The Role of the NPSA in Setting Security Standards

The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) is the UK’s National Technical Authority for physical and personnel protective security. It is part of the Security Service (MI5) and its mission is to “Building resilience to national security threats,” according to the NPSA. NPSA provides advice and guidance to help businesses and organisations protect themselves from various national security threats. Their work shapes the way security specialist design systems that keep people and infrastructure safe.

At Premier Security Ballistic & Blast Ltd, we design and manufacture products to meet and exceed these exacting standards. From blast-resistant doors and ballistic windows to hostile vehicle mitigation systems, our solutions are built with NPSA principles at their core. 

Below, we’ll explore some of the key NPSA resources and why they matter for residential, retail, and commercial security. 

Protecting Your Home 

The NPSA offers detailed guidance on personal safety and residential security, helping individuals and families take proactive steps to safeguard their properties. Their Protect Your Home resource covers everything from situational awareness to physical measures that deter and delay intruders. 

For us, this framework reinforces the importance of high-security glazing and LPS 1175-rated doors and windows for homeowners. Many people assume that enhanced protection is only for commercial or government buildings, but in reality, residential environments face growing threats and NPSA guidance ensures the right defences are in place. 

Blast Protection for Buildings 

In a world where terrorist threats remain a concern, blast resistance is no longer optional for many organisations. The NPSA’s blast protection guidance sets clear standards for materials, design, and testing. 

Our own blast-resistant doors, windows, and curtain walling systems are tested to meet or exceed these requirements, protecting not just buildings but also the people inside them. By aligning our testing processes with NPSA frameworks, clients can be confident that their investment offers real-world protection.

Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) 

One of the NPSA’s most significant areas of work is Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM). This guidance focuses on preventing or mitigating vehicle-based attacks, which have become a common threat in recent years. 

Premier is proud to have developed the world’s first HVM-tested glass curtain walling system, which successfully withstood a 7.2-tonne truck impact at 64 km/h. This breakthrough was guided by the principles set out by the NPSA, demonstrating that design-led security can both protect and inspire confidence. 

Perimeters, Checkpoints & Access Control 

The NPSA also provides advice on perimeter protection, checkpoints, and surveillance systems (see guidance). These are critical for government buildings, airports, retail hubs, and anywhere that requires controlled entry points. 

For Premier, this directly relates to our security doors, interlocking entrance systems, and retail protection solutions. By combining access control technology with physical barriers tested to LPS 1175 standards, we help businesses create secure yet welcoming spaces that meet NPSA best practices. 

Why the NPSA Matters 

The NPSA doesn’t just provide theory, they set the standards that shape real-world security. By referencing their guidance, we ensure our products are not only strong in testing environments but also trusted in the field. Whether it’s blast protection, ballistic glazing, hostile vehicle mitigation, or perimeter security, the link between NPSA expertise and Premier’s product innovation is clear. 

If you’d like to understand how NPSA-backed standards can protect your property or project, get in touch with us today. Our team will guide you through the options, from residential security windows to fully engineered retail and commercial solutions.