Our competency policy
Working with the security industry, the Qualifications Curriculum Authority and awarding bodies, we have developed a competency (skills) strategy in support of licensing. This will set out the standards of competencies needed by individuals employed within the private security industry. We will use existing qualifications where these meet our requirements. Where gaps exist, we will develop new qualifications. We are working with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority who will accredit the qualifications and the Learning and Skills Council who may provide appropriate funding to offset the costs of the training.
The competencies needed to obtain a licence and begin working in the private security industry and the training courses to achieve them are likely to be made up of units such as first aid, health and safety communications, conflict management, knowledge of relevant legislation, etc.
Benefits
- We will have a training and qualifications framework leading to licensing which meets the needs of the private security industry and is based on best practice.
- This will lead to increased skills and competence of those working within the industry and will raise standards.
- Employees within the private security industry will see for the first time a clear career path through the industry from the moment they join.
- The security industry will be more attractive to potential employees and will have a better public image.
Competencies will be tailored to meet the needs of each industry sector and will give new entrants the skills and knowledge to do their job. At the end of training, people will need to sit a short exam and if successful will get a qualification. This qualification will be needed in order to get an SIA licence. Therefore, everyone joining in the private security industry will be trained and qualified for their role before they start work. This will lead to a more competent and professional workforce.
What we are doing at the moment
We are working with a number of awarding bodies who will be offering our first qualifications for licensing of door supervisors.
We intend to have an awarding body endorsed to offer a vehicle immobilising qualification shortly.
Current qualifications
We are looking at what qualifications currently exist. Some may be fully acceptable; others may need additional qualifications whilst others may not be suitable at all. We will publish our findings including a list of what is or is not acceptable later this summer.
We will also provide a guide giving the qualifications needed where these can be obtained and how much the training will cost.
The bodies we are working with…
Training Providers will be responsible for delivering the SIA’s approved training courses, which will give the skills and knowledge for a licence.
Awarding bodies will arrange for competencies to be tested and assessed and will, if these are passed, issue a certificate. The awarding bodies are also responsible for approving training centres to deliver the qualifications.
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is the national qualifications approving body and will be responsible for ensuring all SIA recognised qualifications fit the national qualification framework and that these meet their criteria.
The Learning and Skills Council is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16 year olds in England.