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 demanded improvements to the training for security professionals, introducing new measures to bolster skills and establish consistent competence standards across the sector.
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Among the notable advancements are the inclusion of medical skills and counter-terrorism awareness training, which are especially crucial for those working in the night-time economy. The SIA recognizes the diverse skill requirements across different sectors of the security industry, highlighting the importance of tailoring training to specific needs. Moreover, the approach to training delivery is shifting towards a hybrid model that combines classroom instruction with self-study, adapting to the dynamic nature of security operations.
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Since October 2022, security professionals needing to renew their SIA licenses must complete further training to maintain the workforce's expected high standards; the sort that reinforces essential skills for emergency medical interventions, conflict management, physical interventions, and actions to counter terrorism.
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These efforts to advance training and standards are pivotal in ensuring that security personnel are well-prepared for their roles and by establishing clear standards and fostering opportunities for professional development, the security industry is set for ongoing improvement and growth.
Yet, concerns have emerged about some training providers conducting physical intervention training in overcrowded or inappropriate spaces, prioritizing quantity over quality. This undermines the safety and effectiveness of the training, as illustrated in this recent video depicting a real-life event.
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 suitable training environments, certain organizations persist in ignoring these guidelines, thus undermining the quality and safety of the training for students undergoing the additional training required to renew their SIA licenses.
The Professional Bodyguard Association advocates strongly for the necessity of safe training environments and promote optimal settings for effective and secure physical intervention training. For example, our Liverpool venue, equipped with all required amenities, serves as an ideal model for realistic training scenarios. When investing in training, it is essential to demand the best possible conditions to ensure you are thoroughly equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for your role, with a focus on safety and practicality.