The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has launched a consultation on what the next generation of compulsory qualifications for badged staff in the private security industry should contain. The consultation runs for four weeks until Monday, February 11.
To have a say on the draft specifications for the licence-linked qualifications, visit the consultation website.
After an initial consultation last year the SIA has been working with working groups on 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, besides findings from research by the SIA in October 2018 to understand the current and future skills needs of UK private security. Details of this consultation are available via the SIA website.
The regulator says these specifications is a key milestone in the SIA’s Private Security Skills and Qualifications Review. The SIA is also seeking views on:
– 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?
Tony Holyland, SIA Head of Quality and Standards, 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.”
“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.”
This new consultation is structured around the SIA’s six licensable sectors that require a qualification. These are backed by nine sets of skills specifications, which are included in the consultation. The six licensable sectors that require qualifications are:
Cash and Valuables in Transit (CVIT)
Close Protection
Door Supervision
Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)
Security Guarding
Vehicle Immobiliser (Northern Ireland)
You can view the current table of specifications on the SIA website. Once the consultation closes, the feedback will be reviewed to develop the final versions of the specifications. These final versions will appear on the SIA website by the early autumn. The specifications will then be used by the awarding organisations to develop the licence-linked qualifications.
There are a total of seven licensable activities. Key-holding does not require an individual to have a qualification.
