Without doubt, the demand for security services – from security guarding to technology solutions and on to security consultancy – has been increasing for a number of years.
As the sector grows in both stature and importance, it can become harder for the consumer to identify the most appropriate security personnel and businesses to work with in order to protect their assets.
In addition, it might also be challenging for individuals working in – or aspiring to work in – the security sector to ‘stand out from the crowd’ as buyers struggle to recognise the qualities of a good security officer, consultant, product and/or business.
It’s not surprising, then, that professionalising the sector has come to the forefront of the agenda in recent years.
Why is professionalising security as a discipline so important?
Traditionally, the security sector has not enjoyed the best of reputations in the wider world. While it’s not denied that there are some dishonest and unprincipled individuals working in the space, this is not the only reason why security has been viewed in such a bad light.
The problem also stems from a lack of understanding about what security is and why it’s so important.
However, dispelling myths about the security sector is just part of the solution: it’s also necessary to ensure that there are methods in place for identifying good quality security services. An obvious step is to strive for professionalising the sector as this will provide consumers – in other words the end customers – with clear criteria against which they might measure security services.
Furthermore, professionalising a sector inevitably means setting minimum standards. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that individuals meet defined standards of knowledge, skills and values, and that they will maintain and develop their professional competence throughout their careers.
Clarifying what’s expected of a security professional and what career options are available in the sector will also attract new people to work in the sphere and provide clearer career pathways.
Employers also benefit as professional status among recruits clearly demonstrates that they meet well defined competency levels.
In summary, professionalising the security sector brings a number of benefits, then, most notably:
Steps towards professionalisation: the Regulator in focus
Steps have already been taken towards professionalising the security sector. Perhaps the most obvious example was the launch of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) back in 2003.
The SIA, of course, is directly responsible for regulating the private security industry effectively by reducing criminality, raising standards and recognising quality service.
The introduction of licensing for security officers – as well as door supervisors and individuals who work in close protection, Cash-in-Transit and Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) – was key to ensuring that only appropriate (ie trustworthy and non-offending) individuals who are properly trained and qualified work in these roles.
The SIA also manages the Approved Contractor Scheme which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria. This accreditation therefore provides the purchasers of private security services with independent proof of a contractor’s commitment to quality.
There’s also other work being carried out to support the development of the professional security industry. Professional bodies, such as The Security Institute, have been established with the aim of supporting the professional development of people working in security.
Furthermore, the use of varying levels of membership – all of which have minimum standards of experience and competency attached – provide a useful benchmarking tool for individuals working in the security sector.
The Security Institute’s recent application for Chartered status is another example of the work being done to boost professionalisation. A Royal Charter is formal recognition of a professional association by Her Majesty The Queen and represents a major milestone in the evolution of the security world.
The recent launch of the Register of Chartered Security Professionals (developed by The Security Institute on behalf of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals) represents another milestone.
Important role to be played by training
Training is, of course, an integral part of professionalising the security sector. Indeed it would be somewhat unusual to encounter someone working towards professionalising the industry who does not include training and qualifications as part of their strategic plan.
The SIA recognises the importance of everyone working in the private security industry having the right skills and knowledge to do their job well and on a safe basis.
Historically, training (if indeed any was undertaken) could be ‘hit and miss’ with variations in quality and standard. The inclusion of appropriate training as a key requirement for attaining an SIA licence card was therefore a key part of the Regulator’s strategy to introduce minimum standards.
Professional bodies also recognise the central role training has to play in professionalising the industry. The Security Institute, for example, runs two membership qualifications in security management (delivered by Perpetuity Training), and encourages members to participate in CPD (Continuing Professional Development) events.
It’s also important to remember that people working in the security sector at the moment come from lots of different backgrounds. There are many routes into the industry and individuals bring different knowledge bases and experiences to the job.
In many cases they may seek additional training support to ensure they can perform their roles as effectively as possible.
Training is also essential to ensure security professionals remain up-to-speed with changes in the ever-evolving world of security.
Professionalising the security sector is an important step forward, bringing a number of benefits both to people who work in the industry and to those who procure security services.
Training is an important instrument when it comes to professionalising the security space, and good quality programmes are needed to ensure minimum standards are both met and maintained.
Ken Livingstone (managing director) and Amy Burrell (training consultant) are with Perpetuity Training
Further information about… Perpetuity Training
Perpetuity Training offers a range of short courses, including Level 4 professional awards in Managing Security Surveys and Security Management.
All of the company’s short courses can be adapted to meet the needs of individual businesses. Bespoke training services are also available.
Perpetuity Training is proud to be associated with The Security Institute and to be the provider of the Institute’s two membership qualifications: the Certificate in Security Management (Level 3 Advanced Certificate) and the Diploma in Security Management (Level 5 Professional Diploma).
For more details telephone 0116-222 5550 or e-mail: [email protected]
