Training & qualifications – Background
Section 1 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 specifies that the functions of the SIA include “to set or approve standards of training” and “to make recommendations and proposals for the maintenance and improvements of standards in the provision of security industry services and other services involving the activities of security operatives”.
The Act continues, in Section 7 to state that licensing criteria “may include such criteria as the Authority considers appropriate for securing that those persons have the training and skills necessary to engage in the conduct for which they are licensed” and later in Section 9, that the Authority may “prescribe or impose conditions as to training”.
The SIA recognises that it is essential for all Cash-in-Transit Operatives to have undergone a structured programme of training and education resulting in recognised qualifications, if they are to be effective and professional in their role. Increasingly, industry stakeholders also recognise that the individuals who work to provide a secure cash and valuables transportation service must have a broad range of skills and a clear understanding of their role. As the scope and importance of their work continues to grow, so the degree of professionalism expected from Cash-in-Transit Operatives will increase.
The SIA has talked to service suppliers, customers, training organisations, awarding bodies, trade associations, local government and the police to achieve a broad agreement on the approach to be taken in developing and delivering training and qualifications leading to licensing.
The aim of new training and qualifications is to increase the skills and professionalism of those employed in the industry and to raise standards of performance. As licensing is introduced, the SIA will carry on talking with key stakeholders to continuously improve the standards of both training and qualifications.