Contracting Private Security Providers is the latest module added to GISF Security to go: a risk management toolkit for humanitarian aid agencies.

This new module provides easy to follow guidance on how to contract private security providers (PSPs), including how to select them, conduct a due diligence process and monitor ongoing contracts.

In many contexts, aid organisations may need to contract private security providers (PSPs) to manage risks to their personnel, operations, assets or the communities with which they work. However, there is a lack of official guidance on how NGOs should interact with PSPs. This new module aims to fill this gap and ensure that aid agencies have processes in place to select and manage providers that operate to internationally recognised standards.

This module has been developed in collaboration with the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association (ICoCA). ICoCA is a multi-stakeholder initiative formed in 2013 to ensure that providers of private security services respect human rights and humanitarian law.  ICoCA’s mission is to raise private security industry standards and practices and to engage with key stakeholders to achieve widespread adherence to the Code globally.