ISO 18788:2015 Security Operations Management System Certification

ISO 18788:2015

Security Operations Management System Certification

ISO 18788:2015 Security Operations Management System certification helps organisations demonstrate that their private security operations are controlled, responsible, risk-based, and aligned with legal, contractual, and human rights requirements.

The standard provides a business and risk management framework for professional security services, particularly in environments where governance may be weak or the rule of law may be undermined.

Request A Quote →
ISO 18788:2015 Certification

Strengthen Private Security Operations

To become ISO 18788:2015 certified, your organisation must demonstrate that it has a documented Security Operations Management System (SOMS). This includes clear policies, defined responsibilities, operational procedures, legal and contractual controls, stakeholder communication, internal audits, management reviews, and continual improvement.

Certification also requires your organisation to demonstrate effective risk assessment processes, personnel competence requirements, incident management controls, and accountability mechanisms relevant to security operations.

ISO 18788:2015 places strong emphasis on respect for human rights, accountability to law, and alignment with recognised voluntary commitments and ethical frameworks applicable to private security providers.

This may include alignment with frameworks such as the Montreux Document, the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

An ISO 18788:2015 SOMS is suitable for private security companies and organisations that manage, contract, or provide security operations where risk, legal accountability, client expectations, and human rights responsibilities must be carefully controlled.

Our ISO experts evaluate your Security Operations Management System according to ISO 18788:2015 requirements and the operational risks relevant to your organisation to ensure your system is practical, auditable, certification-ready, and aligned with stakeholder expectations.

Benefits of ISO 18788:2015

Security Operations Certification

Internationally recognised ISO 18788:2015 certification helps organisations prove that security operations are managed professionally, ethically, and consistently. It supports stronger client confidence, improved operational control, and greater accountability across high-risk security environments.

Stronger control over security operations

Improved respect for human rights

Clear legal and contractual alignment

Better risk assessment and incident management

Improved personnel competence and training

Stronger confidence for clients and stakeholders

ISO 18788:2015

SOMS Certification Procedure - GTICS

Our ISO experts can guide your organisation through the process of obtaining ISO 18788:2015 certification for your Security Operations Management System. A comprehensive overview of the certification process includes:

This optional assessment evaluates your existing Security Operations Management System against ISO 18788:2015 requirements and identifies areas requiring improvement before certification.

The certification audit assesses whether your SOMS complies with ISO 18788:2015 requirements. This includes reviewing operational controls, legal compliance, risk management processes, incident procedures, personnel competence, and human rights considerations.

If your organisation successfully meets ISO 18788:2015 requirements, certification is issued confirming that your Security Operations Management System complies with the international standard.

Annual surveillance audits are conducted to ensure your SOMS remains effective, compliant with ISO 18788:2015 requirements, and continually improved.

After three years, a re-certification audit is conducted to confirm continued compliance with ISO 18788:2015 requirements and the effectiveness of your Security Operations Management System.