Development work continues on counter-terrorism security qualification

As outlined in the latter, the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as Martyn’s Law, is being prioritised by the new Government. This is, of course, a legislative response to the findings of the Manchester Arena Inquiry and specifically designed to reduce the risk posed to members of the public from terrorism through additional protection of public venues.

When in place, the law will require owners and operators of venues and public spaces to put in place measures that will keep the public safe in the event of a terrorism episode. The level of measures required is to be based on the given venue’s capacity/size and the nature of the activities taking place on-site.

Competent Persons Scheme

Commenting on the ProtectUK website, the team behind the Competent Persons Scheme (CPS) asserts that it has always believed the two streams of work being delivered – ie a register of specialists and a qualification – will best serve the public and be a “supporting tool” for Martyn’s Law. It’s important to note here that the CPS does not form part of the legislation or its requirements.

For its part, the Counter-Terrorism Security Specialist Register will be a resource that provides the details of verified counter-terrorism protective security and preparedness experts who can consult with and advise businesses and premises to mitigate their risks. Options for proceeding with this register to ensure a robust and fit-for-purpose solution are “currently being pursued”.

The Competent Person in the Workplace qualification will be an Ofqual-accredited Level 3 certificate. Ofqual sets the standards and provides confidence in formally recognised qualifications in England and discussions are ongoing to confirm recognition – and accreditation – across the devolved regulators.

To support the qualification’s design and meet necessary requirements to obtain Ofqual recognition for it, the Counter-Terrorism Alliance has enjoyed the support of the Metropolitan Police Service’s managed service training provider. The latter has been guiding the process of achieving recognition in the role of specialist educational advisor.

Next phase

The next phase is about to begin, whereupon the most appropriate Awarding Organisation will be selected to take the proposed syllabus and course outline to Ofqual for approval. Only after this process occurs will any training provider be able to apply to the Awarding Organisation to deliver the course.

At this point in time, no training providers have been selected or pre-approved to deliver the qualification. The Counter-Terrorism Alliance cautions against relying on the services of any trainers or consultancies claiming otherwise.

“While we continue to work on the Counter-Terrorism Security Specialist Register and the Competent Person in the Workplace qualification,” states the Counter-Terrorism Alliance, “we would like to thank all of our supporters, notably so those who attended and contributed to the workshops following their expression of interest through ProtectUK, NaCTSO’s single authoritative voice and the only source for new CPS updates.”

Subject to change

Further to the aforementioned comments, neither NaCTSO nor the Home Office endorse any third party suppliers claiming to help support compliance with Martyn’s Law.

The draft provisions of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill are not yet law and subject to change.

In parallel, the National Protective Security Authority’s latest guidance aims to highlight the primary security concerns arising during the ingress and egress phases of venue operations. It will subsequently outline various strategies for mitigating the related risks.

Recognising vulnerabilities in these situations and striving to reduce them is a fundamental element of protective security planning and an essential task for those with direct responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of venue staff and visitors alike.

The ingress and egress phase of venue operations is a time when customers and members of the public may be most vulnerable. The ‘Mitigation of Terrorist Threats at Venues During Ingress and Egress’ guidance provides a scalable approach to security regimes from the basic design stage right through to more complex solutions.

The guidance covers crowding during ingress and egress, the key components of reducing risk, understanding potential threats, identifying vulnerabilities during ingress and egress, control measures to be considered when looking to reduce risk and the importance of recording security processes, testing, reviewing and revising. Using a Case Study example, the guidance also shows how control measures may be applied at a venue.

The guidance can be applied to any venue where crowds are likely to form, ranging from stadiums, concert venues and exhibition centres through to nightclubs, Shopping Centres and even temporary sites established for short duration events such as festivals.

To learn more access: NPSA - Mitigation of Terrorist Threats at Venues During Ingress and Egress Guidance

*Further information is available online at www.protectuk.police.uk