February 2015 update

Key changes to be aware of in the new qualifications

• Flexible and/or distance learning is now permitted for:

  • the learning for the unit Working within the Private Security Industry

  • 30 minutes of learning for preparation for training for the Conflict Management within the Private Security Industry unit

  • 3 hours of learning for preparation for training for the Physical Intervention Skills within the Private Security Industry unit

  • the learning for the Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors Unit
    

• New role plays must be used for the practical demonstration of searching as part of the Door Supervision and Security Guarding qualifications
  

• The Physical Intervention unit now includes a new Hook and Turn manoeuvre, escorting individuals on stairways and knowledge about the risks associated with positional asphyxia
  

• To deliver the new training around escorting individuals on stairways centre must have access to a stairway. For the purposes of training, a stairway must consist of a minimum of 3 steps
  

• The Physical Intervention unit will now be assessed by mandatory Pearson-set, internally marked and externally verified assignments covering both the practical and knowledge based learning outcomes. The assignments, as well as tutor assessment guidance, are all available to download from the Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry qualification page  

• Close Protection now consists of 3 units: Planning, Preparing and Supporting a Close Protection Operation, Working as a Close Protection Operative and Conflict Management. The 2 Close Protection units will be internally assessed and externally verified - exemplar assignments are available on the website. The Conflict Management unit will be assessed by a Pearson-set and marked multiple choice test. The test for the old Close Protection qualification cannot be taken as part of this new qualification. 
  

• The Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors within the Private Security Industry unit will be assessed by a Pearson-set and marked multiple choice test
  

• Learners should have English language skills equivalent to ESOL Level 1
  

• Trainers must have occupational expertise relevant to the sector and the qualifications they are delivering

There will be no Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) from the old qualifications to the new qualifications. Any learners registering on the new qualifications from 1 January 2015 will need to complete all the new units. This is because there is new content in the new units and the SIA require all learners to take the new units from 1 January to ensure they receive the most up to date training. This policy will be applied by all awarding organisations.

For example, if a learner completed the current Security Guarding qualification before 31 December 2014, and now wants to register on the new Door Supervision qualification,  they will not be able to RPL the common unit and the Conflict Management unit (which appear in both the Security Guarding and Door Supervision qualifications), they will have to take the tests for the new units.