Industry Qualifications, the exam awarding body, has accredited the IQ Level 2 Industry Award in Healthcare Security (Top Up). The ‘Top Up’ qualification is the first of three that will together create a new training standard for healthcare security officers and it is claimed answer the need for nationally approved training specific to the hospital security role.
The ‘Top Up’ programme has been designed to avoid costly overlap of training, offering those who are already SIA qualified to ‘up-skill’ to the new training standard without having to do the ‘Full’ course.
The ‘Full’ programme for healthcare security officers will incorporate the ‘Top Up’ training and also meet the criteria set by the SIA for guarding and door supervision badge training, bringing it in-line with occupational standards.
The ‘Full’ programme includes optional training in protective breakaway skills, physical intervention skills (holding, escorting and disengagement) and physical restraint (on a bed, a trolley and on the floor). The physical intervention training will equip healthcare security officers with the practical skills to carry out Criminal Justice and Immigration Act (CJIA) role responsibilities and so they use those powers under the Act properly.
The new qualification is endorsed by the National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS). NAHS Chairman Peter Finch, welcoming the qualification, said: “We are delighted to have been involved with the development of this training package. Our security officers are our 24/7 eyes and ears on the ground and it is essential that they are appropriately trained to protect our facilities and staff from terrorism and other crime. This qualification will go some way towards achieving that aim.”
Richard Hampton of NHS Protect added:“The scope of the new ‘Top Up’ programme highlights the knowledge and professional capabilities currently required of Healthcare Security Officers. I hope the training contributes to making their work safer.”
Programme creator, Jim O’Dwyer of AEGIS said: “The new ‘Top Up’ training comprehensively reflects the complexity and diversity of a Healthcare Security Officer role and the broad range of security tasks, duties and responsibilities it entails. I am very grateful to all the NAHS officials who contributed and I’m looking forward to the ‘roll out’ of the Full programme.”
And at IQ, Head of Business Development of Industry Qualifications, Sallyann Baldry said: “The introduction of qualifications to improve standards, with a real focus on patient-centered practice which will reduce the risk of assault for those working in healthcare is to be welcomed.
“There is an ever increasing need to recognise the skills and knowledge of professionals working within the healthcare community, which often goes unrewarded and IQ is delighted to be at the forefront of supporting the continuing professional development needs of over 15,000 security personnel in healthcare settings from acute, mental and general hospitals to nursing, residential and day care establishments.”
