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News from the Security Sector

Product of the Month: SAFE Professional Investigator's Course

In a new feature, every month we will feature one product from IQ Resources and give you an extra 10% off when purchased through IQ!

This month's product is the Professional Investigator’s Course from SAFE.

Designed for the budding investigator and fully mapped to the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators, these learning resources cover the do’s and don’ts of implementing investigations with various practical aspects such as searching for information, interviewing, surveillance and reporting more comprehensively. Peppered with engaging case studies and interactive activities throughout, the course guides students through the Investigative Cycle – Plan, Gather and Report but also covers in great detail other aspects that commonly fall into the remit of the Investigator’s role – such as legislation and best practices.

The new materials can be taught over five days and include everything you need to successfully run a professional investigators course, from PowerPoint slides to structure the lesson around to detailed tutor and student notes. Alternatively, the materials also provide for those studying through distance learning with segmented case activities that enable students to self-learn, whilst still achieving great results. For more information on the course visit SAFE’s description page here.

The full package usually retails for £495*, granting you a license to use the product for a year. This means that for this month only you can purchase these materials for £445* through IQ Resources.

For those who are only interested in either the distance learning or the 5 day course, reduced rates are available; please get in touch for more information.



* Plus VAT.


May 07, 2013 03:03 PM

Development Spotlight: Travel Safety for Women

This edition of development spotlight we are going to take a look at an upcoming customised qualification (CQF), Travel Safety for Women.

This award is being developed in conjunction with Rutherford Training Consultants (RTC), an IQ centre with considerable experience in this sector, having provided training courses in travel security for many years.  With a spate of recent attacks on women around the globe, both IQ and RISC recognised the need for an accredited qualification in order to help women understand and reduce the many risks that they could potentially face whilst abroad.

The qualification consists of a single unit divided around three key themes; thorough preparation and how to effectively plan your itinerary and minimise risk; personal safety whilst abroad, including ways to avoid crime and keep yourself safe, and conflict resolution practices for situations involving violence.

Whilst this qualification is aimed specifically at women travellers, it will soon form one part of a suite of three awards that are currently in development, all with the aim of making travel safer. The additional qualifications will include one for backpackers, with a focus on gap-year students and one for executive travellers.

IQ and RTC will be holding a launch for this qualification on May 22nd at Walkabout restaurant next to Temple Underground Station in London. There will be two workshops showcasing some of the practical elements of the qualification. If you are interested in attending the launch you can contact Rutherford Training on 0208 434 3459 or email info@rtc-training.co.uk.

The CQF

The development of an IQ customised qualification, as opposed to one on a national framework such as the QCF, has a number of significant benefits to the originating organisation. There is greater flexibility in terms of the design and structure, for example allowing units of different sizes and levels to be put together. A training provider or employer can accredit a course they already offer or develop a structured learning plan around a skills-gap that they have identified. A significant benefit of the CQF is the reduced development timeframe, we offer guarantees attached to the turnaround time for approval, enabling training providers or employers to rapidly capitalise on market opportunities or business needs.

Organisations that place awards on IQ’s Customised Qualification Framework are also able to retain some or all of the intellectual property. We also encourage our centres to make any accompanying learning materials available through IQ Resources, enabling them to create an additional income line.

For more information on the development process, click on the link below or get in touch.

http://www.industryqualifications.org.uk/qualifications/developing-a-qualification-with-us


Apr 30, 2013 09:32 AM

Public to Benefit from Better Trained Door Supervisors

The SIA have issued the following press release regarding the new Up-Skilling Door Supervisors qualification:

'The public will benefit from better trained door staff as new rules come into effect.

From today [04 Feb], door supervisors renewing their Security Industry Authority licence will need to have taken additional training and gained the Level 2 Award for Up-skilling Door Supervisors qualification.

The change means that door supervisors will need to complete training in physical intervention skills as well as demonstrating knowledge in areas of first aid, awareness of terrorist threats and considerations in dealing with children and young people.

SIA Competency Manager Tony Holyland explains: “Door staff are often the first people party-goers see on a night out to their local pub or club. As the night time economy has developed, the role of the door supervisor has changed. The additional mandatory skills will help door supervisors to handle situations, which can often involve resolving drink-fuelled disputes and escorting disorderly revellers off the premises.

“In highly-emotive situations, the door supervisor has to be able to protect the public and sometimes, him or herself from abuse. The new requirements will better equip door supervisors whilst they are on duty to do this in a safe manner.

“We would urge all door staff to make sure that they take the additional training before they renew their licence. Anyone supplying or employing door staff should ensure that they use our online Register of Licence Holders to ensure that their operative are properly trained and holds a valid SIA licence.”'

For information on the IQ Up-Skilling award, click here (or here for Scotland).

For more information on the SIA or to view this Press Release in its original context, click here


Feb 04, 2013 03:38 PM

New Training Programme for Healthcare Security Officers

Industry Qualifications, the first pan-sector mutual awarding organisation in the UK, has today announced the accreditation of the IQ Level 2 Industry Award in Healthcare Security (Top Up).

The ‘Top Up’ qualification is the first of a suite of three that will together create a new benchmark training standard for Healthcare Security Officers and answer the need for nationally approved training specific to the role.

The 'Top Up' programme has been designed to avoid expensive overlap of training, offering those who are already SIA qualified to 'up-skill' to the new training standard without having to undertake the ‘Full’ programme.

The 'Full’ programme for Healthcare Security Officers will incorporate the ‘Top Up’ training and also meet the criteria set by the SIA for Security Guarding and Door Supervision licence linked training, bringing it in-line with existing recognised occupational standards.

The ‘Full’ programme includes optional training in protective breakaway skills, physical intervention skills (holding, escorting & disengagement) and physical restraint (on a bed, a trolley and on the floor). The physical intervention training will equip Healthcare Security Officers with the practical skills needed to carry out Criminal Justice and Immigration Act (CJIA) role responsibilities and ensure appropriate use of their powers.

The new qualification is endorsed by the National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS). Chairman Peter Finch, welcoming the qualification, said

“We are delighted to have been involved with the development of this training package. Our security officers are our 24/7 eyes and ears on the ground and it is essential that they are appropriately trained to protect our facilities and staff from terrorism and other crime. This qualification will go some way towards achieving that aim.”

Richard Hampton of NHS Protect added:

“The scope of the new 'Top Up' programme highlights the knowledge and professional capabilities currently required of Healthcare Security Officers.  I hope the training contributes to making their work safer.”

Programme creator, Jim O’Dwyer of AEGIS said:

“The new ‘Top Up’ training comprehensively reflects the complexity and diversity of a Healthcare Security Officer role and the broad range of security tasks, duties and responsibilities it entails. I am very grateful to all the NAHS officials who contributed and I’m looking forward to the ‘roll out’ of the Full programme.”

Head of Business Development of Industry Qualifications, Sallyann Baldry said:

“The introduction of qualifications to improve standards, with a real focus on patient-centred practice which will reduce the risk of assault for those working in healthcare is to be welcomed.

“There is an ever increasing need to recognise the skills and knowledge of professionals working within the healthcare community, which often goes unrewarded and IQ is delighted to be at the forefront of supporting the continuing professional development needs of over 15,000 security personnel in healthcare settings from acute, mental and general hospitals to nursing, residential and day care establishments.”

Further information for editors :

AEGIS Skills Ltd is a training and consultancy company with established expertise in developing and delivering professional training for those working in the security and care sectors and a strong track record of supplying ‘fit for purpose’ training that equips delegates with the knowledge and skills they need to perform their role safely, ethically and professionally.

Contact: Jim O’Dwyer
AEGIS Skills Ltd, Suite 2 Camelot, 6 Watkin Rd, Bournemouth BH5 1HP
Website: aegis-skills.co.uk
T: 01202 773 736 E: info@aegis-skills.co.uk

The National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS)

The National Association for Healthcare Security (NAHS) is a non-profit making professional organisation of Healthcare Managers in the United Kingdom, who are responsible for security. The NAHS works to improve security in healthcare facilities through training and the exchange of information and experiences. The NAHS, as a stakeholder in healthcare security, aims to support the NHS Security Management Service (SMS) as it develops the strategic direction and development of NHS healthcare security.

Contact: Peter Finch CSyP CPP, FSyI FInstLM MCMI MIEM
Trust Security Adviser & Local Security Management Specialist (0025)
Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust City Hospital, Dudley Road, Birmingham, B18 7QH
Tel:  0121 507 4870

NHS Protect

NHS Protect is the operating name of the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service. NHS Protect provides policy and operational guidance relating to the management of security within the NHS in England. It strives to ensure permanent improvements are made to provide the best protection for NHS staff and property.

Contact: Richard Hampton, Head of Local Support and Development Services, NHS Protect.
Tel: 0207 895 4500
Website:  http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Protect.aspx


Nov 20, 2012 04:01 PM

Update: IQ Welcome Confirmation of SIA Position Regarding Door Supervision Training

From the 1st December 2012, those providing training for Door Supervisors will be required to deliver the programme over a minimum of four days, something that has always been an absolute requirement of IQ for all of its centres.

Update: The SIA have now updated their website to reflect this stipulation http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/training-provider-info.aspx

IQ has previously raised concerns with the SIA in August that the minimum four day requirement for door supervision training was not being universally applied by awarding organisations in the sector. The concern was that this had led to a situation where those providing training over three extended days (or less) were distorting the market, and unfairly competing with those wishing to provide training to a more professional standard.

Welcoming the announcement, Raymond Clarke, Chief Executive of IQ said, “The purpose of regulation is to raise standards in the industry. I doubt that many of us would be able to learn over training periods extending to ten hours or more in a single day and am surprised that some have been willing to countenance the approach. If we expect customers, employers and indeed candidates to gain from and value the training provided, it has to be delivered and assessed to professional standards.”


Nov 09, 2012 09:21 AM

IPSA link with IQ

The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) has become the latest representative body from the security industry to become a member of Industry Qualifications. As a representative member of IQ, IPSA will play an important role in shaping the IQ offer for the security sector, in addition to working with IQ on the development of qualifications to support IPSA training initiatives.

The involvement of representative bodies is a key part of the IQ stakeholder engagement strategy, and is designed to ensure that IQ products and services remain focused on industry needs, and meet industry standards. “IPSA have a long tradition for championing education in the security sector, stretching back to 1958,” said Raymond Clarke, Chief Executive of IQ. “As a member of IPSA myself, I am only too aware of the invaluable service that is provided by IPSA in advising and representing members on a wide range of issues, including education. We look forward to supporting IPSA with its own plans for training, and benefitting from the tremendous source of expertise and guidance that becomes available to us.”

Chairman of IPSA, Mike White said, “IPSA are proud to be associated and aligned with IQ, a progressive, innovative and forward thinking organisation constantly seeking to achieve the very highest standards in training and skills development. We look forward to a long and productive relationship and to working together to enhance the training opportunities available to our members.”

For further information, please contact Justin Bentley at IPSA 01257 249945 or Raymond Clarke at IQ 01952 457452.


Sep 03, 2012 04:48 PM

Call for Views on Close Protection Licence Arrangements

Views on the close protection licence arrangements are being sought by the Security Industry Authority in light of the updates to the qualification needed to obtain a door supervisor licence.

For more information, please see the SIA press release: http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/about-news.aspx?newsID=348&ArtTypeID=13


Aug 16, 2012 09:12 AM

Changes to SIA Acceptable Identification Procedures

IQ is changing its procedures for assessments for Licence to Practice qualifications in conjunction with the SIA, whom have announced changes to the documents it will accept for identification for licence applications from the 31st of August 2012.

IQ has released a new List of acceptable forms of Identification for SIA licensed linked examinations. Centres are advised to familiarise themselves with the new procedures and advise their candidates of the potential changes when they apply for their licence.

A summary of changes made by the SIA are:

  • 4-UK adoption certificate - has been moved from Group A to Group B.
  • The following are no longer acceptable forms of ID:
    • 16-Mobile phone contract;
    • 17-TV licence in your name and current address issued in last 12 months,
    • 19- Certificate of British nationality,
    • 26-Court summons issued in last 12 months,
    • 28-A payslip, with your address and the employer's name or logo, that is less than three months old.

These changes will take effect on the 31 August.

Any assessments received by the IQ office on or after the 31st of August will be checked against the new guidelines. Please note that any new licence applications received by the SIA on or after 31 August will be processed according to the new ID requirements.

For more information, please see the SIA press release.

The new list of acceptable ID can be found at : List of acceptable forms of Identification for SIA licensed linked examinations

The updated Security Guide can be found at found at the security section of the centre portal (please login to gain access to the documents).


Aug 15, 2012 11:28 AM

Upskilling Door Supervisors Qualification Becomes Mandatory in February 2013

The SIA announces that the Award for Upskilling Door Supervisors will become a mandatory requirement for all door supervisors qualified before June 2010 when renewing their SIA licence from 4th February 2013.

This training is already a compulsory part of the current nationally-recognised Award in Door Supervision introduced from June 2010. It is now to also become a requirement for those with the previous door supervision qualifications. Only door supervisors that have qualified before June 2010 will need to take the new award, as the content is included in the newer post-June 2010 qualification.

After 4th February 2013, any individual who currently holds a door supervisor licence but does not carry out licensable activities in this sector can obtain a security guarding licence without additional training on renewal of their licence.

The award includes physical intervention skills training, awareness of terrorist threats, considerations in dealing with 14 to 18 year-olds and first aid awareness. Being trained in the appropriate techniques and how to use them will help door staff to manage difficult situations, minimising the risk of injury to members of the public and to themselves.

As previously announced, IQ's Upskilling Qualification has been operational since June, and comprises of 3 mandatory assessments as follows :

 

Unit

Assessment

Number of questions

Time allowed

1

Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors

Multiple choice question paper

10

20 minutes

2

Physical Intervention Skills for the Private Security Industry

Knowledge

Multiple choice question paper

15

30 minutes

Practical

Internally marked demonstration of skills, quality assured by IQ

N/A

N/A

All IQ approved centres gain access to a free downloadable workbook that covers the required learning for the Safety Awareness unit.

For more information, please see the press release released on the SIA website : http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/about-news.aspx?newsID=347&ArtTypeID=15 

For more information about the IQ Upskilling Qualification, please see: www.industryqualifications.org.uk/qualifications/database/iq-level-2-award-for-upskilling-door-supervisors-qcf 


Aug 07, 2012 05:45 PM

Comments on the Home Affairs Select Committee Report on the Private Investigation Industry

The Home Affairs Select Committee has today (July 6th) published its report into the operation and regulation of the Private Investigations sector. Raymond Clarke, IQ’s chief executive comments.

The report, which covers the role of investigators, their relationship with law enforcement agencies, licensing of the sector and issues surrounding data protection makes interesting reading and is available at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmhaff/100/100.pdf. Central to the recommendations is the establishment of a new code of conduct for investigators.

In terms of skills, the report states, “We are convinced that competency does not ensure conscience. The core of any training regime for investigators ought to be knowledge of the Code of Conduct and the legal constraints that govern the industry.”

“Whilst the shape of licensing is not bound by the outcomes of the Select Committee enquiry the report provides a useful contribution to the debate,” said Raymond Clarke, Chief Executive of IQ. “The coverage of the skills issue in the report is a little disappointing and provides little guidance. We believe that the current standards, endorsed in principle by the SIA, cover much of the requirements as a general qualification but more consideration could have been given to how specialisms could have been included within licensing. In principle, we support the addition of a code of conduct and its inclusion within training requirements for the industry.”

“There is a risk that the lack of detail in the report on skills issues will lead to investigators and investigation companies deferring investment in training whilst awaiting a definitive interpretation of the way forward. We would encourage the SIA to provide clear guidance on the future development of training and qualification standards for investigators so that those working in the sector can engage in development activities, confident that they will be recognised in the future.”


Jul 06, 2012 10:54 AM

New version of BS 7858 code of practice

A new draft of the BS7858 code have been published for comment.

The proposed new version of BS 7858 is now available for public comment at http://drafts.bsigroup.com/Home/Details/46623 . Any person has the opportunity between now and the 31st August to look at what is being proposed and to either leave a comment on the BSI system or IPSA members can submit comments via myself.

For information:
Comments are then reviewed by the drafting group, probably mid September. The final document is then likely to be published in October or November.

News from : www.ipsa.org.uk


Jul 05, 2012 01:12 PM

IQ Ready for Door Supervision Top-Up

With the SIA expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks regarding additional training requirements for Door Supervisors, IQ is ready with the qualification and supporting learning materials.

“The new qualification is titled the IQ Level 2 Award for Upskilling Door Supervisors, and comprises two units; Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors, which has been written by IQ for all of the awarding bodies in the sector, and the existing Physical Intervention Skills for the Private Security Industry.

Debbie Mallinson, Qualifications Development Manager at IQ said, “The Safety Awareness unit comprises issues such as counter terrorism issues, first aid and legislation regarding children and young people within the context of door supervision.  IQ will provide a free self-study package for this unit which will be downloadable by IQ centres.

The Physical Intervention unit will be completed in the same way and under the same conditions as within the current Door Supervision qualification, but those who have already completed the unit will not need to repeat it.”

More information about The IQ Level 2 Award for Upskilling Door Supervisors - 600/5750/6 can be found at : www.industryqualifications.org.uk/qualifications/database/iq-level-2-award-for-upskilling-door-supervisors-qcf.


Jul 05, 2012 01:57 PM

Announcement from NaCTSO : Raising the Bar

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has asked members of the Cross-sector Safety and Security Communications to distribute the attached advice for the night time economy of pubs, clubs and other licensed premises.

'Raising the Bar' (attached), reinforces their advice, particularly for this summer, and is designed for owners, staff, and door supervisors.  Please cascade this document as widely to this sector as possible in time for the Olympics and the coming Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Raise the Bar - 2012


May 28, 2012 09:17 PM

Changes to the Working in the Private Security Industry Assessment

IQ has now completed the review on our assessments and updated question papers to reflect the changes to Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) announced by the HSE in April 2012. The new question papers will come into effect from the 21st of May 2012.

These changes in legislation affect the multiple choice assessments within the Working in the Private Security Industry Unit which is currently contained in the following qualifications:

  • 600/3128/1 IQ Level 2 Award in CCTV Operations (Public Space Surveillance) (QCF)
  • 600/3134/7 IQ Level 2 Award in Door Supervision (QCF)
  • 600/3133/5 IQ Level 2 Award in Security Guarding (QCF)
  • 600/3617/5 IQ Level 2 Certificate In Principles of Providing Security Services (QCF)

As previously reported in Changes to Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), new legislation came in to force on the 6th of April 2012 that changes the health and safety reporting requirements.

According to the HSE, only injuries that lead to a worker being incapacitated for more than seven consecutive days as the result of an occupational accident or injury (not counting the day of the accident but including weekends and rest days) will need to be reported within 15 days of the accident.  Incapacitation means that the worker is absent, or is unable to do work that they would reasonably be expected to do as part of their normal work.

As with other incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences in the workplace, records must still be kept if the worker has been incapacitated for more than three consecutive days. If you are an employer who must keep an accident book under the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1979, that record can be treated as a record for the purposes of RIDDOR.


May 16, 2012 08:57 AM

IPSA appoints Rt. Honourable Bruce George as President

According to the International Professional Security Association (IPSA), the Rt. Honourable Bruce George is appointed President of IPSA.

Described as “A man in a Million" by the Mayor of Walsall when presenting the Rt. Hon. Bruce George in 2011 with the silver casket and scroll marking his being granted the Honorary Freedom of the City of Walsall in recognition of serving 36 years at its Member of Parliament, the International Professional Security Association expresses similar sentiments and is pleased to announce that Bruce George has been appointed Honorary President of the Association.

Bruce George is well known in the Private Security Industry having campaigned for over 30 years for the regulation of the manned services of the security industry which was finally achieved by the passing of the Private Security Industry Act in 2001.

Born in Glamorgan in 1942, he graduated from the University of Wales and pursued post graduate studies at Warwick University gaining a Masters degree in Comparative Politics. Thereafter he held lecturer and senior lecturer posts at various Polytechnics until elected to Parliament as a Labour Party candidate to represent Walsall South in 1974.

Pursuing jointly his interests in security and defence, he became a formidable parliamentary representative serving on inter-parliamentary committees and organisations over the next three decades. These included membership of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee from 1979 and serving as its Chairman from 1997 to 2005.

Aside from becoming the outstanding parliamentary champion of the movement for regulation of the security industry he has been a regular contributing writer to academic journals, published several books on defence and related matters, and is a regular speaker on European defence and security issues.

Since standing down from Parliament in 2010 he has continued to work as a Visiting Professor at Portsmouth University’s Institute of Criminal Justice Studies, travelled widely as an election monitor and nearer home is also Vice President of The Security Institute.

Announcing his appointment as President of IPSA, Chairman Mike White said, “As many of you know, Bruce has been a tireless supporter of the private security industry for more years than he's prepared to admit to. He is a published author on security industry matters with many of writings being required reading on university degree courses. Since his retirement as an MP Bruce has remained a very vocal commentator on our industry and its regulatory provisions. The Association is greatly honoured by his acceptance of the post of Honorary President and looks forward to working with him to enhance the influence and relevance of the Association in the industry today.

Accepting the appointment Bruce George said “I am delighted that I have been invited to join IPSA as its Honorary President and I do so with much enthusiasm as I have been a long term admirer of the consistent efforts made by the Association to raise standards and represent its members. I am very much looking forward to working with the International Council as we contemplate further changes in the regulation of the industry in the months ahead.”

from the IPSA news page


May 14, 2012 10:21 PM

Association of British Investigators Joins IQ

The UK’s leading trade body for Investigators in the private sector, the Association of British Investigators has become the first industry association to become a member of Industry Qualifications (IQ).

The ABI has become both a member of IQ Qualifications and IQ Resources. The ABI Academy will work with IQ on the development of qualifications for investigators, promoting IQ qualifications within its membership, and the development and sale of training courses and materials to support IQ programmes.

Gavin Robertson, ABI Governing Council member with responsibility for Strategy, Qualifications and Regulation said “The agreement to work with IQ comes at a critical time for the investigations sector. The considerations of the Leveson enquiry and the renewed interest in licensing private investigators are raising the profile of education and qualifications in the sector. The ABI will play a central role in these developments and further strengthening our relationship with IQ is part of our strategic response to the challenges and opportunities that will arise”.

As a result of the agreement, ABI will assist IQ in the development of qualifications for the sector, provide subject experts for IQ quality assurance activities in the sector and provide access to IQ awards for its members. IQ will assist ABI by providing strategic advice on education and qualification issues, and assist the ABI establish and promote its learning programmes.

Raymond Clarke, Chief Executive of IQ said, “This is a significant development for IQ on two counts. Firstly, it provides IQ with a strategically significant sector partner in advance of the licensing of the investigatory sector, and confirms our commitment to the sector.  The opportunity to access the expertise of ABI members and networks will do much to ensure the quality of the IQ product and our responsiveness to sector needs”.

“Secondly, ABI becomes the first trade body to become a member of IQ. Whilst we anticipate significant growth in the membership of representative bodies in the coming months, across a wide range of sectors, the ABI is an important first for IQ. We are very pleased to have secured the involvement of such a distinguished and significant body at such an important time in the development of their industry sector”.

Further details for editors:

Industry Qualifications (IQ) provides a new approach to the operation of an awarding organisation and is approved by UK qualifications regulators, including Ofqual. It is a mutual awarding organisation that is owned by its members working across a range of economic sectors. IQ values partnership and enjoys a world class reputation for the integrity of its assessment, governance and relationship with stakeholders.

The Association of British Investigators (ABI) is the longest established organisation representing professional Private Investigators in the UK with its foundations laid way back in 1913.

With the absence of any statutory control of the investigation industry in the UK the Association recognised the need for self-regulation many years ago and set very high standards to meet the criteria for membership opting for quality rather than quantity.


Apr 03, 2012 10:25 PM

New IQ qualification raises the customer service skills of Store Detectives and reduces loss

Industry Qualifications, the first pan-sector mutual awarding organisation in the UK, has approved Goldmark Training to offer an accredited qualification for store detectives.

The IQ Level 2 Organisation Award in Providing Store Detective Services takes a proactive view of dealing with, and preventing shop theft. Security staff have the opportunity to make the transition from guard to store detective, learning techniques to develop observational and customer service skills, as well as conducting arrests within legal boundaries.

In promoting a progression route from security guard to store detective to loss prevention manager, emphasis is placed on working in a co-ordinated way with other staff in the store. Loss prevention is everyone’s responsibility and by working effectively with the retail and management teams losses can be reduced and the reputation of the store retained.

The one day course provides the delegate with a different perspective in dealing with and deterring shop theft and building relationships with customers, management team and staff. Practical techniques such as observation skills to post incident reviews are explored during the course.

Ruth Goldsworthy who developed the qualification said;

“We firmly believe that improving the customer service skills of Store Detectives reduces shrinkage as a proactive approach acts as a powerful deterrent. Sitting at the exit to the store waiting for the thief to leave may have some effect on arrest rates but it won’t necessarily tackle loss in the broader sense. We advocate and teach ‘approach & deter’ and ‘observe and arrest’.

We are now looking at adding a second day of training in physical intervention. Store Detectives often work alone, so they need different physical intervention techniques to those delivered to door staff.”

Continuing Ruth said

“In the current climate it is vital every resource is maximised.  Therefore giving security staff additional skills increases their flexibility and value to the company. This is the first in a series of courses aimed at delivering real cost savings in the retail sector. Goldmark are grateful to IQ for all their help, support and assistance, in bringing this much needed product to market.

Chief Executive of Industry Qualifications, Ray Clarke said;

“Our portfolio of security qualifications is one of the broadest in the sector. There are a number of specialisms vital to the ever increasing professionalism of the sector which can, and should, be recognised with robust and content rich qualifications. The IQ model enables skills and knowledge which often goes unrewarded to be recognised against a national benchmark.”

Further details for editors

Goldmark Training Services Ltd is proud to be able to call on over 30years of experience in the area of Retail Loss Prevention.  Ruth Goldsworthy has worked with and successfully developed training materials for some of the leading FMCG retailers in the UK.

For further details, you can contact Ruth Goldsworthy at:
Office: 0116 286 5898:     Mob: 07955 248691           Email: ruth@goldmarkts.co.uk


Mar 29, 2012 09:46 PM

Industry Qualifications is selected as awarding organisation by Qatar’s new International Centre for Sport Security

Industry Qualifications, the first pan sector mutual awarding organisation in the UK, has announced today that it has been selected as an awarding organisation partner by the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), the not-for-profit sport security organisation based in Doha, Qatar.

With London 2012 at the forefront of the minds of those working in the private security industry here in the UK, Qatar has set its sights considerably farther ahead. Hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup and bidding to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, Qatar is undertaking major infrastructure projects to develop state of the art sports stadia, associated facilities and human resource capabilities.

Central to hosting a safe and successful major sporting event is the critical need to deploy a capable and skilled workforce. As part of its goal to build knowledge and share best practice in the field of sport security, the ICSS will now turn its focus to developing training programs covering several levels of security strategy and planning.

In order to develop best in class training, the ICSS is collaborating with Industry Qualifications to develop a range of internationally recognised qualifications to ensure that training is effectively assessed, independently verified and provide prospective stewards and security staff with industry leading qualifications. As an IQ accredited centre, the ICSS will begin to deliver IQ qualifications at the beginning of May.

Welcoming the ICSS as an IQ international centre, Head of Business Development, Sallyann Baldry said;

“IQ is delighted to work with the ICSS to support their mission of total workforce development from basic security operatives to senior security director over the next decade. IQ’s expertise will provide the international qualifications required for the ICSS to fulfil its vision to develop a skilled workforce and showcase its position as a global provider of sport security training”.

Rick Festorazzi, Director of Training for the International Centre for Sport Security added;

“The ICSS is delighted to be involved at the conceptual stage of these initiatives with IQ and we look forward to our further collaboration in the development of this very important area.  The ICSS is committed to securing quality partners and our selection of IQ is a concrete step in that direction”.

Development work will commence shortly on a competency standard for stewards, with the pilot training courses for basic security grades commencing at the end of the year. Work on close protection, security supervision and incident response courses will follow. At the higher levels, qualifications in security risk assessment, security site surveying and incident control and command will be developed over the coming years. Training resources will be designed to meet the needs of trainers to ensure those delivering the qualifications are well supported.

Further information for editors

ICSS is The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS). The ICSS is an international, not-for-profit institution that aims to help event organizers to stage safer major sporting events. The Centre's mission is to enhance security and safety in the world of sport by proactively addressing real issues and providing best-in-class training, research and tailored consulting in all aspects of sport security. The ICSS team brings together some of the world’s leading sport security experts and has access to a worldwide network of specialist practitioners, offering expertise in every aspect of sport security.


Mar 19, 2012 08:37 PM

SIA Door Supervisors Top Up Training

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) have issued a news release regarding additional or ‘top-up’ training for Door Supervisors.

: http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/about-news.aspx?newsid=302

IQ welcomes the news that top up training will be required for Door Supervisors who took the old NQF (two unit) qualification. At the moment this is just an announcement, top up training will become  mandatory, but no immediate action is necessary.

This advanced publicity will enable Door Supervisors, Employers and Training Providers to be in a better position to implement any necessary actions when it does come into effect.

“We will be attending meetings with the SIA to discuss the implementation of the new requirements and any news or updates will be posted on our website. IQ is committed to working with the SIA on this development and to making the new top up unit available to our centres,” said Debbie Mallinson, Qualifications Development Manager.

To summarise:

  • This is only an announcement that the Home Office want the SIA to implement top-up training for Door Supervisors who have the old NQF (2 unit) qualification
  • It does not apply to Door Supervisors who have the new QCF or SCQF (4 unit) qualification
  • The SIA are currently reviewing how and when this will be implemented
  • The SIA strive to give individuals at least 4-6 months notice to obtain any training that they make a requirement.
  • The module will include physical intervention skills training, and there will be a requirement for the candidate to demonstrate knowledge in other areas such as considerations in dealing with 14 to 18 year-olds, first aid awareness, and terrorism awareness.

Mar 07, 2012 07:56 PM

SIA publishes proposals for future regulation

In the recent SIA update published on the 31st of January 2012, the Security Industry Authority have published a factsheet outlining their proposals for future regulation of the private security industry.

In the recent SIA update published on the 31st of January 2012, the Security Industry Authority have published a factsheet outlining their proposals for future regulation of the private security industry. No changes are to be implemented before London Olympics 2012, with the key changes proposed being :

  • industry regulation will continue in the future
  • businesses operating in designated areas of the private security industry will require annual licensing
  • registration of employees to confirm identity, address history, right to work, qualifications and criminal record checks are to continue, with responsibility of the registration and application process to transfer to the business through a more automated online approach
  • development of training standards to be transferred to a suitable industry skills body
  • no changes are proposed to the ACS voluntary scheme for the time being

Feb 16, 2012 05:34 PM