Two new officially-accredited Edexcel qualifications in the series supporting the licensing of security operatives have been released.
Joining the Edexcel suite of qualifications developed in support of the licensing of security operatives by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) are qualifications for Close Protection Officers and contracted CCTV operators involved in public space surveillance.
The BTEC Award in CCTV Operations Public Space Surveillance and the BTEC Certificate in Close Protection Operations have both been accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, and have the backing of the industry’s licensing organisation, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), who has given Edexcel ‘endorsed awarding body’ status.
When licensing becomes mandatory on March 20, all close protection and CCTV operatives will need a licence to work. Before someone can apply for a licence they need to have undertaken training and passed the course test and assessment.
The award for the close protection operatives – or "bodyguards" – requires around four weeks training and subjects covered include legislation, assessing risk and threats, dealing with incidents and dilemmas and techniques in surveillance and reconnaissance as well as skills in teamwork, communication and conflict management.
Those working as close protection officers in the VIP, corporate and celebrity markets as well as bodyguards offering personal protection services will need to enrol for the qualification. It is estimated that 3000 people will require a close protection licence.
The award for CCTV operators takes in four days training with opportunities for practical skills development in the use and operation of cameras and communication equipment and observation skills. Theory covered includes the legal framework and evidential requirements within which observations and recordings are undertaken, health, safety and emergencies in the control room, codes of practice, and how to provide admissible evidence for courts. Up to an estimated 15,000 people are working as a contracted public space CCTV operator, in areas including retail, transport, ports and other industrial and business areas used by the public; they will need to obtain the qualification by the March deadline.
What they say
Sallyann Baldry, Edexcel’s Business Development Manager, said: "These qualifications are a real milestone, as well as supporting the SIA’s licensing process they will serve to improve the skill set and recognise the professionalism of those working in the private security industry."
Sarah Crossfield, SIA Competency Manager, added: "Close Protection and CCTV Operation (Public Space Surveillance) are two of the private security industry sectors to be licensed by the SIA. Doors have been open for licence applications from September 1 and June 27 respectively. It will be illegal to work without a licence after March 20. One of the key criteria for gaining a licence is to hold a qualification approved by the SIA. Edexcel has our full endorsement to offer these two new qualifications developed with industry from the SIA specification."
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