SIA consults on proposed changes to security licence qualifications

The regulator has launched a public consultation on its proposals including:

*updated specifications with new proposed content requirements for the training and qualifications required to obtain a licence

*changing the ways in which the assessment of learners’ ability to speak and understand English is carried out (including requiring an additional independent test to provide greater confidence in communication skills)

*changes to how learners show they’re competent in First Aid, including a new security-specific First Aid qualification more closely aligned with the types of incidents security operatives will encounter during their work

The news follows on from extensive engagement and independent research involving members of the private security industry and other stakeholders. The research carried out as part of the review confirmed that 91% of licence holders surveyed considered First Aid skills to be important to their role,, while over 50% had used their First Aid training at work.

Given the importance of First Aid skills to security roles, the SIA is proposing that holding an in-date First Aid qualification becomes a licence condition for close protection operatives, door supervisors and security officers, in turn meaning that the SIA may take action against any operatives who allow  their First Aid certificate to lapse.

81% of survey respondents confirmed the importance of communication skills. A new, additional and independent English language test is being proposed alongside proposals for more standardised testing from Awarding Organisations to improve confidence in this area and ensure learners have the level of functional English required to safely conduct their duties.

Conflict management

The research and stakeholder engagement highlighted an increase in both the levels of crime and violence that front line operatives face, particularly so in the retail environment. With SIA research highlighting that 43% of licence holders are having to deal with increasing levels of violence at work, the SIA is proposing changes to the conflict management skills specification to include more real-life scenarios for security guarding operatives.

The regulator is also proposing a ‘first of its kind’ post-licence standard in advanced physical intervention skills suitable for higher-risk deployments. The consultation asks if this new standard should be voluntary or compulsory.

More widely, the consultation seeks views on proposed changes to the content specifications for the qualifications. The new proposed standards and requirements will ensure security operatives have the essential safety-critical skills and knowledge needed to keep them and members of the public safe.

Updates in the common unit module include:

*recording incidents and crime scene preservation

*changes to the law (including awareness of Martyn’s Law)

*changes to how security operatives respond to drug use

*extending spiking awareness training (currently only applicable to door supervision and close protection training) to security guarding and CCTV operators courses

*improved content and training on searching wheelchairs and other mobility devices

*dealing with social media and ‘auditing’ activity, as well as emerging technologies such as drones

Alongside this is also refreshed counter-terrorism awareness content for security operatives in a new single learning package, developed in conjunction with policing partners.

Further, the SIA is asking if the current licence integration that allows close protection licence holders to carry out door supervision and security guarding roles should end, and if the First Aid training requirements for close protection operatives should change.

Strategic reset

Tim Archer, executive director of licensing and standards at the SIA, said: “As the demands on private security operatives evolve, their skills and knowledge need to keep pace. Thank you to all those members of the security industry and other stakeholders who have participated in the review so far. This review has been a strategic reset and comes at an important time for the security industry.”

Archer continued: “It’s important that the public, security employers and the SIA have trust and confidence that those holding an SIA licence have been properly tested on the basic skills and knowledge they need to do the job. This includes their ability to understand and communicate effectively in English and also that, when they respond to keep the public safe, they have the right First Aid skills to help.”

Archer went on to comment: “We review the SIA licence-linked qualifications every five years, but this time we have done this differently. We’ve listened to the views of a larger number of people on what they wanted to see change earlier on. We have also looked not only at the content and technical specifications of the qualifications, but also at the essential prerequisites for doing the job: First Aid and the ability to speak English.”

In addition, Archer noted: “These proposals have been worked up based on what we’ve heard from our extensive stakeholder engagement. As part of this public consultation, we’re keen to hear from anyone with an interest in the private security industry: from front line licence holders, employers, businesses and buyers of security through to training providers and trainers, safety stewards thinking about becoming a licensed security operative and members of the public. Ensuring licensed security operatives have up-to-date and relevant skills is crucial for their job of keeping the public safe and property and premises protected and secure. We all have an interest in making sure this is right.”

The consultation process closes on 23 October. Final specifications will be published prior to the end of the year ahead of new qualifications launching later on in 2027. 

*Interested parties who wish to offer their views can do so by accessing the SIA’s consultation page