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WSG News
SIA Announce new and upadated Modular Training to be introduced
02 November 2009
New licence linked qualifications are to be introduced next year, bringing the training up to date and introducing a modular structure.
This follows an industry-led review of the SIA specifications that drive training content. The new specifications reflect current industry best practice so that individuals working in the security sectors undergo good basic training for their role.
A new structure with core plus specialist modules means less overlap and duplication in content across the sectors. This will make it easier to get qualified to obtain more than one licence, as just the relevant and required training needs to be taken for each additional qualification.
The new qualifications are now being developed by the awarding bodies and will be offered by training providers across the UK from:
- June 2010 for door supervisors; and
- January 2010 for operatives in all other sectors (September 2010 in Scotland).
After these dates, all applicants applying for an SIA licence for the first time must hold either the new qualification; or a current qualification that is less than three years old.
Hazel Russell, SIA director of Strategy and Corporate Services, said: “Licensing for security operatives has done much to reduce criminality and raise standards in the private security industry.
"As the role and responsibilities of security staff evolve, it is important that their training reflects these changes and equips them for the challenges they face.
We now have industry-led content, meaning it is relevant and has been developed in conjunction with those working in the licensable sectors. This will benefit the operatives, businesses and the public."
The content for all of the SIA specifications has changed and been updated. For most sectors there are not major changes to the content areas included. The exception is door supervision, where significant changes have been made at the request of industry to reflect up to date working practices.
There are currently no further training requirements for any existing licence holders who wish to renew their licence. However, because of the changes to the door supervision area, there may at a future date, be a need for a short 'top-up' training session for this sector. This proposal will need to be subject to public consultation and will not be a requirement, if at all, until after May 2011. Any requirement will be announced a year before this date to give the industry plenty of time to do the training.
The new modular qualification structure:
| Licence | Core Module | Specialist Module | Conflict Management | Escorting & Disengagement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Door Supervision |
Core |
Specialist Door Supervision |
Yes | Yes |
|
Security |
Core |
Specialist Security |
Yes | |
|
Close Protection |
Specialist Close Protection
|
Yes | ||
|
Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) |
Core |
Specialist Public Space Surveillance CCTV |
||
|
Cash and Valuables in Transit |
Core |
Specialist Cash and Valuables in Transit |
||
|
Vehicle Immobiliser |
Core |
Specialist Vehicle Immobiliser |
Yes | |
A full certificate for the relevant sector is still required. The new modular format means those undergoing the training (for most sectors) will take common units - core security, and conflict management - followed by a specific unit for each security sector.
A licensed operative who has already passed the two common units will therefore only need to sit the relevant additional specialist unit if they wish to gain a licence for another sector.
The qualifications are taken by applicants for front line licences. Applicants for non-front line licences do not require a qualification because they do not carry out front line activities. Those applying for a Key Holding licence will not need to take a qualification.
As there is a different qualifications system in Scotland, the new regime will be introduced there later. The new door supervision qualification will be introduced from June 2010, and the other unitised qualifications from September 2010.
Details of updated and modular training on SIA Website
To discuess these changes and how it may affect you please telephone 08451 300 974 / 01292 470 123 or email info@wsgassociates.co.uk
