‘The Birth of Licensing’

Realisation of Regulation.

 Is Informative and Successful

The Chairman for the day was, David Roscoe who received a warm welcome when he gave the opening address. David stated that the cost of licensing will impact on the final cost to customers and security companies will have to review their current service levels and consider the integration of manned guarding and technology.

Mike Welply, Master of the Guild of Security Professionals presented Maurice Harvey with his NTIPDU Accredited Instructors certificate and applauded the professionalism of the NTIPDU in it’s passion and dedication to improving the standards of security dogs and handlers within the industry.

Alan Martin, Head of Standards, SITO (Security Industry Training Organisation) gave a presentation about National Occupational Standards and how they are used to provide  specifications of competence, which in turn are developed by the regulator and awarding bodies into qualifications.

Moira Hargraves, Senior Qualification Leader, Edexcel gave the next presentation, describing how qualifications are developed with the regulator and presented to QCA (Qualifications Curriculum Authority) for inclusion on the NQF (National Qualification Framework). All the work carried out by both the standards writer and awarding bodies are constructed with the total involvement of the industry sectors concerned.

Following Moira’s presentation it was Mike Welply’s turn to receive a presentation from the NTIPDU. The directors of the NTIPDU presented Mike with Honorary Membership and a Glass Tablet for his commitment and dedication to the industry through his role as Chief Executive of JSIC (Joint Security Industry Council).

Luncheon followed, which gave delegates a chance to talk one-to-one with the speakers and industry leaders.

The afternoon session commenced with a presentation from Karen Wilkinson, Development Manager (Competencies), SIA (Security Industry Authority) on the licensing of Dog Handlers. Karen explained how the PSI Act 2001 did not have provisions for the specific licensing of Security Dog Handlers, however following initial consultation with sector specialists it was clear that the regulator would have to be involved with the development of qualifications for the sector to sit on the NQF.

Linda Sharpe, Sector Skills Competency Manager, SIA, gave the final presentation, highlighting the issues of the past and future image of the security industry and how it will be transformed from a poorly paid and under valued industry to a profession with standards, higher pay, which will be trustworthy and inspire confidence.

The seminar ended with a lively question and answer session, which proved both entertaining and informative for all.