The role of the security manager is gathering in complexity as society and corporate organisations face challenges from terrorism, rising violent crime, civil disorder, anti-social behaviour and emerging threats.
The pace of change has prompted a review of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the role and, following detailed consultation with a wide range of security managers, Skills for Security has announced the publication of a new suite of National Occupational Standards (NOS).
This process involved experienced security professionals working alongside the Skills for Security standards writing team, and was overseen by a Steering Group which included members of The Security Institute and the Risk and Safety Managers’ Forum.
John Smith – the well-known and highly-respected group resilience director of Prudential plc, and chief spokesperson for the Steering Group – commented: “The approval of the Security Management National Occupational Standards is a major milestone in the increasing professionalism of the management of security. It recognises the contributions of both time and expertise of many people across the sector, some of them for over many years. It will be an important tool for employers, and for staff wishing to progress to the highest levels of the profession.”
At the request of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), Skills for Security has also recently completed writing the first-ever NOS for precognition agents, an occupation unique to Scotland that involves interviewing witnesses for the purpose of criminal or civil proceedings.
Speaking about the new National Occupational Standards for managers, Ruth Oliver – standards development manager at Skills for Security – told info4security: “Industry support is essential for the development of National Occupational Standards, and the assistance we received for both of these projects was overwhelming. The industry is keen to support the development of NOS because of the benefits they offer to both individuals and organisations.”
All of the NOS developed by Skills for Security on behalf of the industry are available to download from the National Occupational Standards Directory (which may be accessed via www.ukstandards.org.uk)
