How it works
How Proctor works.
Proctor rates the security risk management process behind a development and has that rating independently validated. It complements the Security Needs Assessment (SNA), which BREEAM requires during or before Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2) but allows later appointment with caveats and Proctor requires by the end of RIBA Stage 3 at the latest, and continues alongside the wider project through BREEAM's own two-stage certification structure, so the credit position is clear at design stage and confirmed at completion.
The two credits
How the two credits relate.
The standard security credit
Awarded where a site-specific SNA has been carried out by a Suitably Qualified Security Specialist (SQSS) and the recommendations incorporated into the design. Under BREEAM Refurbishment V7 this is Rsl 04 criteria 5 to 7.
The exemplary security credit
Awarded where the security risk management process has been independently validated against a recognised security rating scheme. This is Hea 08 criterion 4 under BREEAM New Construction V7.1 and Rsl 04 criterion 8 under BREEAM Refurbishment V7. BREEAM awards it as an innovation credit, and Proctor is recognised by BRE as a route to it in both manuals.
Both services can come from one security appointment: an SQSS produces the SNA (standard credit), and a separate Proctor Assessor applies the Proctor rating framework to assess the quality of that work. Because achieving the exemplary credit also satisfies the standard security criteria (under Refurbishment V7, adopting a recognised scheme deems Rsl 04 criteria 5 to 7 met, provided the scheme process commences during Concept Design or earlier), the two are earned together from one submission. The Proctor assessment can only be conducted by a licensed Proctor Assessor Organisation, and Toren Consulting Ltd is currently the sole licence holder. During the pilot, Toren Consulting Ltd also writes the SNAs it assesses, so both are delivered through a single appointment.
Read the guide: the BREEAM exemplary security credit, explained →
The process
From assessment to final certificate.
Security Needs Assessment
An SQSS assesses the site-specific security risk and develops proportionate design recommendations. Proctor requires the SNA to be completed no later than RIBA Stage 3; it forms the evidence base for the Proctor assessment.
Design coordination
The SQSS coordinates the security recommendations into the design, typically at two or more design team touchpoints through RIBA Stages 3 and 4. Design team engagement and the incorporation of security measures are documented.
Proctor scoring
At design stage, the SNA and design coordination work are scored against the mandatory criteria that apply at that stage (Context and Threat, Risk Assessment, Security Strategy and Design Integration), plus Innovation where it is claimed. Each score is supported by evidence references.
Design-stage validation
The scored assessment is independently validated. For projects pursuing BREEAM Design Stage Interim certification, a validated interim Proctor Certificate is issued. This confirms the exemplary credit is on track.
Construction assurance
As the works are completed, from RIBA Stage 5 through to practical completion, the SQSS conducts a measure-by-measure implementation review to confirm that the security measures specified at design stage are delivered as intended, and provides a final sign-off. Site attendance is required for the higher implementation scores.
Final validation and certificate
At Shell and Core or Post-Construction stage, the final scores (including the Implementation assessment) are submitted for independent validation and a final Proctor Certificate is issued.
Certification
A two-stage certificate.
Proctor follows BREEAM's own two-stage structure, so the credit position is clear at design stage and confirmed once the building is complete.
Ratings
How ratings work.
Proctor is scored against a set of mandatory criteria covering the security risk assessment, the design response, integration into the project, and implementation. There are no aggregate percentages or points totals. Each criterion is scored on a defined scale, and the rating is set by the weakest mandatory criterion, so security has to be handled well in every area the criteria cover.
Certified
The mandatory criteria are met to a sound standard.
Commended
The criteria are met to a strong standard across the board.
Distinguished
The criteria are met to the highest standard, including demonstrable innovation.
What is required
What the project needs to do.
- Appoint the SQSS early. BREEAM requires the SNA during or before Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2), and a later appointment can still earn the credit where the specialist confirms the delay has ruled nothing out; Proctor's cut-off is the end of RIBA Stage 3.
- Allow the SQSS to coordinate the security recommendations into the design across the relevant stages.
- For the highest ratings, allow site attendance at implementation. Where the implementation review is documentary only, the rating is capped at Certified.
Governance
How the scheme is governed.
Assessments are conducted by licensed Proctor Assessor Organisations. Toren Consulting Ltd is currently the sole licence holder, reflecting the scheme's current stage of development, and the scheme provides for licensing further assessor organisations as it develops. Every rating is validated on the same terms, whichever organisation conducts the assessment.
Scheme Administrator
Proctor is administered by Toren Consulting Ltd, a specialist protective security consultancy working in the architecture, engineering and construction sector. The Scheme Administrator maintains the scheme, sets the criteria, licenses the organisations that conduct assessments, and manages the relationship with the Independent Validator.
Independent validation
Every rating is independently validated before a certificate is issued. The organisation that validates the rating is separate from the one that carries out the assessment, and that separation is the basis of the exemplary credit's independence.
BRE recognition
BRE recognises Proctor as a risk-based security rating scheme and names it as a route to the exemplary security credit in both the BREEAM New Construction V7.1 manual (Hea 08, methodology section M2) and the BREEAM Refurbishment V7 manual (Rsl 04, section M4).
For developers and clients
Common questions.
Proctor begins with the SNA, then runs alongside the wider project and the BREEAM assessment, following BREEAM's two-stage structure, so it fits within your existing programme. The interim certificate is produced at design stage.
For the SNA, the SNA Author needs the project brief, the design information available at the time, and access to the people who understand how the building will be used and secured.
For design coordination and construction assurance, the SQSS needs to be brought into the relevant design team stages and, where you are targeting the higher ratings, given site access during construction.
For the Proctor assessment, the Proctor Assessor needs the SNA and the design and implementation evidence that supports it.
No. Both credits can come from one security appointment, with the same team producing the SNA, the Proctor rating and the coordination with your BREEAM Assessor; the assessment and the rating are always carried out by different individuals, and every rating is independently validated. Toren Consulting Ltd is currently the only consultancy able to offer this, as the scheme's sole licensed Proctor Assessor Organisation, and during the pilot every Proctor assessment is delivered this way.
If you already have a security consultant, they can still provide the SNA for the standard credit. Proctor is in its pilot phase, and during the pilot Toren Consulting Ltd assesses only SNAs it has written itself; SNA Authors from other practices will be trained before their SNAs can be assessed.
When a Proctor Certificate is awarded, both the standard and exemplary security credits are satisfied. Your BREEAM Assessor references the recognised scheme in the BREEAM assessment and uploads the certificate to BRE. The SNA Author and the Proctor Assessor carry out the SNA compliance review, the competency checks, the design integration check and the inspection at completion, and that work is independently validated before the certificate is issued. There is no separate scheme process for your assessor to manage.
Cost depends on the project's scale and stage. Tell us about the project and we will set out a proportionate scope and fee.
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