In 2021, changes were implemented to the mandatory training by the SIA which you are required to pass prior to applying for a front line licence.
The changes were:
They introduced a new, updated qualifications for all sectors except close protection and vehicle immobilisation
You must have a first aid qualification before you can take the training required for a door supervisor or security guard licence
You must have one of the new qualifications or take top-up training before you can apply for a door supervisor and security guard licence - this includes renewals
We made more changes in 2022:
The SIA introduced an updated close protection qualification
You must have the new qualifications or take top-up training before you can apply for a close protection licence - this includes renewals
We explain these changes in more detail below.
Why are they making these changes?
It is essential to ensure that individuals employed in the private security sector are able to do the following:
keep the public safe
follow new working practices
understand recent changes to the law
make the best use of new technology\
First aid training for door supervisors and security guards.
Applicants seeking a door supervisor or security guard license must now acquire a first aid certification before commencing their license-specific training.
You must do this if either of the following conditions is met:
you are applying for a licence for the first time
it has been longer than 3 years since you last held a licence for that activity
You also need to do this if you are renewing your licence.
To meet the requirement, you must have an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or a qualification of equal standard.
Completing first aid training will enhance your capabilities as an SIA licence holder. It will not alter the responsibilities you bear when dealing with an emergency situation.
What do they mean by “equal standard”?
We accept other qualifications that comply with the relevant guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. Some examples are:
First Aid at Work (FAW)
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
Your training provider can tell you more about this.
First aid training for close protection operatives
Applicants seeking a close protection licence are required to obtain a first aid certification at level 3 or higher prior to enrolling in the training associated with the licence. Here are a few instances:
Level 3 First Aid at Work (FAW)
Level 3 First Person on Scene (FPOS)
Level 3 First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
Emergency Care First Responder (ECFR)
Top-up training for some licence holders
Door supervisors and security guards
You must have one of the following before you can apply for, or renew, a door supervisor or security guard licence:
One of the new qualifications set in place in April 2021
One of the older licence-linked qualifications and a ‘top-up’ qualification
This applies to any applications, including renewals.
Close protection operatives
You must have one of the following before you can apply for, or renew, a close protection licence:
The new qualification introduced on 1 April 2022
One of the older licence-linked qualifications and a ‘top-up’ qualification
This applies to any applications, including renewals.
If you hold a door supervisor licence
If you hold a door supervisor licence you can choose one of the following options:
Take the door supervisor top-up training and renew your door supervisor licence
Take the security guard top-up training and switch to a security guard licence
Before undergoing the top-up training, it is required to possess an Emergency First Aid at Work certification or its equivalent.
While the security guard top-up training is briefer and potentially more cost-effective than the door supervisor top-up training, it is crucial to take into account the specific job responsibilities.
If your role entails safeguarding licensed establishments like pubs or clubs, renewing your door supervisor license will be necessary.
If you hold a close protection licence
If you hold a close protection licence you can choose one of the following options:
take the close protection top-up training and renew your close protection licence
take the door supervisor top-up training and switch to a door supervisor licence
In either case, you must have the appropriate first aid qualification before you can take the top-up training.
Other changes
More relevant course material
We have moved some training to the ‘common unit’ that is taken by all security operatives except close protection operatives. This includes new training on:
Terror threat awareness
Dealing with emergencies
We have introduced new sector-specific content – for example:
The door supervision course includes new material on the use of equipment such as body worn video recorders and breathalysers
The public space surveillance (CCTV) course includes new material on CCTV operational procedures and the law
The security guarding course includes new material covering personal safety
The close protection course includes a bespoke physical intervention unit, as well as material from the door supervision course needed to allow close protection operatives to work as door supervisors
More practical assessments
We have increased the number of practical elements in the training to help learners reinforce their knowledge.
The practical assessments include:
searching
dealing with conflict
report/statement writing
using communications devices
application of physical intervention skills for close protection operatives in the private security industry
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