Launch of a Skills Summit for the private security industry 

On Thursday 12 March 2020, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is hosting a Skills Summit. The summit will cover how the future skills needs of the industry can be met. This one-day event is targeted at security professionals, learning and development specialists, and experts in education and training. Key SIA staff will be joining the discussion.  

The purpose of the Skills Summit is to outline a vision of how the industry could address the skills agenda in the private security industry. The format of the day will be a mix of workshops, structured discussions and presentations which will focus on getting solutions to defined problems. Private security industry skills experts are among the presenters and members of panel discussions. They include Professor Martin Gill, Researcher and Director of Perpetuity Research, and Rick Mounfield, Chief Executive of the Security Institute.  

The summit will address:

• How the SIA, partners, and the industry are taking a strategic approach to skills.
• How the SIA and industry can work with expert partners to deliver sustainable qualification pathways that are recognised industry-wide.
• How to develop commonly-recognised learning and development structures including continuous professional development (CPD), apprenticeships, and other learning frameworks.
• How defined career pathways for security professionals can help make the private security industry a career of choice.

Steve McCormick, the SIA's Director of Operations and Standards, who is hosting the event, said:

"We want the whole sector to come together and address the future skills requirements for the private security industry so that we can identify sustainable solutions together. We are delighted to have speakers of the calibre of Professor Martin Gill and Rick Mounfield. We will release the names of other presenters over the next month."

Steve added: "I believe this to be a significant opportunity for the industry, the SIA, education and training professionals, to work together to establish the foundations for higher standards and increased professionalism in the industry for the future."

One particular outcome of the Skills Summit is to identify individuals who are able to represent and/or engage more closely in driving skills industry wide.

As part of its strategy to address future skills needs in the industry the SIA will work with partners to establish a Strategic Standards Group and a Skills Board.

The Skills Summit will take place at Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. Places are limited, therefore booking a ticket is essential and there is a limit of two people per organisation. Interested security and training professionals can register their place here.  More details including a full agenda will follow.  -Ends -

 Notes to editors:

The Skills Summit is part of theSkills and Qualifications Reviewthat was announced in September 2018.

 Further information:

The Security Industry Authority 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 Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit:www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also onFacebook (Security Industry Authority), Linked InandTwitter (@SIAuk).

 Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

Security Industry Authority

0300 123 9869

media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk