PROFESSIONAL BODYGUARD ASSOCIATION INFORMATION SITE
166b Townsend Lane, Clubmoor, Liverpool L13 9DN, Merseyside, United Kingdom Tel: 0845 519 4580
"alone we can do so little; together we can do so much"
Essential Upskilling
The British Security Industry Authority (SIA) has called for enhancements in the training of security professionals, introducing new initiatives aimed at strengthening skills and establishing uniform competency standards across the industry.
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Key improvements include the addition of medical skills and counter-terrorism awareness training, particularly vital for those working in the night-time economy. The SIA acknowledges the varied skill demands across different sectors within the security industry, underscoring the need to tailor training to specific requirements. Furthermore, the training approach is evolving towards a hybrid model, blending classroom learning with self-study, to better align with the dynamic nature of security operations.
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Since October 2022, security professionals renewing their SIA licenses are required to undergo additional training to maintain the industry’s high standards. This training focuses on reinforcing essential skills in emergency medical response, conflict management, physical interventions, and counter-terrorism measures.
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These efforts to enhance training and standards are crucial for ensuring that security personnel are adequately prepared for their roles. By establishing clear standards and promoting opportunities for professional development, the security industry is poised for continuous improvement and growth.
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However, concerns have arisen about some training providers conducting physical intervention training in overcrowded or unsuitable spaces, prioritizing quantity over quality. This compromises the safety and effectiveness of the training, as demonstrated in a recent video showing a real-life incident.
Context: On April 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM, the Mayor of San Jose was giving an interview to local reporters outside an event in downtown San Jose with the protection of just one CPO who serves full-time as a law enforcement officer.
His inexperience is painfully obvious on so many levels.
Despite clear recommendations for secure and appropriate training environments, some organizations continue to disregard these guidelines, compromising the quality and safety of the additional training required for renewing SIA licenses.
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The Professional Bodyguard Association strongly advocates for the importance of safe training environments and promotes optimal settings for effective and secure physical intervention training. For instance, our Liverpool venue, fully equipped with all necessary amenities, serves as an exemplary model for realistic training scenarios.
When investing in training, it is crucial to insist on the best possible conditions to ensure you are thoroughly prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary for your role, with an emphasis on safety and practicality.