Our guest blogger this month is Georgie Barnard, Chief Executive of the West End Security Group (WESG). Georgie has been a member of the SIA Skills and Qualifications Review Project Board since it was created in 2017 and has brought a wealth of experience to this project. In her blog Georgie tells us what the new licence linked qualifications mean to the members of WESG.
My name is Georgie Barnard, and I am the Chief Executive of the West End Security Group representing over 6000 businesses across London’s West End footprint. I previously set up and ran the National Business Crime Centre for UK Policing and have worked closely with the SIA for many years. I have sat on their Skills and Qualifications Review Project Board since it was created in 2017, firstly as a police representative and now looking after security in the private sector, so I see the benefits of these new standards from all angles!
WESG is an association of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and large property-owning companies that work collaboratively to improve planning and preparation for incidents that have the potential to cause significant disruption to business. WESG develops and delivers security plans to enable members, partners, and associates to resist, respond to and recover from a terrorist attack or other major security incident. We work closely with our members and their security teams to disrupt and deter terrorist activity and to improve awareness and understanding by business about methods of attack and enhance the ability to identify suspicious behaviour. We also look to better connect businesses to share information and ensure they have proportionate and effective security measures in place.
Why have new SIA qualifications
Back in 2017 there were a series of horrific terror attacks in the UK, including Westminster Bridge, the Manchester Arena Bombing and London Bridge. It was recognised that at many of these incidents, licensed security officers played a significant role. As a result of the attacks, there was a call-to-action by the National Counter Terrorism Office (NaCTSO) for policing, the private sector and government to enhance the protective security of the UK. The private security industry came together to discuss their role in this ‘Step-Change Programme’ and together, with the SIA, acknowledged that it was time for the level of training for security across all the sectors to be reviewed.
This was the first opportunity since the SIA was created and compulsory standards formed, to have a real overhaul and update of the training provided. For starters, the physical terrorist threat has massively increased in recent years and there was recognition more needed to be done to protect the public. Linked closely to that has been the shrinkage of police resources and a significant shift on increasing private security capabilities to fill the gap. In the 18 years since the SIA was formed, there have been health and safety and many wider legislation changes brought in, so it is important that security operatives are in step with the law. Finally, new systems introduced to the security environment has, as with all sectors, revolutionised the industry and it is important that security operatives are making best use of the technology. All these factors mean that the current training needed refreshing and modules introduced to better reflect the role of the modern-day security operative.
How has the project board worked?
The project board has been made up of a range of individuals from security that have regularly given perspective, guidance, and support from their own organisations, in shaping the changes to the training. I was asked to join the Skills and Qualifications Review Project Board to initially make sure the training complimented police training and to provide a link in with the National Counter Terrorism Security Office. A lot of effort has been made to consult members of the industry at every level along the way, which has really meant it has taken a while, but that the final packages are being well received. Uppermost in our minds all along the way has been making the training as accessible, flexible, and achievable. The development of the online learning has been excellent, especially given the last 18 months of lockdown!
Do you think the changes are being well received?
Yes! There is no doubt these changes are timely and welcomed by our members. There has been a lot of scrutiny of private security, their capabilities and training, particularly as the first volume of the Manchester Arena Inquiry has been published. WESG has been part of the consultation of the ‘Duty To Protect’ legislation and our focus has been keeping members of the public safe. It is reassuring to see that the SIA is already rolling out their new standards, which includes First Aid training for all licensed security operatives.
The industry is working hard to raise standards generally and WESG members and their businesses say they feel reassured that the training has improved. With lockdown now being lifted, footfall in the West End is thankfully increasing daily. With the increase in visitors, naturally comes an increase in crime and security related incidents. WESG members, many of whom employ SIA licensed staff in retail and hospitality, really welcome the up-to-date training. One member said, ‘It is important to know that my security go through thorough basic training before qualifying for a licence.’
I spoke to FGH Security Ltd which works with one of WESG’s Business Improvement Districts and they said: ‘Our officers deal with a variety of incidents 24/7 and are often the first on scene. One of our primary objectives is to equip them with the required skills and knowledge to help them respond appropriately. Whether that be assisting members of the public or supporting the emergency services. The revised SIA training requirements are helping us achieve this by providing a solid foundation for us to build on and continually professionally develop our staff.’
WESG will continue to support our members and their security teams and will be facilitating regular joint training involving licensed operatives, the local authority and policing teams. We all want to see front line staff better equipped to manage incidents and support public protection and regular training and communication will ensure that we are all best prepared.
