Occupational Benefits

This vocational qualification is designed to enable learners acquire a range of skills and knowledge and competencies in the fields of terrorism, threat assessment, prevention, countermeasures and emergency action. A critical feature includes providing quality information to management, frontline staff and others with an interest. Successful learners may also undertake effective threat assessments and give advice in a broad range of environments.

This vocational qualification was designed to build on the existing experiences and activity of those engaged in the area of threat assessment and countermeasures as well as creating a pathway for those wishing to enter into or progress within the sector. Formal certification will define those individuals, thus enhancing employability and personal progression.

Duration

Learners are advised that the recommended total duration of this programme is twelve weeks. Study guidelines are provided to assist learners with study scheduling and project completion. When stated in terms of hours, learners, depending on their level of knowledge and experience, should consider a commitment of up to 200 hours for study, research and project completion.

Learners with extensive experience, knowledge or background in security or any related field may not have to commit to the full duration.

Assessment

The course is assessed by way of a 5,000-word project; learners have twelve weeks to complete this project.

Supports

A comprehensive manual is provided; this includes a suite of threat assessment templates and a range of other checklists and supporting templates. Learners will also be provided with study and assessment guidelines and a project formatting template.

Certification

Successful completion leads to a Diploma in Terrorism and Countermeasures. This Diploma is issued by the security industry sector body for education and training, the Security Institute of Ireland.

Course Purpose

Over half of all terrorist attacks globally are now directed at the business environment; undermining the economy by targeting businesses and business premises. All places of public assembly also continue to be at risk of attack. This shift away from the traditional terrorist targets to softer targets has led insurance companies to demand terrorist threat risk assessments across all sectors of business.

This course was developed for those working in the public or private sector with responsibility for safety or security. The course content responds to the changing risks associated with “new terrorism” threats such as attacks on the business community, the public and the economy. Current thinking now suggests that all places of public assembly and all business or leisure environments are at risk. The level of threat and the subsequent counter measures can only be determined by conducting a terrorist threat risk assessment.

Course content includes the Nature of New Terrorism, Targets and Types of Attack, General Preparedness, Risk Assessment, Counter Measures, Critical Infrastructure Loss Impact, Security Systems and Procedures, Security Plan Structure, Staff General Awareness, Staff Travel Risks, Emergencies and Disaster Recovery.

Course Outcomes

On successful completion, participants will be able to understand:

  • Origins and ideologies of terrorism and the motivating factors thought to drive terrorism
  • Extremism and the nature of extremist threats
  • The reasoning behind the new terrorist threat, particularly to targets such as the economy or soft business targets and attacks on the public as opposed to the traditional political and military targets
  • How management can be exposed to insurance claims and allegations of negligence by failing in its responsibility and duty of care to employees, the public and others
  • The impact on business sustainability associated with threats and attacks on local and national critical infrastructure
  • How to complete a threat risk assessment using templates to gather information
  • How the nature of new terrorism attack techniques and consequences can be analysed as part of the risk assessment process
  • How to design and implement counter measures appropriate to the threats identified
  • Why these threats and subsequent countermeasures must become essential features in all future security plans
  • The concept of a permanent state of general preparedness by drafting and implementing real and relevant policies and procedures
  • The concepts of emergency planning, emergency response and disaster recovery
  • Methods of providing information and training to employees at all levels in the workplace, including the risks associated with executive and other employees travelling abroad.

Registration Options

Individual learners may register and choose their payment option directly on the course website to begin the course immediately. Payment plans are available through the website.

If you require special payment options such as invoicing, or would like to register a number of learners, please contact us for assistance.