Certificate in Static & Retail Security (Augmented)

Programme Overview

Now available, this route to a Certificate in Static and Retail Security is open to holders of a current Security Industry Authority (UK) Security Guard Licence. It was developed in consultation with the Training and Qualifications Division of the Private Security Authority to recognise the knowledge and skills of UK licence holders and put in place a process for top-up training, leading to Certification and licensing of those individuals’ seeking employment with the Static and Retail sectors in Ireland. 

Benefits 

Successful completion of this vocational programme can lead directly to employment within the security industry. Certification satisfies the training requirements for licensing in the Security Guard (Static) sector as prescribed by the industry regulatory body, the Private Security Authority. Those wishing to work within the Door and Event sectors require a different Certificate and a separate licence. The Door and Event Certificate is also available through the Security Institute of Ireland. 

Development

The Security Institute of Ireland Static and Retail Security Augmented Programme applies best practice Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes to develop a programme that adds to the general requirements for licensing in the UK. Augmented, in this context, means that the existing UK requirements for ‘Security Guard’ are increased or enlarged to satisfy the training requirements prescribed by the Irish security industry regulator, the Private Security Authority. This programme is only open to those who hold a current SIA Security Guard Licence.

RPL is where relevant previous learning achievement is identified and credited. It is not an exact science. The general requirements in the UK are identified, documented and thereafter mapped against the general requirements in Ireland with the training gaps identified. This programme represents those gaps and identifies the top-up or additional training required. The work was carried out in consultation with the Qualifications and Standards Division of the Private Security Authority, who approve training requirements that in turn lead to licensing.

Evidence of achievement consists of candidates producing a current valid Security Industry Authority licence, registration on the Security Institute learning platform, plus attendance at a training session and successful completion of a written examination.

As a critical feature of RPL, Security Institute Certificates awarded to successful candidates who complete this programme are equivalent to and indistinguishable from, certificates awarded to candidates who complete the programme through traditional channels. 

This is a part time programme, which necessitates day release or evening-course environment participation. Directed or classroom learning is estimated at approximately 8 hours in total. Typical day release participation will involve candidate commitment of one day. Home study or self-directed learning is an essential feature of this part-time programme. The security industry certification body, the Security Institute, certifies the programme. 

This programme is approved for licensing by the Private Security Authority.

Purpose

The purpose of this programme is to equip the candidate with the knowledge, skill and competence to work effectively under supervision as a security officer performing practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations safely and legally in a variety of settings within the static and retail security environments. 

Objectives

On completion of this programme, the candidate will be able to:

• Understand what private security is, its role in society, its sectors and services, including typical guarding company structure and management, company quality service and customer care processes, recognising mandatory regulations and standards, in particular the functions and powers of the regulator.

• Understand the role and responsibilities of the security officer in a range of static and retail security working environments, indicating the characteristics of a professional by maintaining company, client and personal standards, understanding teamworking and developing as an individual.

• Understand the principles of prevention, identifying methods of preventing and reducing loss, including loss through crime, recognising a range of security technology and security hardware products and services which assist with loss and crime prevention.

• Identify those aspects of law relevant to the role of the security officer working in the static and retail security environments, explaining lawful responses to situations such as arrest and trespass, understanding relevant criminal, civil, safety and other codes which may impact on the role, including court processes.

• Apply skills and knowledge to legally, safely and effectively implement practical workplace tasks, describing how to carry out tasks as assigned, acting on initiative, identifying responses to changing and unfamiliar circumstances, including patrolling, controlling and monitoring access and egress, identifying and using appropriate equipment. 

• Understand the specific duties and procedures within the retail security environment, including shopping centres, applying the additional skills and knowledge to deal effectively with loss and crime, including risks associated with cash movement. 

• Identify what are emergency situations, responding to instructions and / or reacting appropriately to a range of emergency incidents, including fire, accidents, terrorist and other threats, working safely using appropriate emergency equipment, taking responsibility in situations where required, including evacuation, responding to an injured person and scene preservation, while working within the parameters of site and employer policy.

• Demonstrate a range of communication skills relevant to the role of the security officer on site, including interpersonal skills for effective interaction when dealing with others, and those additional skills beneficial when intervening in, or confronted with challenging situations, applying best practice reporting and recording procedures.

Content

The topics determined to be required for this augmented programme are presented in nine sections as follows:

• The Private Security Industry
• Industry Legislation and Regulation
• Civil Law and Security
• Criminal Law and Security
• Courts and the Courts System
• Safety, Health and Welfare Legislation
• Equality and Discrimination
• Environmental Protection
• Retail Security Procedures

Entry Criteria

To access this programme, candidates must hold a current, valid Security Industry Authority ‘Security Guard’ Licence. The licence must be produced at programme registration. There are no formal qualifications required to participate. 

PSA Requirements

Candidates are advised that to work within these sectors in Ireland requires a license issued by the Private Security Authority. Licensing conditions prescribed by the Authority include applicants be of good character and are subject to a criminality check. 

The Private Security Authority is the regulatory authority for the industry in Ireland. They have also set criteria for entry onto a programme for the purpose of applying for a licence. 

These criteria include:

• You are asked to produce a passport or other evidence of identity
• You are asked to provide a utilities bill as evidence of address
• You must be over eighteen years of age
• You must be competent in the English language

There are requirements within the programme and ultimately within employment in the industry to have a working knowledge of the written and spoken English language. English need not be your first language. All prospective candidates will be facilitated to demonstrate their English language competence before the programme commences. 

The level of English demonstrated must be satisfactory to gain entry onto the programme.

Self-Directed Study

Self-directed study is a very important feature of programme success. This augmented programme is a 32-hour programme of which 8 hours are allocated to a classroom environment. The entirety of the programme content will not be covered in this classroom setting. Study must take place away from that environment also to achieve success. 

Duration

The total duration of the augmented programme is 32-hours. This is broken down as 24 hours self-directed study and 8 hours classroom or directed.

Candidates are advised that as only one third of the programme is delivered in a classroom setting, the remainder is self-directed or home study, typically using online resources. Aspects of each topic are covered during these sessions and it is very important that candidates study the manual provided before they attempt the assessment. 

The manual provided is written by industry experts and designed to address the requirements of the programme. Candidates should download and keep a copy of the manual.

Assessment Summary

There is one technique used to assess the programme:

• A 20 minute, 20 question multi-choice written examination. 

Supports

As this is a part-time programme incorporating a substantial element of self-directed learning, a comprehensive 120-page, 34,000-word manual is available to all candidates. For more extensive research and study, access to the Security Institute library is also available. 

Assessment samples and guidelines are provided for the written examination. A study guide sheet is also available.

Trainers are experienced in dealing with candidates who may feel restricted due to physical, learning or language challenges. Reasonable accommodation processes are in place. It is advisable that candidates, who have any concerns in this regard, discuss the issue with the Institute or an Institute trainer in advance of participation. 

Candidates may contact the Security Institute directly for any clarification or further information either by phone at 045 409222 or by e-mail at admin@sii.ie

Certification

Successful completion of this programme leads to two certificates:

• Security Institute of Ireland Certificate in Static Security
• Security Institute of Ireland Certificate in Retail Security