The Security Industry Authority (SIA) launches a new consultation on the licence-linked qualifications required by licensed security staff

Today (Monday 14 January) the Security Industry Authority (SIA) launches a new consultation to help determine the content of the next generation of compulsory qualifications for licensed operatives in the private security industry. This new consultation starts today and will run for four weeks until Monday 11 February 2019.

To have a say on the draft specifications for the licence-linked qualifications, please visit theconsultation website.

Following an initial consultation last year the SIA has been working closely with expert working groups to inform 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, as well as findings from extensive research that the SIA conducted in October 2018 in order to understand the current and future skills needs of the private security industry in the UK.  Details of this consultation are available via the SIA website.

The development of these specifications is a key milestone in the SIA's Private Security Skills and Qualifications Review. This new consultation is an essential element. In addition to requests for comment on the specifications the SIA is also seeking views on the following important areas:

• 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."

He added:

"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 *SIA's licensable sectors that require qualifications are:

1. Cash and Valuables in Transit 
2. Close Protection
3. Door Supervision
4. Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)
5. Security Guarding
6. Vehicle Immobiliser.

The current table of specifications is available on ourwebsite.

Once the consultation closes then the feedback will be reviewed to develop the final versions of the specifications. These final versions will appear on our website by the early autumn. The specifications will then be used by the awarding organisations to develop the licence-linked qualifications.    -Ends-

Notes to editors:

1. *There are a total of seven licensable activities. Six are listed above, and the remaining one is Key Holding. This does not require an individual to have a qualification.
2. Every five years the SIA reviews the qualifications to ensure that they are still in line with industry working practice, and take account of technological changes and new risks that may have emerged.
3. The news release announcing the SIA's Private Skills & Qualifications Review was published on 3 September 2018, and is available here.
4. The SIA's Private Security Skills and Qualifications Review will be completed by the end of this year. The new qualifications will be available for delivery in January 2020.

Further information:

The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of thePrivate Security Industry Act 2001.The SIA's main duties are: The compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates visit:www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also onFacebook(Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (@SIAuk).

Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

Security Industry Authority

0300 123 9869

media.enquiries@sia.gsi.gov.uk