Knight Frank, SAS to set up committee safeguarding security workers

PROPERTY managing agent Knight Frank and Security Association Singapore (SAS) have agreed to set up a committee to safeguard the welfare of security workers and foster collaboration among security services and managing agents, the organisations said in a joint statement on Friday (Jun 24). This came after management teams from SAS and Knight Frank met on Wednesday to discuss discrimination allegations against Knight Frank.

In a statement released to the media on Monday, SAS said initially that a tender document issued by Knight Frank in June 2022 for the provision of security services at Spring Grove Condo included a clause discriminating against security officers based on age, and immediate removal clauses entitling the condo management or managing agent to remove security officers at their discretion.

Later that day, Knight Frank recalled all relevant tender documents, noting that they contained “erratum clauses from outdated documents”, and that there was an oversight in releasing the documents.

“Knight Frank remains committed to be a responsible business to clients and the communities in which we operate. We apologise for any misunderstanding and inconvenience caused,” it added.

According to the Friday statement, the committee - which Knight Frank and SAS intend to set up by the end of 2022 - will aim to address several challenges faced in the industry, such as a shrinking and ageing manpower pool, rising costs and inflation, and inconsistent service standards. Its responsibilities would include:

• Charting a shared vision of progress between the security sector and real estate industry
• Building a framework of key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure performance
• Supporting the mental and emotional well-being of security workers through constant learning programmes and counselling platforms
• Deploying smart technology to improve efficiency
• Fostering dialogue among relevant stakeholders
• Increasing and improving the talent pool for skilled labour in the security services sector

Members of this committee will comprise security agencies, SAS and managing agents. SAS will also extend an invitation to the Union of Security Employees to co-drive the goals of the committee, Knight Frank and SAS said.

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SAS also confirmed on Friday that property managing agent Knight Frank does not implement discriminatory hiring practices, after Knight Frank shared about the state of affairs that led to the “unfortunate misunderstanding” during the meeting.

“Transparency and accountability is essential for preserving trust and fostering partnership  among security agencies and managing agents,” they said.