Skills for Security – the organisation created from SITO in 2006 as the sector skills body for the security industry – has spearheaded the introduction of these National Occupational Standards (NOS), with key contributions from Human Recognition Systems, OmniPerception and Core Systems.
Consultations have also been had with over 102 biometrics and human identity industry specialists, including officials from the Home Office, members of the Intellect Association for Biometrics (IAfB) and academics based at the University of Kent (to name but a few).
The new standards will not only define the level of competence needed for a particular job role or occupation, but also be in widespread use to support individual and organisational development and quality assurance. The standards will also form the basis of a number of qualifications needed within the security industry.
Approval from Government agencies
Two government agencies – the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (OFQAL) – were responsible for reviewing and approving the human identity and biometric standards, passing them at first submission on 18 June.
Commenting on this announcement, Neil Norman – the CEO of Human Recognition Systems – told SMT Online: “Biometric technology is becoming increasingly diverse, and despite being a relatively new industry it’s growing at an incredible pace in the UK and globally. Analysts are predicting 20% growth between now and 2012.”
Norman added: “We see the introduction of National Occupational Standards into our industry as a landmark step. It’s now of fundamental importance that everyone in the industry has a clear set of organisational, quality and vocational guidelines.”
He was also quick to point out to SMT Online that a “vital collaborative role” was played by OmniPerception and Core Systems alongside Human Recognition Systems in helping to achieve these guidelines.
Key players involved from the industry
Human Recognition Systems is an award-winning consultancy and systems integrator specialising in biometrics, identity management and video processing technology. Established by Norman, the company quickly became a market leader in developing multi-biometric, smart surveillance and identity management solutions for end users including Manchester Airport, the Ministry of Defence, Carillion and Merseyside Police.
A private British company founded in 2001, OmniPerception is a global supplier of computer vision capabilities, specialising in facial biometrics and advanced image processing. The company’s software provides automated solutions for the recognition of objects and people in a wide range of customer applications.
Core Systems is Northern Ireland’s most experienced biometric identity management expert, focusing on the design and development of integrated security management software. The company’s innovative biometric solutions play a vital role in maintaining control within the highest security establishments in Europe.
Fastest-growing biometrics market
Bob Doyle – the well-known commercial director at Skills for Security – explained: “Europe is expected to have the fastest-growing biometrics market by 2010, while the UK in particular is emerging as a key contributor to this growth. It’s vital that we work closely with key specialist technology partners like Human Recognition Systems, OmniPerception and Core Systems to improve skills and raise professionalism across the security sector.”
For Doyle, the new National Occupational Standards are a vital first step towards improving business performance in the biometrics industry which – according to the latest survey conducted by Acuity Market Intelligence – is presently worth an estimated GB pound 250 million.
Full details of the human identity and biometric standards are now available to download for free. Check out the dedicated Internet link on the left hand panel of this page
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