CCTV Management and Operation - BS 7958:2015

BS 7958:2015 provides a recognised framework for the professional management and operation of closed circuit television systems within controlled environments.

It applies where video and associated information that may later be used as evidence are received, monitored, stored, reviewed or analysed.

The standard is particularly relevant to CCTV schemes monitoring:

• Town centres and public spaces
• Shopping centres and retail environments
• Public transport and transport facilities
• Hospitals and other healthcare premises
• Schools and educational establishments
• Sporting and entertainment venues
• Housing estates
• Roads and traffic enforcement
• Privately owned locations accessible to the public
• Private schemes that overlook public areas

Its scope also includes the management and operation of automatic number plate recognition systems, traffic enforcement cameras and body-worn cameras.

Manage surveillance responsibly

CCTV operators may handle sensitive information, monitor members of the public and manage recordings that could later be required as evidence. Effective governance, trained personnel and secure information handling are therefore essential.

BS 7958 covers key areas including:

• Leadership and responsibility for the CCTV scheme
• Clearly defined surveillance purposes and operational requirements
• Control room security and working arrangements
• Recruitment, screening and SIA licensing
• Operator competence, training and supervision
• Documented operating procedures
• Incident recognition and response
• Recording and maintaining occurrence logs
• Privacy and the appropriate use of surveillance
• Access to, viewing and disclosure of recorded material
• Secure storage, retention and disposal of recordings
• Exporting and preserving potential evidence
• Equipment checks and fault reporting
• Audit trails and documented information
• Performance monitoring and continual improvement

Applying the standard helps ensure surveillance is used for clearly defined purposes and that recorded information is handled securely, responsibly and consistently.

Protect information and maintain evidential value

CCTV recordings may be required to support investigations, legal proceedings or incident reviews. Poor handling can compromise the security, integrity or usefulness of that material.

BS 7958 helps organisations establish appropriate controls from the point at which an incident is identified through to the review, export, disclosure, retention or secure disposal of recorded information.

Applying the standard can help your organisation:

• Deliver consistent and professional CCTV operations
• Ensure operators are competent, supported and appropriately licensed
• Strengthen control room procedures and accountability
• Protect privacy and confidential information
• Maintain the integrity and security of recorded material
• Improve incident recognition, escalation and reporting
• Establish clear controls for accessing and disclosing recordings
• Maintain reliable records and audit trails
• Support the appropriate use of recordings as evidence
• Meet customer, contractual and tender requirements
• Build confidence among customers, purchasers and specifiers
• Identify opportunities for continual improvement

CCTV, ANPR and body-worn video

BS 7958 includes the management and operation of ANPR, traffic enforcement cameras and body-worn cameras within its scope.

Organisations deploying and using body-worn video should also consider BS 8593:2025, which provides more specific recommendations for the technical and operational deployment and use of body-worn video systems.

Certification alongside BS 10800

BS 7958 is normally assessed alongside BS 10800, the overarching standard for the provision of security services.

BS 10800 considers the wider management of your organisation, while BS 7958 focuses on the responsible management and operation of CCTV services.

Together, they provide independent assurance that both your organisational arrangements and surveillance operations have been assessed against recognised industry standards.

Applicable requirements relating to SIA licensing, the UK General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation must also be met.

Independent certification from SSAIB

SSAIB certification provides independent assurance that your organisation has appropriate management systems, competent personnel and effective controls for operating CCTV schemes and protecting recorded information.

Achieving certification demonstrates your commitment to professional surveillance, responsible information handling and the consistent delivery of CCTV management and operational services.