Several different types of organisation are involved in the creation and delivery of SIA-endorsed qualifications.
The SIA
- Sets competency standards and specifies qualifications for licensing. Part of our responsibility for front line applicants is to define the skills and knowledge appropriate for an individual to start work. The SIA owns these core competency specifications and retains responsibility for their future development.
- Endorses awarding organisations who wish to offer its qualifications, in conjunction with the qualification regulation authorities*
- Issues licences based on competency, probity and identification
- Is responsible for the overall quality assurance of the licensing process
- Consults regularly with stakeholders to ensure that standards and qualifications meet the needs of the industry and continue to raise standards of competence and professionalism
* In October 2010 the Government announced that the Security Industry Authority would no longer be an NDPB (Non-Departmental Public Body) and there will be a phased transition to a new regulatory regime for the private security industry. While we work towards this we will not be accepting requests for endorsement to offer licence-linked qualifications. If you have any queries, please email competency@sia.gsi.gov.uk.
The Qualification Regulation Authorities
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (OFQUAL) operate in England, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) operates in Scotland and the Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DELLS) operates in Wales. These bodies:
- Set standards for qualifications
- Accredit qualifications and place them within the National Qualifications Framework
Awarding Organisations
- Develop qualifications and operate the examination system against the SIA specifications
- Achieve QCA/SQA/DELLS accreditation and SIA endorsement
- Approve training and assessment centres
- Register candidates and provide evidence of their identity
- Award the qualification and input data into the SIA qualifications database
- Accredit prior learning and previous qualifications
- Provide quality assurance of the assessment and qualification process
Training Providers
Training providers are responsible for delivering training courses that result in the qualifications required for an SIA licence.
Skills for Security
Skills for Security works with employers in the private security industry to improve standards of professionalism and access to security training and security qualifications for people employed in private security roles across the UK. Further information can be found on the Skills for Security website. The sub-sectors include those covered by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and others from entry level right up to senior management.
Skills for Security and the SIA have developed a 'Memorandum of Understanding' that defines the roles and responsibilities of each organisation and outlines how the two will work together.
Memorandum of Understanding (download size 119kb)