point and adapt it to the unique needs of your environment, whether you’re caring for students, managing guests, or supporting busy commercial teams.

If you need to upgrade your systems, or you’re due maintenance on any of your security equipment, we’re here to help you keep your building safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

Contact us here or call us on 01702 293157 to book a consultation to review and enhance your current security systems.

A-Plus Security are a NSI Gold Approved company, who provide a range of security installation and maintenance services to help you establish a robust and future-ready position for your premises.