Steve states that Skills for Security has “no apparent remit” to develop standards for the fire systems sector.
In fact, Skills for Security is the designated UK skills and standards setting body for the whole security sector and is solely authorised to develop these occupational standards by Government.
In addition, as a ‘not for profit’ organisation created by the industry itself, our remit is to represent the interests of all companies within the wider security business sector.
As he properly records in his article, we already administer two Systems NVQs and an apprenticeship scheme, and have been operating a systems employer consultation group since the formation of Skills for Security in 2006.
He goes on to complain that the existing standards are not relevant and were developed with a lack of understanding and poor sector knowledge. Steve appears to be unaware of the process of developing NOS. While it is true that the standards are written and produced by Skills for Security (and we have a standards team which is recognised as ‘best in class’ across the network of sector skills councils and bodies), the content is compiled in consultation with employer-nominated experts from the industry, who provide the technical knowledge and approve the content.
At all stages of the process the standards are circulated to the wider industry for comment and correction, and the final submission for adoption must be accompanied by letters of support from employers in the sector.
NOS are reviewed every three years in order to maintain their currency. The Systems NOS were approved in July 2005 and are scheduled for review this summer.
That review, as is the case with all NOS produced by Skills for Security, will be undertaken in co-operation with relevant stakeholders across the UK, all the key trade associations and with input from large, small and medium sized companies in the systems sector.
Not surprisingly, with this degree of systems employer consultation, we reject Steve’s claim that the systems sector is disadvantaged by its association with the security sector.
The FSA, which Steve chairs, has made representation to have the responsibility for reviewing the systems standards transferred from Skills for Security to Summit Skills. This proposition was vigorously opposed by employers across the systems sector and as a result Summit Skills has agreed that Skills for Security will continue to lead on this project.
Now that the matter has been settled, I would urge all interested parties across the systems sector to work together and with us, rather than engage in narrow sectional politics. Let’s celebrate what a great industry this is, with real prospects for growth that include the opportunities generated by 2012.
There is real talent across the systems sector; if we co-operate and share our expertise we can produce up-to-date standards that reflect the full range of competencies and knowledge requirements of people working in the systems industry.
By maintaining that synergy we can then begin to build the framework of qualifications that Steve, and Skills for Security, wants to see.
David Greer, Chief Executive
Skills for Security, Security House, Barbourne Road, Worcester WR1 1RS