Investing in the security industry
Anyone who follows SERIS Security in the Netherlands regularly sees posts about mobile surveillance, property security, and innovative technology within the security industry. But behind the scenes, we do more than just improve our own services. We consciously invest time and energy in strengthening the entire security industry.
Why do we do this? Because a healthy, professional industry benefits not only us, but above all our clients and security guards. An industry with clear rules, fair working conditions, and transparent quality standards ensures continuity, reliability, and safety—exactly what our clients expect.
That is why we actively participate in roundtables, committees, and working groups. In this way, we help the sector evolve toward quality, continuity, and social responsibility. This is not a marketing gimmick, but a choice that contributes to a future-proof security industry
Having a say in the rules: collective bargaining agreement and social fund
Our CEO, Pieter van den Herik, plays a key role in shaping the rules of the game within the security industry. SERIS does not limit itself to providing security services; we actively take responsibility for the future of the sector.
As a board member of the Dutch Security Industry Association, chair of the Private Security Social Fund (SFPB), and a member of the negotiating delegation for the Private Security Collective Bargaining Agreement, SERIS is at the table where decisions affecting the entire industry are made.
Why is that important? Because collective bargaining negotiations involve agreements on salaries, allowances, working hours, and contract changes. These agreements determine not only the terms of employment for thousands of security guards, but also the continuity and quality of service provided to clients. The social fund supports this process through initiatives focused on working conditions, sustainable employability, and training.
For us, this isn’t a platform to promote SERIS, but a place to share the real-world experiences of security guards and clients. We know what it’s like to work at night, how competitive bidding drives down rates, and how tight the labor market is. That’s precisely why we believe we have a duty to join the conversation about fair rules of the game.
By actively participating in these consultations, we ensure that the voice of those on the front lines is heard. The result? Clear agreements, better working conditions, and a stable industry where clients can rely on continuity and security guards can count on a healthy work environment.
Certifications demonstrate quality and build trust in security
In addition to collective bargaining agreements and the social fund, quality certifications play a crucial role in demonstrating quality and reliability within the security industry. Clients often find it difficult to distinguish between different providers. A quality certification provides clarity: it shows that a security company meets strict requirements regarding laws and regulations, compliance with the collective bargaining agreement, and financial stability.
The Security Quality Mark of the Dutch Security Industry is the leading quality certification for security companies. At SERIS, we take this responsibility seriously. Our HSE manager, Fred Byrman, represents SERIS on committees dealing with the Security Quality Mark and the new Socially Responsible Security Quality Mark. The latter quality mark goes beyond mere security: it emphasizes social responsibility, such as concern for people, the environment, and good governance.
Why do we do this? Because certification marks aren’t just marketing labels. They are a tool for professionalizing the industry and providing clients with certainty. By actively contributing our input to these committees, we ensure that standards are clear, fair, and practical to implement. For clients, this means transparency about what they can expect from a certified provider. For security personnel, it offers certainty regarding working conditions, safety, and compliance with agreements.
Through our commitment, we contribute to an industry where quality is not just a promise, but a proven standard. This benefits clients, security guards, and the reputation of the entire industry.
Better scheduling policies for healthy teams and continuity in security
Everyone in the security industry knows this: the text of a collective bargaining agreement is one thing, but how schedules are actually created determines the day-to-day reality of security guards. Hours, shifts, commute time, nights, and weekends—it all comes together in a schedule. A poorly designed schedule can lead to fatigue, stress, and absenteeism. A well-designed schedule ensures balance, health, and continuity.
At SERIS, we take this challenge seriously. That is why one of our schedulers is a member of the national scheduling working group. In this working group, we collaborate with other stakeholders to develop guidelines and best practices aimed at improving schedules across the entire industry: making them healthier, fairer, more in line with the collective bargaining agreement, and practical for clients who require 24/7 security.
This is no easy task. On the one hand, there is the need for predictability and stability for security guards; on the other hand, there is the reality of tenders, shifting shifts, and unexpected events. By drawing on our practical experience from the planning floor, we ensure that our solutions are not only theoretical but also feasible.
The goal is clear: better scheduling policies for the entire sector. If we succeed, it will benefit not only our own colleagues and clients, but also all security guards and clients throughout the Netherlands. Healthier schedules mean less absenteeism due to illness, greater job satisfaction, and a higher quality of service.
International Engagement: A Unified Vision for a Strong European Security Industry
SERIS operates not only in the Netherlands but is also part of the international SERIS Group, a leading player in countries such as Belgium, France, and Poland. In Belgium, after more than a century, SERIS has grown to become one of the country’s largest security companies. This international presence gives us a unique advantage: we can combine knowledge and experience from different markets to strengthen the industry.
SERIS takes the same approach in every country: active participation in industry associations and consultative bodies. We see it as our responsibility to contribute to the professionalization of the private security sector in Europe. This means contributing ideas on topics such as the labor market, training, integrity, cooperation with government agencies, and technological innovation.
This international collaboration fosters valuable exchange. What we learn in the Netherlands about collective bargaining agreements, quality labels, and scheduling policies, we share abroad. Conversely, we bring insights from Belgium, France, and Poland back to the Netherlands. Think of topics such as social dialogue, sustainable employability, and innovative forms of collaboration.
The result? A sector that is becoming stronger and more professional not only locally but also internationally. For clients, this means they can count on a partner who not only understands the Dutch market but also leverages international trends and best practices to ensure continuity and quality.
Why our commitment matters to both clients and security guards
At first glance, board positions, funds, certification committees, and working groups may seem far removed from day-to-day security operations at your facility. But the decisions made there have a significant impact on the state of the industry—and, consequently, on your experience as a client or security professional.
A well-negotiated collective bargaining agreement and an active social fund ensure clear, fair agreements and greater focus on training and sustainable employability. Strong, well-designed certification standards help clients choose reliable partners and raise the bar for everyone. Improved scheduling guidelines contribute to healthier employees, reduced absenteeism, and greater continuity in the workplace.
For clients, this means: less risk, greater certainty, and a partner who works with you to ensure quality and continuity. For security guards, it means: a healthy work environment, fair employment conditions, and opportunities for professional growth.
SERIS, as a company, naturally benefits from this as well. But we believe it is more important that the entire security industry benefits from it. After all, an industry with decent working conditions, clear quality standards, and professional guidelines is ultimately in everyone’s best interest: from security guards on the street, to organizations that purchase security services, and to the society that relies on that security.
For us, industry engagement isn’t just a side issue—it’s a way of taking responsibility. We earn our living in this industry, so we believe we have a duty to help shape its future—both in the Netherlands and beyond.
Choose a partner who looks beyond security alone
Are you looking for a security partner who thinks along with you, takes responsibility, and guarantees quality? A partner who doesn’t just react, but proactively contributes to solutions for your organization?
Contact us today. Discover how we can help your organization with reliable security services and a vision that goes beyond the standard. Experience the difference of a partner that raises the bar.
