Important Changes to the SIA Training Portfolio

7 January 2010

As part of its remit, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is responsible for determining competence levels and training specifications for all individuals carrying out roles regulated by the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA issues licences to those meeting the qualifying criteria.

The SIA have undertaken a complete review of the specifications for all roles within the security industry and identified areas of overlap. They have also consulted with the security industry on the content of specifications and made changes in line with the output from this consultation.

The changes are largely at the request of, and incorporate extensive input from, the private security industry. The result will be training that is industry-led and that contains relevant content developmed with those working in licensable sectors.

The SIA are also introducing a modular structure to the qualifications. This means less overlap and duplication in training content across the sectors; it also makes it easier to gain qualifications for additional sectors, as just the relevant additional modules need to be taken.

At the moment, individuals who already have an SIA licence will not be required to do additional training to renew their licence. Those who have a current SIA approved qualification and have not yet applied for a licence can use their qualification as long as it was awarded less than three years ago. (These arrangement may change for door supervisor licence renewals).

The Changes

Door Supervisor Qualifications: 

(UK Wide)

June 2010: After this date the SIA will accept:

• the new modular door supervisor qualification

• a current door supervisor qualification as long as it is less than three years since the qualification was awarded

Door supervisor training will change to reflect more up to date and relevant working practices. Additional training requirements for door supervisors will include escorting and disengagement. Additional training requirements for door supervisors will include escorting and disengagement skills, first aid awareness, dealing with 14-18 year olds and awareness of terrorist threats.

All other licence linked qualifications

(England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

January 2010: After this date we will accept:

• the new modular qualification
  
• a current qualification as long as it is less than three years since the qualification was awarded
  

For further details please use the following web link