SIA are making some changes to the training you need to take before you can get a front line SIA licence. These changes will happen in April and October 2021.
The changes are:
- on 1 April 2021, SIA will introduce updated qualifications for all sectors except close protection
- from 1 April 2021, you must have a first aid qualification before you can take the training required for a door supervisor or security guard licence
- on 1 October 2021, SIA will introduce updated close protection qualifications
from 1 October 2021, 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
New requirement: first aid training
SIA already expect applicants for a close protection licence to complete a first aid qualification before taking their licence-linked training.
From 1 April 2021, SIA will also expect applicants for a door supervisor or security guard licence to do the same.
You will need to do this if either of the following apply:
- 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
- From 1 October 2021, you will also need to do this if you are renewing your licence.
- The qualification must be an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent.
SIA will accept other qualifications that comply with the relevant guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. Some examples are:
- First Aid at Work (FAW)
- First Person on Scene (FPOS)
- First Response Emergency Care (FREC)
Your training provider can tell you more about this.
From 1 October 2021, you must have one of the following before you can apply for a door supervisor or security guard licence:
- one of the new qualifications introduced on 1 April
- one of the older licence-linked qualifications and a ‘top-up’ qualification
- This applies to any applications submitted on or after 1 October, including renewals. If you submit your application before this date, you will not need take additional training.
SIA have moved training that is critical for all sectors to the ‘common unit’ (taken by all security operatives). This includes new training on:
- terror threat awareness
- dealing with emergencies
SIA have introduced new sector-specific content – for example:
the close protection course includes new material on physical intervention
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