Content
WSG News
Self-employed ‘to be exempt from health and safety rules’Promise to ‘root out needless bureaucracy’ following Lofstedt Review.
The Training Platform: How To Derive the Most From Training
When it comes to training it’s fair to say that pre-course preparation is nine tenths of the law. Here, Ken Livingstone and Amy Burrell examine the steps involved.
Rogue apps sting smartphone users in premium rate SMS scam
Some unfortunate smart phone users are receiving a nasty surprise when they view their monthly bills, discovering they've run up huge costs for premium rate text messages they didn't actually send. Brian Sims has the detail.
Beware of the enemy within this Christmas.
With Christmas just around the corner, many businesses are now recruiting workers on short-term contracts. Mike Bluestone explains why alll potential employees must be thoroughly checked out to thwart possible terrorist attacks.
Is Security a Forgotten Part of the Economy?
The Government wants to reinvigorate the construction sector by building more houses, but is there likely to be a cost in terms of downgraded security? Alan McInnes offers his considered view on the matter.
Luton security director and manager fined for security offences
The director and operations manager of a Luton-based security firm have been ordered to pay more than £8,400 after pleading guilty to several offences. Brian Sims reports.
Key growth industries seen as ‘boring’ by young people
Energy and environment sectors get thumbs down from schoolchildren.
UK retailers lose £4.9 billion to retail crime and error in 2011
The Centre for Retail Research’s Global Retail Theft Barometer for the last 12 months pinpoints increased losses from UK stores, as Brian Sims reports on the 2011 study produced in tandem with Checkpoint Systems.
Candidates ‘accept job without considering pension’
Employers leave new staff clueless about provision.
WSG Partner A4e in the Work Programme
Prestwick based national training provider, WSG Associates have been successfully selected as a Specialist Intervention Partner for the Work Programme by welfare to work specialists A4e.
SIA Launches Text Message Service for Customers
The Security Industry Authority has today launched a new SMS text message service for licence holders.
Tribunal fees ‘will put off poorer claimants
Employees will be charged at least £1150 for taking any claim to hearing.
Multi-agency licensing enforcement campaign targets Bristol Pubs/Clubs.
A week-long multi-agency enforcement operation targeting regulation compliance across Bristol’s pub and club trade concluded on Friday 23 September. Brian Sims reports on the results.
Rest Breaks for Lone Security Officers
Chief Executive of IPSA Justin Bentley explains a tribunal case that has been ongoing since 2007.
Seven Arrested Over Al-Qaeda Bomb Plot.
COPS probing a suspected al-Qaeda bomb plot have held six men and a woman in raids.
9/11 - the day that changed security (and the world)
The 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre shook America to its core and wrought fundamental change in the world order. Ten years on, Brian Sims considers what security lessons have been learned.
ICO launches A-Z index of data protection guidance
The Information Comissioner's Office has made improvements to its website and has launched an A-Z data protection guidance index which replaces the document library as a resource for organisations on the website.
First Aid Kits at Work
New BS8599 compliant first-aid kits will be introduced from the 31st of December 2011.
100 in 100 campaign: boost for employers as apprenticeships red tape slashed by Government
Having endorsed the 100 in 100 campaign, skills minister John Hayes has announced a package of new measures designed to make it easier for employers wishing to take on large numbers of apprentices. Brian Sims reports.
Urgent shift in government strategy 'needed to boost growth and jobs'
Britain ‘must innovate its way out of jobs stagnation’, says research body
Immigration cap - Employers continue to recruit from abroad
Fresh doubt has been cast on the effectiveness of the government’s immigration cap as CIPD research out this month shows the proportion of employers planning to recruit migrant workers has risen to a new high.
SIA enforcement: now and in the future
Seven years on from the introduction of licensing, and as the commencement of a new regulatory regime approaches, Dave Humphries reviews achievements realised to date in enforcing the law and the outlook for the future.
Firms urged to market apprenticeships to GCSE students
Rising number of programmes for adults but 16-18 age group neglected
Many graduates ‘earn less than school leavers’
One in five in lower paid jobs than those with A-levels
G4S announces half-year financial results for six months to 30 June 2011
G4S, one of the world’s leading international security solutions groups, has this morning announced its half-year results for the six months to 30 June 2011. Brian Sims reviews the key figures.
Dissatisfied staff ‘won’t help themselves by getting qualified’
People recognise importance of study but still won’t do it, survey finds
BSIA: "Security consultancies can help businesses make the right choices"
The BSIA has published a new guide to help businesses understand how security consultancies can play a vital role in helping them make the right choices when it comes to security products and services. Brian Sims reports.
Commitment to Regulation Conference: initial detail announced by the SIA
A second Security Industry Authority Stakeholder Conference for 2011 designed to debate plans for the future regulation of the private security industry will be held in Sheffield during October. Brian Sims reports.
BSIA welcomes revised counter-terror strategy
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has welcomed the Government's publication of a revised version of its counter-terror strategy, also known as CONTEST.
Security Training Centre Approval Withdrawn Following Raid
An east London training centre has had its approval to provide security qualifications withdrawn following a multi-agency investigation.
Home Office: domestic burglaries and violent criminality on the rise in British Crime Survey 2010-2011
New figures from the Home Office show that there has been a 14% rise in domestic burglaries and a 6% increase in violent crime in the past year. Brian Sims examines the top line takeaways from the annual British Crime Survey for 2010-2011.
CIPD revises growth forecasts as unemployment falls
Pay squeeze could be mitigating impact on jobs, says Philpott.
Fire risk assessor and hotel manager jailed for fire safety offences
An external fire risk assessor and a hotel manager have both been jailed for eight months for fire safety offences.
Security Directors Guilty of Failing to Provide Information and Making False Statements
Two security directors were ordered to pay fines and costs of almost £30,000 after pleading guilty to security offences on Monday [20 June].
SIA Carries Out Operation Alexander in Belfast , Lisburn , Southhampton and Nottingham
A wide-scale random enforcement operation on security staff was carried out by SIA investigators on Thursday [09 June].
£20m Training Fund Launched to Boost Small Businesses
Skills Minister John Hayes recently called on senior leaders in SMEs to take advantage of funding that will support leadership and management training to help them grow their businesses.
Unlicensed Company Director and CCTV Operative Found During SIA Visit
A Company Director and CCTV Operative were found without licenses during a SIA visit.
Two Steps Forward , Three Steps Back
Our Senior Associate Stuart Galloway makes an impassioned plea as to why the current mandatory need for knowledge-based training in the security sector has to remain in place, and without compromise.
Precis Holdings Fined After Security Officer Dies of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
A London construction company and a security company manager have been fined after a security officer died from carbon monoxide poisoning while on duty. Brian Sims reports.
The Future of Regulation
A statement from The Chairman of the SIA
Alan and Martin Join WSG
As part our planned expansion
High Compliance Found During Commonwealth Games Site Inspection
But Guard Detected Working With Cloned Licence
Dates for Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) announced
Our next classroom based PTLLS course in Prestwick
Future of Security Regulation Update
An update from Bill Butler, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority.
Four Training Providers Removed and 300 Qualifications Withdrawn Following Multi-agency Operation Targeting Training Malpractice
Four London-based training providers can no longer provide SIA licence-linked training and 300 qualifications have been withdrawn
Scotia Security Pleads Guilty to Supplying Unlicensed Guards
A Peterhead-based security company has been fined
Bringing in the new……………..
Stuart looks forward to a challenging and exciting New Year.
Seeing out the old….....
Stuart Galloway has a casting look over the last twelve months.
Positive Compliance in Scotland
The SIA carried out a four-day operation in Scotland– which began on Wednesday 15 December and ran through until Tuesday 21 December
QCF Support Programme for Independent Training Providers
WSG Associates have been invited by RSM Tenon Education Training and Skills to work as a QCF Lead Practitioner
Security Practitioner Working Together to Achieve
This Thursday is the Annual Security Excellence Awards and as previously reported we are finalists for the Security Training Initiative of the Year 2010.
THE BEGINNING OF THE END...................................
The Beginning of an a new era? That is the question being asked by many security professionals after the government’s announcement that the Security Industry Authority is No Longer an Non Departmental Public Body (NDPB)
E-LEARNING SOLUTIONS FOR SECURITY INDUSTRY LAUNCHED BY WSG
WSG Associates have launched their pilot to introduce e-learning solutions for their customers and learners.
Police chiefs feel there is untapped potential in using private security as a resource
.......but are afraid the private security sector lacks credibility
409 UK Security Companies have increased in value
All too often there are negative reports about the trading of security companies however the latest Plimsoll Industry Analysis on the Security industry indicates
Security Officer 'unlawfully killed shoplifter'
A shoplifter died after he was restrained by a security guard
SIA faces axe??????
The Home Office is preparing to scrap the body which regulates bouncers and other security workers across the UK.
Safer Security Conference
WSG Associates are pleased to have secured an enhanced discount for our customers an learners for the forthcoming Safer Security Conference.
Coming soon...........
A new way of learning
SIA Licences Suspended Over Alleged Training Malpractice
More than 200 licences have been suspended by the SIA following alleged malpractice
WSG Reach Finals
We have been selected as a finalist at the Security Excellence Awards 2010
New Service enters pilot stage
SIA Revise Identity Check list
The SIA have revised their Identity Checklist
WSG Researching
As part of our on going research to meet employer and client needs
WSG have a Facebook
In keeping with WSG Associates wishing to communicate more efficiently
Tribute to Brian Lambie Hamilton
It is with much regret and sadness we report today (3 February 2010) that Brian Lambie Hamilton MBE aged 47 has passed away.
NATIONAL QUALITY MARK EQUALS RECOGNITION FOR WSG
Prestwick based national training provider, WSG Associates has been accredited with the nationally recognised quality mark for organisations which provide support to individuals to make learning and work more accessible – the matrix Standard.
David reaches milestone
David Pritchard one of our Employee Development Advisors has reached his first employment milestone with the business.
New era for the Private Security Industry in Northern Ireland
1 December 2009: Today, compulsory licensing and regulation of the private security industry in Northern Ireland comes into force.
WSG source Funding in LONDON
Through one of our funding partnerships WSG Associates have secured funding for providing Level 2 NVQ in Providing Security Services and NVQ Level 2 in Team Leading .
It's official....... we are QUALITY
After a rigorous assessment process which involved our staff, clients and learners, we achieved the prestigious quality mark of the matrix Standard.
SIA Announce new and upadated Modular Training to be introduced
New licence linked qualifications are to be introduced next year, bringing the training up to date and introducing a modular structure.
Website review by WSG
As part of our ongoing support in providing information, advice and guidance (IAG) to our employers, customers and learners we have revamped our website.
Company Director guilty of SIA Licence Breach
Security company director Mark David Livingston, 47 has been found guilty of working as a security director without holding an SIA licence.
Congratulations to.....
Our Senior Associate, Stuart Galloway who recently graduated with his Professional Certicate in Education (Cert Ed) from Greenwich University.
Security Excellence Awards 2009
This year's Security Excellence Awards proved to be an interesting adn enjoyable one for WSG Associates. Although not nominated for any awards it felt as if we had been as a number of customers were nominated and successfull in winning in their respective categories.
New Course Keyholding and Alarm Response
This two day course is accredited by EDI and is presently the only Awarding Body accredited training course available through our partnership with Surrey Security Training.
Shield win Security Guarding Company of the Year
At the recent Security Excellence Awards in the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London
Profile Gain
National security solutions provider Profile Security Services Limited have appointed WSG Associates as their lead provider for Work Balsed Learning and Vocational qualifications.
Shield for Development
After a succesful pilot of the Level 2 Certificate for Security Practitioners, The Shield Guarding Company and WSG Associates have agreed a training partnership for Vocational Qualifications.
WSG Associates open new Southern Regional Centre
WSG Associates have opened new Southern Regional Centre based in Willesden, London to support our Southern Region. In opening the new centre it now gives WSG two venues in London, Stockwell and Willesden.
The Corps look to the future
The Corps, one of Britain’s largest and most respected security companies in the UK, have agreed to outsource their SIA Compliant training requirements to WSG Associates the quality national security training provider, to compliment their own in house training programmes.
SIA UPDATE FOR SECURITY GUARDING
The Guarding sector is not due for licensing until 2005 although some consultation has taken place with industry representatives. However, the SIA recognise that, due to the size of the sector and the likely impact of licensing, the guarding sector will need early information about the training required for qualification for licensing so that it can be budgeted for and schedule training.
STEWARDS COULD COME UNDER LICENCE UMBRELLA
In the industry regulation debate, event stewards have been little discussed. They are difficult to categorise - are they event security officers, or crowd controllers? Are they a sub-sector of their own?
UNITED SIGN WSG
United Guarding Services Ltd, a leading provider of quality security services in London, the Home Counties and the Midlands since 1990 have appointed WSG Associates to deliver a Training Solutions Programme for their staff.
