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SIA Licence Training - What does it mean to you?
What does security mean to you? Your immediate answer is likely to be based on emotion, one of ‘feeling’ safe. We all want to know that our families and our personal belongings are protected, but let’s analyse that same question in a wider, more physical context.
With a broader perspective, the first image that springs to mind is that of a muscle – bound wall of a man standing outside a nightclub wearing a tuxedo. That’s an automatic assumption, there’s no shame in thinking on those lines, but that figure is a misconception on more than one level. Now apply your thoughts more positively to hospitals, airports, public buildings, sports or music events even ‘A’ list celebrities or politicians. Who’s managing all those vital CCTV cameras?
Let’s rewind to our friend outside the nightclub. It’s a little known fact, that working in the security industry without Security Industry Authority; (SIA) training is a criminal offence. This is not a career based on physical endurance it’s a responsible profession, so spare a thought for the guy on the door. Providing he’s legally employed, he’s worked hard to get there. SIA Training is about achieving personal goals in a successful, rewarding career.
The Security Industry Authority, established in 2003, reports directly to the Home Secretary under the Private Industry Security Act 2001. The SIA’s aim is in a regulatory capacity to raise standards and awareness in ensuring that people working in the industry are seen as providing a quality service. Once you’ve acquired your SIA Licence, and you are ready to apply for an industry post, The Approved Contractor Scheme hallmark will help you choose a company that meets all the required SIA licensing standards. Visit www.the-sla.org.uk for more details. The minimum age for training is 18, below is an overview of some of the SIA training initiatives.
Door Supervisor Training
Door supervision is about providing a safe atmosphere; after all, if this is your chosen route, you will often be the first person a member of the public encounters. This role is as much about customer relations as it is security. The owners of the venue don’t necessarily want people to be turned away they want them to enjoy themselves, its part of the Door Supervisor’s job to make that happen.
One of the key outcomes of this training is Health and Safety. As a door supervisor you may have to deal with panic situations such as fire. You’ll learn how to deal with these emergencies calmly and effectively. Drug and alcohol abuse are a major problem at many venues. It’s the door supervisor’s responsibility to understand the law with regard to their misuse, how to act appropriately and avoid conflict.
Physical Intervention Training
Anyone who is placed in a position of responsibility needs to understand when physical intervention is necessary, in particular, how to avoid harm to themselves or others. You will learn how to use ‘non-pain’, ‘non-restrictive’ and ‘restrictive skills’ in accordance with the law.
A major part of this training is to teach you how to adopt problem solving techniques in order to avoid physical contact and de-escalate conflicts.
Security Guard Training
A good security guard should be relatively invisible, uniformed guards en-mass can often have a negative effect on people leading them to believe that there will be problems. Much of the ‘reactive’ training is similar to the Door Supervisor however; the Security Guard learns a range of tactical options to deploy before any physical intervention is necessary.
CCTV Training
The CCTV Operator needs to be alert at all times, and since CCTV footage is often used in criminal proceedings the training is more concentrated and extensive. Obviously the most important ingredient for the CCTV Operator is a sound knowledge of how the equipment works. The assessment process includes nine modules to explain the role in detail, its proper usage and the effects on other staff or members of the general public.
Close Protection Training
Close protection is more commonly known as ‘Body guarding’. This is as much an intelligence role as it is a protective function. For this reason the training takes longer and is in more depth and can take up to 150 hours to achieve your licensed status.
Unlike the Door Supervisor or Security Guard roles this training covers a great deal of what’s known as ‘risk calculation’. That means if the person you are protecting decides they want to visit their local pub or go shopping on Oxford Street it’s your job to make sure they get from A to B without encountering any tricky or dangerous situations.
Although we’ve barely scratched the surface of how in-depth the training programs are for these roles, you’ll no doubt see from this taster what rewarding career opportunities there are in the security industry. The long term prospects are easy to understand too.
Whichever role you decide is right for you an SIA Licence is a glowing reference on you CV that you are a trustworthy, responsible and reliable team member. What other qualification or career path can guarantee that accolade? For more information of these unique opportunities visit www.get-licensed.co.uk and take advantage of the best Security Industry Training there is.
