SECURITY OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SOMS) BASED ON ISO-18788-LEAD-AUDITOR
Mastering the Audit of Security Operations to Ensure Compliance, Accountability, and Human Rights Integration
Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
|---|---|---|
| 19 – 23 Apr 2026 | Manama, Bahrain | USD 3495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
ISO 18788 sets out a framework for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving the management of security operations. It is vital for private security companies, government contractors, and organizations with outsourced or in-house security services to ensure accountability, risk management, and human rights compliance.
This advanced-level course prepares professionals to conduct, lead, and report audits of Security Operations Management Systems (SOMS) based on ISO 18788. It covers the full auditing lifecycle in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 17021, and integrates essential topics such as stakeholder engagement, legal frameworks, and use of force.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand the purpose, structure, and requirements of ISO 18788
• Plan, perform, and lead audits of SOMS in accordance with ISO 19011
• Evaluate the effectiveness of risk management and duty of care within security operations
• Assess compliance with international laws, client requirements, and human rights standards
• Document findings, develop audit reports, and follow up on corrective actions
Key Benefits of Attending
• Gain international recognition as a qualified lead auditor for ISO 18788
• Ensure transparency and accountability in security service delivery
• Enhance your ability to detect nonconformities and recommend improvements
• Support clients or employers in achieving ISO 18788 certification
• Understand the intersection between security management and human rights obligations
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
• Lead and internal auditors in security organizations
• Security operations managers and compliance officers
• Private security contractors and consultants
• Risk and governance professionals in high-risk environments
• Those pursuing lead auditor certification for ISO 18788
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
• Interpretation and application of ISO 18788 clauses
• Auditing in complex, high-risk operational contexts
• Evaluation of legal, ethical, and operational compliance
• Leadership and communication during audit missions
• Corrective action planning and report writing
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
• Improved SOMS compliance with ISO 18788 and ISO 9001 standards
• Stronger internal audit capability for continuous improvement
• Support for tender qualifications requiring certified audits
• Assurance to clients and regulators of professional conduct and risk control
• Reduction in liability related to misconduct, human rights violations, or governance failures
Instructional Methdology
The course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with practice:
• Strategy Briefings – ISO 18788 structure, audit principles, and compliance criteria
• Case Studies – Real-world audits of private security operations
• Workshops – Audit planning, evidence collection, nonconformity writing
• Peer Exchange – Discussions on audit challenges in security-sensitive contexts
• Tools – Audit checklists, report templates, corrective action logs
Course Outline
Training Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Buffet: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Overview of ISO 18788 and SOMS Framework
- Module 1: Introduction to Security Operations Management (07:30 – 09:30)
• Scope, principles, and objectives of ISO 18788 - Module 2: Legal and Ethical Obligations (09:45 – 11:15)
• International law, rules on use of force, human rights integration - Module 3: Clause-by-Clause Analysis of ISO 18788 (11:30 – 01:00)
• Context, leadership, planning, and operational controls - Module 4: Workshop – Mapping SOMS Requirements (02:00 – 03:30)
• Identify key compliance areas for audit focus
Day 2: Auditing Principles and Techniques
- Module 1: Audit Fundamentals Based on ISO 19011 (07:30 – 09:30)
• Auditor roles, principles, and responsibilities - Module 2: Risk-Based Audit Planning (09:45 – 11:15)
• Prioritizing processes, locations, and audit resources - Module 3: Gathering Evidence and Interviewing (11:30 – 01:00)
• Observation, documentation review, stakeholder interviews - Module 4: Workshop – Drafting an Audit Plan (02:00 – 03:30)
• Prepare an audit program for a security provider
Day 3: Conducting the SOMS Audit
- Module 1: Performing the Audit (07:30 – 09:30)
• Fieldwork activities, process auditing, dealing with challenges - Module 2: Identifying and Categorizing Findings (09:45 – 11:15)
• Nonconformities, observations, best practices - Module 3: Use of Checklists and Scoring Tools (11:30 – 01:00)
• Rating system, evidence validation - Module 4: Workshop – Conduct an Audit Simulation (02:00 – 03:30)
• Practice interviewing and note-taking in an audit role-play
Day 4: Audit Reporting and Corrective Action
- Module 1: Writing the Audit Report (07:30 – 09:30)
• Structure, tone, and content of audit deliverables - Module 2: Corrective Action Planning (09:45 – 11:15)
• Root cause analysis, CAPA development - Module 3: Surveillance and Follow-Up Audits (11:30 – 01:00)
• Continual improvement, repeat findings, verification - Module 4: Workshop – Develop a Corrective Action Register (02:00 – 03:30)
• Link findings to actions and deadlines
Day 5: Case Study, Review, and Certification
- Module 1: Final Case Study – Lead a Full SOMS Audit (07:30 – 09:30)
• Group project simulating a full audit cycle - Module 2: Role-Playing Audit Closing Meeting (09:45 – 11:15)
• Presentation of findings and stakeholder Q&A - Module 3: Lessons Learned and Final Evaluation (11:30 – 01:00)
• Group reflection and feedback - Module 4: Wrap-Up and Certification (02:00 – 03:30)
• Course summary and certificate distribution
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Security Operations Management System (SOMS) Lead Auditor Based on ISO 18788, certifying their ability to lead professional audits of security operations in accordance with ISO 18788 and ISO 19011 standards.