Trained security guards or officers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of people, property and assets.
By carrying out duties such as surveillance, patrolling and access control, they can help to monitor and deter criminal activity, providing peace of mind to civilians and business owners. The minimum age requirement to become a security officer in the UK is 18, however recent changes to licensing requirements mean that more stringent training and vetting requirements now need to be met. Abbey Security Services explains what these changes mean for businesses needing security services in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
The Security Industry Authority or SIA was established in 2001 to contribute to public protection by setting and improving standards in the regulated private security industry. The SIA is responsible for regulating the industry and ensuring that those working in it are legally entitled to do so and have the appropriate security guard licence in place.
In 2021 the SIA introduced changes to the training requirements for individuals needing a front-line security guard licence. Anyone wanting to apply for a door supervisor or a security guard licence must now undertake an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent, which complies with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive, before they can undertake training. The licence, which is valid for three years, requires individuals to have one of the new qualifications or undertake top-up training before they can apply for or renew their licence.
In 2022 further changes were implemented for close protection officers, requiring them to also complete a first aid qualification or take top-up training before applying for a licence. For close protection operatives this qualification must be at level 3.
The changes to the regulations have been brought in to keep the public safe, follow new working practices, understand recent changes to the law and make best use of new technology. The introduction of first aid training and the requirement to have a first aid qualification is designed to improve the skills of those holding an SIA licence.
Hiring professional security services, such as those provided by Abbey Security Services, offers a number of benefits to your business. By providing a sense of security and peace of mind to employees, customers, residents or visitors this contributes to a comfortable and safe environment as well as protecting your valuable assets.
With the first aid qualification, our licenced security guards are able to deal with situations which require medical attention. Our officers also attend regular training with registered training centres, which includes specialised subjects such as handling and operating special equipment and dealing with difficult situations. This enables them to adapt and respond to changing situations and adjust their strategies to meet evolving security needs.
Abbey Security have 80 fully licenced security officers, all of whom have undergone a stringent 12 week vetting programme to ensure their suitability for the role. We use a certified vetting and pre employment screening specialist who ensure that our security officers are checked according to BS 7858:2019, which provides recommendations for the screening of those working in a secure environment where the security and safety of people, goods and services, data or property is required.
Our officers are trained and remain on a SIA watchlist, which is monitored to ensure it stays current, helping us to ensure a better quality of service to our customers. Whether you are looking for static or manned security services, mobile security patrolling or have an enquiry about close protection services, the team at Abbey Security are here to help. Contact us on 01284 768832 to discuss your security requirements today.
Posted on November 23, 2023