SIA launches qualification consultation

This new consultation will run until 11 February 2019 and you can have your say on the draft specifications for the licence-linked qualifications by visiting the consultation website.  

Following an initial consultation last year the organisation has been working closely with expert working groups to inform the content of these draft specifications. These panels were made up of private security industry representatives and subject matter experts. The new draft specifications include their suggestions, as well as findings from extensive research that we conducted in October 2018 in order to understand the current and future skills needs of the private security industry in the UK. 

The development of these specifications is a key milestone in our Private Security Skills & Qualifications Review. This new consultation is an essential element. In addition to requests for comment on the specifications we are also seeking views on the following important areas:

• Is the proposed content fit-for-purpose?
• Does the new content represent an unreasonable burden on individuals and businesses seeking to enter the industry?
• Should the additional content relating to the door supervisor role be included in the close protection specification to facilitate the current licence integration arrangement? Or should licence integration end, so that close protection licence holders can only work in close protection roles?
• Should there be compulsory physical intervention training for the security guard and close protection roles? 

Head of quality and standards at SIA says, "We have gone to great lengths to ensure that the next generation of qualifications are fit-for-purpose. This is the latest stage in a robust development and consultation process. The initial consultation attracted more than 840 responses, and this brand new consultation will be equally meaningful. This is the last chance for the public to have its say and help us to get the specifications right. We all now have an opportunity to shape the future of the licence-linked qualifications and ensure they are relevant for the security industry in the years ahead.”

He added, “As always it is essential that as many people as possible give their views on this new consultation. Employers and prospective operatives spend a considerable sum of money each year on these qualifications, and they need to be fit for purpose. The SIA can only achieve this with the help of the private security industry.”  

Once the consultation closes then the feedback will be reviewed to develop the final versions of the specifications. These final versions will appear on our website by the early autumn. The specifications will then be used by the awarding organisations to develop the licence-linked qualifications.