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Top-up training consultation results issued by the Security Industry Authority

25 January 2021

AHEAD OF the Security Industry Authority (SIA) introducing new licence-linked qualifications in April next year, the regulator held a consultation process back in September. The results of this exercise have now been made public.

The private security industry is increasingly recognised as providing an important role in the protection of the public. This recognition brings scrutiny, and it’s arguably now more important than ever that the industry both maintains and improves its standards going forward.

The new licence-linked qualifications reflect what the SIA has learned from the recent consultation as well as extensive research and stakeholder engagement. The former took into account the views of approximately 6,000 respondents, while also including the views of front line staff and security businesses to better understand working practices, environments and emerging technology.

Further, there has been input from the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure to develop counter-terrorism training. Also, advice has been forthcoming from experts in specialist areas like physical intervention and there have been recommendations made subsequent to coroners’ inquests in the wake of deaths involving security operatives.

Top-up training

The private security industry currently has no requirements for refresher training in areas critical to keeping the public safe. As stated, back in September the SIA ran a public consultation on top-up training for licensed door supervisors and security officers which showed widespread support for the additional training requirement.

The top-up training will encompass critical safety elements of the new content that the SIA is introducing to licence-linked qualifications next April.

The SIA has now developed top-up training for current door supervisor and security officer licence holders. This is to make sure that they have the same basic skills and knowledge in place as new licence holders who’ll be looking to gain the updated qualifications.

Individuals who replied to the SIA’s consultation acknowledged that skills can fade over time. Respondents recognised that refreshing and updating skills will help to ensure a safe working environment for staff and customers.

From October 2021, door supervisors and security officers will need to complete top-up training before they renew their licence.

Reflecting current risk landscape

Tony Holyland, the SIA’s head of individual standards, explained: “The importance of the private security industry in protecting the public is being increasingly recognised. We have updated our qualifications to reflect the current risks that an operative may encounter in their work. It’s important that all operatives have the knowledge and skills necessary to deal with common risks in safety-critical areas. By introducing top-up training, we’ll be bringing the skills of existing licence holders up-to-date.”

Holyland concluded: “We’re pleased that respondents to our consultation agreed that top-up training is a positive way of improving standards and professionalism within the industry. A key element of our role as the regulator is to work with the industry to raise standards in private security. The new requirements will help to achieve this aim.”

*Read the results from the SIA’s consultation in full

**For more information on the new licence-linked qualifications visit this website

 
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