Over the past 9 months the SIA has been working with Ofqual and the awarding organisations of SIA licence linked qualifications to address concerns regarding training malpractice.
As a result of this work, we are making improvements that will provide confidence that those who hold SIA licences have achieved their licence-linked qualifications properly.
Under the banner name 'Operation Benchmark' the key elements of our proposals include:
- the creation of a new group including representation from awarding organisations and UK qualification regulators to strengthen the strategic approach to rooting out training malpractice
- formalising and improving information sharing with Ofqual, which includes setting out our shared requirement and expectations
- an increase in SIA inspection activity in response to a rise of reports on training malpractice
- a review of SIA investigation and prosecution powers to use in appropriate circumstances
- the introduction of improved methods for reporting training malpractice for the private security industry
- ensuring the SIA, awarding organisations and qualifications regulators act efficiently to quickly investigate allegations of malpractice
- improvements in the flow of information to ensure any concerns raised are acted upon quickly and robustly to reinforce trust and confidence in this key area
- a series of summit meetings with awarding organisations and training providers to ensure all those involved in the delivery of qualifications play a role in ensuring qualifications are delivered properly
The SIA is the statutory regulator of the private security industry; it does not regulate qualifications and has no powers regarding training delivery. Powers to regulate qualifications by approval, monitoring and sanction of awarding organisations are vested with the qualification's regulators.
An overhaul of current arrangements alongside partners is essential: the SIA cannot do this alone. We are pushing the boundaries of our remit to the limit with the activities we are undertaking.
The changes we are proposing are designed to ensure a more streamlined and joined-up approach to tackling training malpractice across the private security industry. They reflect a collaborative effort with the UK qualification regulators and the qualification awarding organisations to address the issues identified with the consistency of the quality of qualifications delivery.
The public safety role of SIA licence holders means that the quality and integrity of the training they receive at the start of their career is critical.
We all need to be confident that those who hold SIA licences receive the correct entry level qualification. Combatting training malpractice requires a concerted effort from all parties involved This action plan reflects the robust steps being taken to combat training malpractice, fraud and criminality, which undermine public safety.
We recognise the value that good training providers bring. Good training providers deliver training that helps keep the public safe and can save lives. So, please help us and our partners to root out any training malpractice in the sector.
If you have concerns about a training provider, please do report your concerns:
We will continue to provide updates on our progress as appropriate.
