SIA begin mandatory review with new qualifications set for 2020
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has begun an overview of its licence linked qualifications which will assess the processes in which licences such as door supervisors, contract security guards and public space CCTV operators are gained, to ensure the integrity of the qualifications achieved.
The SIA is running a consultation exercise which will include primary research interviews with hundreds of operatives, focus groups and industry experts.
The aim is to complete the review by the end of 2019 and roll out new qualifications in January 2020.
The newly formed Expert Working Groups (comprised of top scoring approved contractors) will look at development for each of the specialist areas. The SIA will ensure to develop quality measures and improve the delivery of training for the new qualifications.
Steve McCormick, SIA Director of Operations and Standards is very excited to see the firm raising the standards in the private sector with the objective being to assist the industry to improve the standards of service delivery, and help with recruitment and retention.
McCormick stated that the purpose of the new qualifications is to improve professionalism of security operatives and to create the incentive of defining their career paths. Moreover, the industry wants to increase opportunities for those wanting to join the workforce and to help make private security become a career of choice.
“In the next few weeks we will be conducting a consultation on the draft specifications for each licensable sector. We will be supporting this with a number of one-to-one interviews with operatives and businesses. We hope as many of you as possible will take part in the consultation. It’s a fantastic way for those of you working in the industry to contribute and to help to get this right. This is your opportunity to shape the future of the qualifications to ensure they are relevant for your industry in the years ahead.” – Steve McCormick
The SIA will be considering the expansion of career paths, the development of a new apprenticeship framework and continuing professional development.
Every five years the SIA reviews the qualifications to ensure that they are still in line with industry working practice, new risks that might have emerged and technology changes. – SIA
