SIA outlines changes to training necessary for obtaining front line licence cards

On 1 April 2021, the SIA will introduce updated qualifications for all sectors except close protection. From that date, individuals must hold a First Aid qualification before they can undergo the training required for a door supervisor or security officer licence.

Then, on 1 October, the regulator will introduce updated close protection qualifications. As of that date, individuals must have one of the new qualifications or take top-up training before they can apply for a door supervisor and/or a security officer licence. This encompasses those looking towards a licence renewal.

The SIA is making these changes as it needs to make sure that people working in the private security industry can keep the public safe, follow new working practices, understand recent changes to the law and make the best use of new technology available in the sector.

First Aid training

The regulator already expects applicants for a close protection licence to complete a First Aid qualification before taking their licence-linked training.

From 1 April this year, all applicants for a door supervisor or security officer licence will be expected to do the same.

Individuals will need to do this if either of the following apply: they’re applying for a licence for the first time or it has been longer than three years since the individual involved last held a licence for that activity.

From 1 October, individuals will also need to do this if they’re renewing their licence. The qualification must be an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent. The SIA will accept other qualifications that comply with the relevant guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. Some examples here are First Aid at Work, First Person on Scene and First Response Emergency Care. Training providers will have more detail on this area.

Top-up training

From 1 October, individuals must have one of the following before they can apply for a door supervisor or a security office licence: one of the new qualifications introduced on 1 April or one of the older licence-linked qualifications as well as a ‘top-up’ qualification. This applies to any applications submitted on or after 1 October (including renewals).

If an application is submitted before this date, the individual involved will not need to undertake additional training.

Other changes

The SIA has moved training that’s critical for all sectors to the ‘common unit’ (ie the one taken by all security operatives). This includes new training on terror threat awareness and dealing with emergencies.

In addition, the SIA has introduced new sector-specific content. For example, the close protection course now includes new material on physical intervention, while the door supervision course includes new material on the use of equipment such as body-worn video recorders and breathalysers.

Further, the Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) course includes new material on CCTV operational procedures and the law. For its part, the security guarding course includes new material covering personal safety.

The SIA has also increased the number of practical elements in the training to help learners reinforce their knowledge. The practical assessments include searching, dealing with conflict, report/statement writing and the use of communications devices.