What Is Secured by Design?
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative owned and operated by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives Ltd. It was established in 1989 to encourage the building industry to adopt crime prevention measures in the design and construction of residential and commercial properties.
When a product carries the Secured by Design mark, it means it has been independently tested and assessed to meet specific security standards set by UK police. It is not a commercial label or a marketing badge — it is a nationally recognised accreditation backed by decades of crime prevention research.
For homeowners, choosing Secured by Design doors means selecting a product that has been vetted by the people who understand burglary best: the police themselves.
How Does a Door Achieve Secured by Design Accreditation?
Not every door qualifies. To earn Secured by Design accreditation, a door must meet a series of rigorous requirements:
Independent Testing
The door must be tested by an independent, UKAS-accredited laboratory against recognised security standards. For entrance doors, this typically means testing to BS EN 1627:2011 (resistance classes) or PAS 24:2022 (enhanced security performance for doorsets).
Whole-Product Assessment
Secured by Design does not assess the door leaf in isolation. The entire doorset is evaluated — the frame, locking system, hinges, glazing, letter plates and any other hardware. Every component must contribute to the overall security performance.
Manufacturing Audit
The manufacturer must demonstrate consistent quality through auditable manufacturing processes. This is where certifications such as ISO 9001 become relevant — they provide independent verification that the manufacturer operates robust quality management systems.
Ongoing Compliance
Accreditation is not a one-off achievement. Secured by Design regularly reviews and re-assesses products to ensure continued compliance. Manufacturers must maintain their testing, quality standards and production consistency to retain the mark.
Why Secured by Design Doors Matter for Your Home
Police-Backed Crime Prevention
Research conducted by the Design and Technology Alliance Against Crime found that developments built to Secured by Design standards experience up to 75% less burglary than those that are not. Secured by Design front doors are a central part of this approach.
Insurance Recognition
Many UK insurance providers recognise Secured by Design accreditation as evidence of enhanced security. Some policies offer reduced premiums for homes fitted with Secured by Design approved products. It is worth checking with your insurer, as the accreditation can provide tangible financial benefits alongside the security advantages.
Building Regulations and Planning
Approved Document Q of the Building Regulations for England requires that all new dwellings have secure doorsets and windows. Secured by Design front doors meet and exceed these requirements, simplifying compliance for new builds, extensions and major renovations.
Resale Value
Security is consistently among the top priorities for UK homebuyers. A property fitted with Secured by Design accredited entrance doors can be a strong selling point, demonstrating that the home has been designed with security as a priority.
Secured by Design and Security Ratings: What Is the Difference?
It is common to confuse Secured by Design accreditation with individual security ratings such as SR1, SR2 or SR3. They are related but distinct:
- Security ratings (SR1 to SR6 under BS EN 1627:2011) define the level of attack resistance a door can withstand. SR3 is the highest rating commercially available for residential doors.
- Secured by Design is the broader accreditation that confirms the product has been independently tested, the manufacturer is audited, and the entire doorset meets police-approved security standards.
A door can hold an SR3 security rating without being Secured by Design accredited, and some Secured by Design doors may be rated at lower security classes. The strongest combination is a door that holds both — an SR3 security rating and Secured by Design accreditation.
What to Look for When Choosing Secured by Design Doors
When shopping for Secured by Design front doors, keep these points in mind:
- Check the SBD member list — Secured by Design maintains a public directory of accredited products and manufacturers. Verify that your chosen door and manufacturer appear on the official list.
- Ask for the full doorset specification — accreditation covers the complete doorset, not just the door leaf. Ensure the frame, locks, hinges and glazing are all part of the tested and approved configuration.
- Look for complementary certifications — the best manufacturers back up their Secured by Design accreditation with additional credentials such as SR3 security testing, ISO 9001 quality management and fire rating certifications.
- Request test certificates — a reputable manufacturer will readily provide copies of independent test reports and accreditation certificates.
The SteelR Approach to Secured by Design
Every SteelR steel entrance door is Secured by Design accredited, SR3 security rated and manufactured under ISO 9001 certified quality management. This triple credential means that every door we produce has been independently tested to the highest residential security standard, approved by UK police and manufactured under a rigorous quality system.
We believe that security should never be an optional extra or an upgrade. It is built into every door from the outset — from the fire-rated steel construction and multi-point locking systems to the reinforced frames and security-rated glazing.
If you are looking for Secured by Design doors that combine the highest security standards with complete design freedom, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your project. Contact SteelR to start your bespoke door consultation.
