Following the announcement THAT the Scottish Executive had invited the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to extend regulation of the private security industry to cover operatives North of the Border, the Regulator has since been working closely with the industry, Awarding Bodies and the Scottish Qualifications Authority to make available SIA-approved training and qualifications with a specific emphasis on Scottish law.

The first batch of courses and examinations for licensing in Scotland are now available for three sectors. These are as follows:

  • Security Officer – ASET Level 2 Certificate for Security Officers (Scotland)
  • Door Supervisor – BIIAB National Certificate for Door Supervisors (Scotland)
  • Public Space Surveillance CCTV – ASET Level 2 Certificate for CCTV Operatives (Public Space Surveillance) (Scotland)
A fourth qualification – National Open College Network’s Cash-and-Valuables-in-Transit – will soon be ready, while Scottish-focused and accredited close protection qualifications are expected to be made available later this year.

Approved qualifications obtained in Scotland or England and Wales will be valid when applying for a GB-wide SIA licence, in much the same way that someone who obtains a driving licence in Edinburgh is then legally allowed to drive in London. However, the training will be delivered with a special focus on the laws pertaining to Scotland.

From November 2007, there will be one set of SIA licences across Scotland, England and Wales. By that time, those operating in designated private security industry roles in Scotland must hold an SIA licence if they are to work legally.

Source

SMT

Postscript

Further details on the SIA’s qualifications for Scotland are available on the following web sites: www.aset.ac.uk, www.biiab.org, www.nocn.org.uk and www.the-sia.org.uk