National register and qualification set to strengthen UK protective security

As the lead for countering terrorism threats in the UK, Counter Terrorism Policing has announced two new initiatives designed to strengthen the UK’s protective security and organisational preparedness: a register of verified specialists and a Level 3, Ofqual-regulated qualification.

Importantly, both initiatives address recommendations put forward by the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

The first is a new national Counter-Terrorism Security Specialists Register. From spring 2026, businesses and organisations will be able to access a Counter Terrorism Policing-endorsed register of qualified specialists who provide protective security and organisational preparedness advice and support.

The second is a separate initiative in the shape of a new Ofqual-regulated qualification entitled Competent Person in the Workplace. This has been designed for security, Health and Safety and operational professionals responsible for managing protective measures in their organisation.

Informed decisions

Jon Savell, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations, said: “Our aim is to empower organisations to make informed decisions about protective security and preparedness. We’ve listened carefully to industry feedback, which has been very clear: organisations want to be able to access professional and credible advice. These two initiatives respond directly to that. They offer proportionate and practical tools to help venues raise their standards and strengthen protective security, thereby affording organisations the confidence and trusted support they need to protect the public.”

Savell added: “Our overarching goal is to keep the public safe from the threat of terrorism. Providing businesses and organisations with easy access to the best advice available will go a long way towards achieving that goal.”

Code of Conduct

The Counter-Terrorism Security Specialists Register will be delivered via a partnership between the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) – a specialist unit within Counter Terrorism Policing – and the National Protective Security Authority-sponsored Register of Security Engineers and Specialists. It will be administered by the Institution of Civil Engineers. Members of the Counter-Terrorism Security Specialists Register are bound by a Code of Conduct.

This will provide access to trusted and competent specialists, assurance that individuals meet recognised standards, confidence that members are bound by a professional Code of Conduct and a straightforward way in which to identify qualified counter-terrorism protective security support.

If organisations need counter-terrorism protective security, preparedness advice or technical implementation, the Counter-Terrorism Security Specialists Register will offer access to a wide pool of verified expertise across multiple disciplines. 

NaCTSO is working with awarding body SFJ Awards to develop a new counter-terrorism protective security and preparedness qualification. The Ofqual-regulated qualification is currently being finalised and will formally launch in March 2026 at the Security and Policing event.

This is a Home Office-funded project, created following the Manchester Arena Inquiry report, and will provide organisations with the toolset needed to understand and mitigate their threat and risks from terrorism.

Operational resilience

David Higham, managing director of SFJ Awards, explained: “Against the backdrop of increasing terror threats, counter-terrorism protective security and preparedness are increasingly central to the operational resilience of organisations and employers.”

Higham continued: “The Competent Person in the Workplace qualification will provide a structured, Ofqual-regulated pathway to building capabilities in this area. We are proud to have been appointed as the designated Awarding Organisation for this qualification, which is due to launch very soon.”

“The Home Office and Counter Terrorism Policing’s direct involvement in designing the course and qualification means that it sets the standard for learning among professionals responsible for counter-terrorism measures in their organisations. This will be the only Ofqual-regulated Counter Terrorism Policing and NaCTSO-endorsed qualification in the marketplace focused on protecting premises from terrorism.”