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Global Interagency Security Forum

Formerly EISF
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Glossary English

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) developed this Glossary to facilitate a common understanding of terms frequently used in security risk management.

The terms and definitions have been drawn from a range of trusted resources, including GISF’s own publications. They have also been informed by a working group of GISF members.

The GISF Glossary is available in four languages: English, French, Spanish and Arabic. The site has been designed to enable easy navigation between terms in each language, supporting more consistent and accurate communication across language barriers.

The GISF Glossary is reviewed and updated regularly, to reflect new terms and changing definitions within the security risk management sector. If you have a term you would like to add to the Glossary or a suggested amendment, please contact us through our feedback form.

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P

partnership

Any formalised (contractual) relationship between two or more organisations. Partnerships can vary in form, length, scope, and degree of collaboration, and are often between international and local/national partners in the humanitarian sector. It is important to note that the term may sometimes be loosely used to describe a non-contractual relationship for civil society work, e.g. campaigns and advocacy.
Source: Partnerships and Security Risk Management: a joint action guide for local and international aid organisations, GISF
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personal protective equipment (PPE)

Equipment used to prevent or minimise exposure to threats and hazards. PPE is commonly associated with ballistic protection such as body armour or helmets. It can also refer to equipment to protect against many other threats/hazards e.g. biological or chemical hazards.
Source: World Health Organization
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personnel

Staff, volunteers, and any other individuals (including consultants, partners, visitors, etc) who fall under the organisation’s legal and moral responsibility. There is a contractual relationship, remunerated or not, between an organisation and its personnel, which results in duty of care obligations to those individuals.
Source: Security Incident Information Management (SIIM) Handbook, GISF
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piracy

Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and other valuable goods.
Related terms: theft
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private military companies (PMCs)

Private business entities that provide military and/or security services and have access to greater military recourses than private security providers (PSPs). Their services include conducting both offensive, and defensive operations.
Related terms: private security contracting , private security providers (PSPs)
Source: International Committee of the Red Cross
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private security providers (PSPs)

Any company whose business activities include the provision of security services either on its own behalf or on behalf of another, irrespective of how such company describes itself. Alternative terms include private security companies (PSCs) or private security contractors. Security services include armed guarding and protection of persons and objects, such as convoys, buildings and other places; maintenance and operation of weapons systems; prisoner detention; and advice to or training of local forces and security personnel.
Related terms: private military companies (PMCs) , private security contracting
Source: Private security contracting in the humanitarian sector: time to take responsibility, GISF
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programme criticality

A framework used for decision-making on acceptable risk, that ensures that the impact and needs of programmes and activities are balanced with the security risks. Programme criticality is assessed on four levels, with PC4 equating to a low level of acceptable risk and PC1 at a very high level of acceptable risk.
Related terms: risk acceptance , risk attitude , risk level
Source: United Nations Programme Criticality
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proof of life (PoL)

Information that confirms a hostage is alive at a given time and serves also to verify the authenticity of hostage-takers or communication channels. Proof of life may involve recorded statements or answers to specific pre-identified questions that help verify that the hostage was alive at time that response was obtained.
Related terms: abduction , hostage , kidnapping , proof of possession (PoP)
Source: Abduction and Kidnap Risk Management Guide, GISF
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protection strategy

A security approach that seeks to reduce staff exposure to certain threats through the implementation of security mechanisms and procedures. It includes security procedures and plans as well as physical security measures, communication equipment, having reliable vehicles, building perimeter walls and setting up alarm systems, safe rooms, and emergency supplies. Protection approaches also involve security briefings and training, and different modes of operation such as low visibility, remote management and collaborating with other organisations on security initiatives.
Related terms: acceptance strategy , deterrence strategy
Source: Security to go: a risk management toolkit for humanitarian aid agencies, GISF
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protocols

A set of specific and comprehensive procedures developed by an organisation to explain the correct conduct or approaches to be followed in specific situations. These are typically drawn from the security risk management process.
Related terms: control
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psychological first aid (PFA)

A set of skills and knowledge that can be used to assist people who are in distress, to help them to feel calm and able to cope in a difficult situation. PFA involves paying attention to their reactions, active listening, giving practical help, and supporting them to obtain additional assistance.
Related terms: first aid , aftercare
Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
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