Built on firm foundations

Increased terrorist activity (not just on the UK mainland but globally), coupled with its detrimental effects on the business world, means that the requirement for even greater levels of security is now paramount.

Of late, the security industry has grown immensely. As such, contracts that would normally have been dealt with on a Government level are now open to privatisation (witness the present security situation prevailing in Iraq, where security companies including the Control Risks Group, the Armour Group and Olive are all currently operational).

That said, there have always been threats to businesses and individuals working in hostile environments. The oil industry in South America springs to mind. Kidnapping has always represented major revenues for illegal activist groups that have consistently tested the resolve of protection teams in the region.

Here in the UK, the general rise in security-related threats (such as biological and chemical attacks, paedophilia, child kidnapping and celebrity stalking, etc) has increased calls for more effective protection regimes. We have undoubtedly entered a new era in close protection and, to be successful in today's Brave New World, individuals working within this discipline undoubtedly require more than just a military background and a few martial arts skills if they're going to succeed!

Protective Security Management

The need for properly-qualified, seasoned professionals has now reached an all-time high. With this in mind, here at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College we have devised and launched a Foundation Degree in Protective Security Management. This two-year course encompasses a mix of work-based specialist skills, dedicated tutoring, project-based learning and computer skills. It is designed to be delivered in the workplace, and at a small number of workshops and seminars, and takes into consideration all previous experience attained by participants.

The course - which has received endorsement from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) - contains a wide range of vocational, educational and training aspects pertaining to the close protection discipline.

At Level One, a broad range of modules cover close protection itself, threat and risk assessment, the legal framework, personal and professional development, close protection studies and operational planning.

Then, at Level Two, those issues relating to corporate, celebrity and overseas close protection will be studied, in addition to management issues. A close protection project is also undertaken at this stage.

The entire first year of the course will take place at work, with assessment on site. At Level Two, some of the more pertinent issues are explored in weekend workshops - some of them held at our own Wellesbourne Campus in High Wycombe, while others are taught through the ‘Blackboard' learning environment accessed by each student from their home computer system.

Is this the course for you?

The programme is specifically aimed at those working in the industry. As such, industry-supported qualifications like the FSQ or NVQs in relevant areas will be recognised. For those applicants we accept, the willingness to learn and develop within the discipline is every bit as important as formal qualifications. In any event, additional skills support will be provided on an ad hoc basis as and when required.

Although many applicants do already possess A Levels, vocational A Levels or a vocational Level 3 vocational qualification of some sort, we will always look for the Certificate in Protective Security Management from Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (or the equivalent qualification from Edexcel or City & Guilds) as a pre-requisite for those wishing to participate in the degree course. Those already employed in the close protection arena are eligible.

Given that the degree course is aimed at professionals already working in close protection duties, it's hoped that the depth of knowledge gained from each unit will enable the development of management potential. It's also hoped that students will take single, certificated modules on the programme to enhance their working practices still further. Candidates must hold an SIA-approved licence.

Having gained the Foundation Degree, students can then apply for a one-year, work-based ‘top-up' course leading to a BA (while there is also the possibility of progressing from here to a Masters). The BA and the Masters programmes are currently in development.

Certificate in Protective Security

From 20 March it will be a criminal offence for close protection operatives in your team to work within England and Wales without an SIA licence. The SIA's specification for core competency training and qualifications dictates a minimum of 150 guided learning hours plus an acceptable qualification in medical First Aid. Provision has been made for a 24-hour refresher course leading to practical assessment and written examination.

Some candidates may be eligible to participate only in the practical assessment and written knowledge test. However, the SIA advises them to consider the 24-hour ‘refresher' option (itself covering law and legislation, incidents and dilemmas, threat and risk assessments and conflict management). After 20 March, a full SIA-accredited course will be mandatory for all applicants.

There are three awarding bodies for the course - Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, City & Guilds and Edexcel. Our approved training providers - CTR High Risk Security and Investigations Services, Olympus Security and The Nemesis Group - are running courses aimed at students attaining the Certificate in Protective Security, which then enables them to apply for the SIA's licence.

The knowledge and practical skills element of the Certificate in Protective Security looks at surveillance awareness, operational planning, interpersonal skills, close protection teamwork, reconnaissance, close protection ‘on foot' techniques, route selection, use of vehicles and search awareness. n

• Chris Kemp is Dean of the Faculty of Leisure and Tourism at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College

• For a discussion about the Foundation Degree in Protective Security Management telephone Chris Kemp on 01494 605162 or course leader Tremaine Kent (telephone: 0800 0936934)

• Alternatively, contact Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (telephone 0800 056 5660), or log on to the Internet at: www.crowdsafetymanagement.co.uk