NPSA outlines Security Control Room training for operators and managers

The skills gained during the courses also apply to day-to-day operations. There are a number of examples where delegates have already used these skills to identify and then escalate the response to suspicious behaviour, potentially preventing more serious security incidents from occurring.

Need for better preparedness 

Numerous high-profile incidents have highlighted the critical need for effective and timely responses to terrorist threats. The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 further reinforces the need for premises to implement robust protective security measures.

NPSA research and analysis of previous terrorist incidents has shown that most casualties occur within the first few minutes before the Emergency Services arrive at the scene. During this period, the Security Control Room is the front line of defence responsible for a site’s initial response.

However, NPSA research also reveals widespread shortfalls in readiness. Many organisations lack clarity when it comes to Security Control Room roles and responsibilities leading to duplication of effort and essential tasks being missed. Further, it emerges that operators rarely have the opportunity to practise and rehearse under realistic conditions in order to gain the necessary skills.

Why training matters

Effective Command and Control is crucial for mitigating the impact of terrorist incidents. Sites are unlikely to provide an effective response unless:

*Security Control Rooms are equipped with the appropriate equipment in tandem with stated policies and procedures

*operators receive the necessary training to practice and exercise the response

The Security Control Room Operators course and the associated Security Control Room Managers course have been developed to address these needs. The courses are informed by the extensive research of incidents, live simulations of attacks and surveys of existing Command and Control capabilities. The Security Control Room Operators (and the resulting guidance) has adapted in response to the most recent research.

Operators course: immersive training

The Security Control Room Operators course includes presentations, workshops and nine immersive exercises in a Security Control Room environment, simulating various terrorist incident scenarios. These realistic simulations allow delegates to practise decision-making in real-time, mirroring the high-pressure environment of a functioning Security Control Room during an attack scenario.

After each immersive session, delegates receive individual feedback from expert instructors. Over the course of one week, delegates become demonstrably better prepared to undertake the three key Security Control Room roles during an emergency scenario.

At the end of the course, operators receive feedback and guidance on their performance, which management can then use to continue improving approaches to training and ensure their teams are consistently practising the necessary skills. This ongoing development supports a culture of preparedness, in turn helping organisations to build more resilient responses in the face of evolving threats.

Leading teams: manager training

Following the success of the Security Control Room Operators course, the NPSA has developed a dedicated one-day course for Security Control Room Managers and those with overall responsibility for incident management and Security Control Room operations.

It’s the manager’s responsibility to ensure the organisation is prepared to react in the event of an incident and equip Security Control Room operators with the necessary skills required to respond so they feel confident and empowered to take Command and Control without hesitation or interference.

The course focuses on understanding how managers should plan and prepare their site and teams to respond effectively during a terrorist incident.

Proven impact

Since the launch of these courses, the NPSA has trained over 2,000 operators and managers from sectors including transport, retail, stadiums and arenas, major events, office and Government buildings and other crowded places.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with delegates giving the programme a rating of 9.5/10. Operators have consistently reported that they feel more prepared and that the course has greatly increased their confidence and capability to respond effectively in a terrorist incident.

One delegate stated: “I completed the Security Control Room course for operators and would like to say how thoroughly enjoyable and useful the course proved to be. The learnings that I gained from this course have already been implemented at the largest arena in Europe and several of the biggest festivals in the country.”

Programme information 

Enrolment is now open for organisations seeking to improve their preparedness and resilience. By investing in realistic and research-based training, organisations can strengthen their ‘business as usual’ and the ability to lead during the critical moments of a terrorist incident when acting fast saves lives.

Security Control Room: Operators

Course duration: Five days

Course fee: £2,500 (+VAT and booking fee) including lunch and refreshments

Security Control Room: Managers

Course duration: One day

Course fee: £450 (+VAT and booking fee) including lunch and refreshments

Build the skills you need: register now 

More details can be found on the Responding to Terrorist Incidents: Security Control Room course website at www.SCRcourse.co.uk or by contacting [email protected]

The NPSA is part of MI5 and the national technical authority for physical and personnel protective security. By making the UK more resilient to national security threats, the NPSA helps to keep the nation safe.

Further, the NPSA assists organisations to understand the range of threats they and the UK face (for example from terrorism, espionage and state actors). Based on its R&D programme and the latest intelligence, the NPSA provides guidance and tools to enable organisations to minimise their risk through the way in which they operate day-to-day.

In March 2023, the NPSA absorbed the responsibilities of the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, but with a broader remit, duly reflecting the fact that the threats the UK faces today extend far beyond Critical National Infrastructure.

*Further information is available online at www.npsa.gov.uk