
![]() |
Brian Sims
Editor |
Calls for clarity after SIA cancels training reforms
09 March 2020
Get Licensed, the UK platform for licence-linked courses, is calling for greater clarity from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) after a major reform of its training qualifications was shelved days before its introduction.
The security industry regulator had previously announced it was expanding the training course - part of the licensing requirements for door supervisors – this month from four to six days.
According to Get Licensed, several training providers were left out of pocket following the abrupt change of plan, having anticipated course content and booked training venues.
Get Licensed says that it supports the changes to the training requirements but says the SIA must keep the security industry more closely informed.
It is understood the SIA may have acted following feedback that the increased cost of extending the training could deter potential candidates from entering the industry.
Get Licensed has already appealed to private security companies to raise the minimum hourly rate for door staff to reflect the high levels of responsibility, knowledge and skills required by a private security industry, which is worth £8 billion per year.
As well as door supervisors, the current course also qualifies people to work in a variety of SIA-approved roles, including retail, corporate and event security.
The SIA announced on its website that it will continue its review of industry skills but, to allow “all parties sufficient time to prepare for the changes”, it now expects to launch the new qualifications in the autumn.
It adds that any qualifications awarded before the new autumn date will still be accepted for new licence applications and renewals.
Industry expert Anthony Milner, of Get Licensed, said: “Training providers broadly welcome the prospect of a more comprehensive training course which adds to the skill set and raises professional standards even further.
“Much time and effort has gone into preparing for the introduction of the new requirements and I would appeal to the SIA to keep the industry closely informed so it is able to ensure this qualification is a success.”
He also called upon the body to consider introducing brand new licences for security-related roles such as dog handling and private investigators.
- Third issue of SSAIB’s The Standard released
- ASFP launches Professional Indemnity Insurance Cover Scheme
- Government issues update on signatories for developer remediation contract
- Fire and Rescue Services mark Firefighters Memorial Day 2022
- Senior firefighter pleads with Scots
- Timeline needed for mandatory electrical safety checks
- BSIA's 2020 British Security Awards set to run in online format
- Holograms: Driving Brand Protection in the Digital Age
- Huawei to be removed from UK 5G networks by 2027 due to security fears
- New general secretary on board at IHMA as organisation eyes expansion
- Concern as police force numbers keep falling
- From the editor
- Blog for FSM website
- Out of the gates
- Entries now open for the Safety and Health Excellence Awards
- Doorman in dock for using forged licence for five years
- BSIA calls for urgent clarity over regulatory regime
- Feeling secure - October 2017
- Disqualified director continued to offer security contracts
- Unlicensed security firm boss jailed for 32 months