There is much negative traffic about the Security Industry Authority on the internet; this has been the case since its inception but of late, much of the ‘talk’ has been about the top-up training that is necessary to complete before you are able to renew your SIA licence. It has been said that it is just a money making scheme for the SIA which of course is not true. If anything, the SIA may well have its revenue reduced as people are not willing or not able to complete a top-up course or for those looking at entering the sector for the first time, the increased length/cost of the initial training can be enough to put people off. Regarding the top-up training (in all areas), it is designed to bring your previous qualification inline with what is currently being offered – nothing more, nothing less.
What does the SIA do for you?
We have been delivering accredited training course since 2008 and have been subject to numerous inspections by the various awarding organisations that we work with during that time. We have our yearly inspections where they look at the centre and other inspections where they look at the specific qualifications; we also get doorstepped by unannounced inspections where people from the awarding organisation(s) turn up and carry out an audit of some description – this may be during an exam, or it may be while training is being carried out or it may be a remote inspection but all of them are and have always been, extremely thorough.
We were delighted to be doorstepped by the SIA during our July Close Protection course. The SIA sent two very professional ladies to our centre where one observed the teaching and the other checked on all of our administration. Both ladies were very thorough. As a result of their visit we did not receive any recommendations or actions which was extremely pleasing for us. Our awarding body informed us that we are the ONLY training organisation that has not received ANY recommendations or actions from an SIA visit. In some ways, this is also testament to them and the thoroughness of the external quality assurance visits that we are subject to throughout the year. We have been involved in the security industry for decades, the industry matters to us, so it is very pleasing to know that our licencing authority is out there ensuring that those delivering the qualifications are upholding the values of the qualifications and the industry.
Training Centres
It is time consuming to run a training centre – the demands of the awarding bodies are greater than ever as are the consequences of getting it wrong. We must ensure that:
- we have correctly qualified and experienced staff
- that we are delivering qualifications as they are meant to be delivered
- all pre-course requirements are adhered to (ID checks and pre-learn for example)
- that all evidence is correctly and safely stored for the correct amount of time
- that staff are carrying out and recording relevant CPD
Is your qualification safe?
It is imperative that whoever you chose to deliver your training is a trustworthy and professional organisation. We have never had any issues with any inspecting body , your training and qualifications are safe with us.
Cheaper and shorter is not usually better!
For all enquiries, please call or email: 07388 828 329 | help@argus-gh.com
