Main communication channels
Skills for Security has established excellent communication channels with UK Government ministers, departments and the devolved assemblies as well as with the industry regulator (SIA) and the various agencies involved in the administrations of qualifications, funding and skills development.
It works closely with the police and intelligence agencies in a number of areas of mutual interest in order to foster greater understanding, trust and co-operation within the extended security and policing family, and to align skills and standards. This relationship has resulted in Skills for Security becoming a key partner in initiatives such as Project Griffin and Argus, and security planning for the 2012 Olympic Games in London and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
We also have a close working relationship with the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) and the Home Office. Skills for Security is pleased to accredit CPNI courses that are delivered in conjunction with the Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB).
CPNI
CPNI works with the Home Office to deliver their specialised training courses. CPNI aims to reduce the vulnerability of the national infrastructure to terrorism and other threats, keeping the UK's essential services (delivered by the communications, emergency services, energy, finance, food, government, health, transport and water sectors) safer. CPNI advice is targeted primarily at the critical national infrastructure (CNI) - those infrastructure assets (physical or electronic) that are vital to the continued delivery and integrity of the essential services upon which the UK relies, the loss or compromise of which would lead to severe economic or social consequences or to loss of life.
For further information please visit http://www.cpni.gov.uk/
HOSDB
HOSDB is responsible for evaluating, testing and developing equipment and techniques to help protect the public and the national infrastructure.
They work to improve security and help counter terrorism by:
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Improving the security of government buildings and their surroundings, including prisons
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Providing advice to government and police on protecting against terrorist attacks
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Developing standards for testing the equipment used in building and site security
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Evaluating and developing explosives and weapons-detection equipment
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Providing security training to customers in the police, military, government and industry
For further information please visit
http://scienceandresearch.homeoffice.gov.uk/hosdb/
Security Industry Authority (SIA)
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK. It reports to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
The SIA has two main duties:
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The compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry;
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Managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.
SIA regulation covers manned guarding (including security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV), key holding and vehicle immobilising. SIA Licensing ensures that private security operatives are 'fit and proper' persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.
