Route to corporate recognition

“Training initiatives such as this one must be welcomed with open arms. Not only do these courses develop the skills of security professionals and enable them to be more effective in their roles, but they also enhance the profile of the profession itself while positioning its practitioners to be recognised as serious players in the corporate world.”

These are the words of Bill Wyllie, chairman of The Security Institute. They refer to a groundbreaking project that has been jointly devised by the International Academy for Security Management at ARC Training in tandem with the Centre for Criminology at Middlesex University, and which is aimed at post-graduate, work-based study leading to recognised academic awards in the discipline of security management.

Under the scheme, delegates attending ARC Training’s Security Management Stage 1 (Core Skills), Stage 2 (Advanced Skills) and Stage 3 (Strategic Skills) courses will be awarded 20 University credits for each course (subject to satisfactory assessment).

A further ten credits for each course may then be earned upon the completion of work-based, post-course projects.

In other words, by attending ARC Training’s specialist courses alone a security manager can achieve half of the 180 credits required for a work-based learning Masters degree.

A joined-up approach

We are constantly looking for ways in which to innovate, providing our clients with greater value for money and a return on their investment. In being able to offer recognised University credits at no additional charge to the existing course fee, this new venture can be seen as very special indeed.

Moreover, what is proposed is very much in tune with the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) objective of a joined-up approach to the ongoing professional development of security managers, providing a range of qualifications, in addition to relevant and practical training. Not to mention defined educational routes.

From an employer’s perspective, a significant benefit of the scheme is the way in which each accredited course is specifically designed to link-in with the workplace. For example, post-course assignments and work-based projects require dialogue between the individual, the individual’s line or functional manager and a subject matter expert from either ARC Training or Middlesex University’s Centre for Criminology. The overriding aim is to create a formal framework for the transfer of newly-acquired skills and knowledge to the workplace. This is achieved by the delegate undertaking assessed workplace projects in accordance with pre-agreed action plans.

Further accreditation sought

ASIS International’s UK Chapter 208 plans to seek accreditation in 2006 for its Certified Protection Professional (CPP) review programme and certification, thereby integrating this much-valued and sought-after qualification within a formal academic framework

The scheme was initiated in May, and 11 ARC Training delegates – from almost as many different countries – have already embarked on a path to academic recognition. It is fully expected that this number will double before the end of the year as further training course delegates opt for accreditation.

Initially, at least, the scheme will combine credits earned on specific ARC Training courses with those from work-based learning modules set directly by the University. As it develops, it is envisaged that other security management-level training providers will join the initiative, and then seek the same formal accreditation with Middlesex University.

ASIS International’s UK Chapter 208 plans to seek accreditation in 2006 for its Certified Protection Professional (CPP) review programme and certification, thereby integrating this much-valued qualification within a formal academic framework.

SITO managing director Stefan Hay is also fully supportive of the scheme. “SITO recognises that as the scope, diversity and importance of corporate security and risk management continues to grow, so the degree of professionalism expected of industry practitioners will increase,” he states.

“What is being proposed with this new scheme provides a perfect and flexible blend of training and qualifications to meet the needs of tomorrow’s security managers.”

Nigel Carpenter – deputy head of security at British Petroleum – adds: “There are many courses available to train managers in the specifics of pure security solutions, but what is needed is a direct link with academia which enhances the delegates’ credibility as security professionals, both within their own organisation and the wider business environment. That is why this latest initiative is so important.”

Mirroring current thinking

The SIA’s competency manager Linda Sharpe is enthused by what she has seen and heard.

“The proposed MSc provides a clear pathway from vocational security management training programmes through to higher academic qualifications,” comments Sharpe. “It is firmly in line with current initiatives being adopted by the SIA, in conjunction with other partners in the private security industry, to encourage the development of an integrated qualifications strategy underpinned by a range of robust training and educational techniques.”